Deadlock persists over Civil Service retirement age in NA committee

KATHMANDU: The Legislative Management Committee of the National Assembly once again failed to reach a conclusion today on the proposed mandatory retirement age in the Federal Civil Service Bill.

During the meeting, Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Bhagwati Neupane, stood firm on the government’s proposal to implement the retirement age at 59 years starting from the first year.

Her stance prevented consensus, despite earlier agreements within the committee.

Minister Neupane requested additional time until tomorrow to deliberate further, saying, “Let us move forward with flexibility and consensus. We need to keep civil servants motivated to serve the nation, and some level of flexibility is necessary. We urge the committee to accept the government’s position.”

The committee had earlier reached a unanimous decision under Clause 58 of the bill that civil servants should retire at 58. Members expressed strong objections, questioning why the government was attempting to reverse a consensus that had already been achieved.

Lawmakers from the CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (Unified Socialist) reiterated that the agreed-upon provision must not be overturned. Unified Socialist MP Dr. Beduram Bhusal criticized the government for stalling on a settled matter, while Maoist Centre MP Jhakku Prasad Subedi argued that the committee functioned as a “mini parliament” and should not be undermined.

Similarly, Maoist MP Taraman Swar accused the government of political maneuvering, warning, “The issue of 58 years was already settled. If the bill fails to pass on time and becomes inactive, who will take responsibility? Once again, unnecessary interference has begun.”

Committee Chairperson Tulsakumari Dahal noted that both the minister and lawmakers remained rigid in their positions, making a decision difficult. “Either the ministry must withdraw its stance, or the lawmakers must accept the government’s proposal,” she remarked.

The next meeting of the committee has been scheduled for Sept 2 at 9 a.m., where the fate of the bill is expected to be decided.