Public Service Commission blocks key retirement and pension clauses in draft civil service law

The Public Service Commission raised formal objections to multiple sections of the draft Civil Service Bill, citing conflicts with existing legal protections for civil servants. Among the contested items are a one-time compulsory retirement at age 55 or after 30 years, a cut in secretaries' terms from five to three years, and a pension formula that counts only 30 years of service regardless of actual tenure. Ministry of Land Management, Co-operatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration officials, including secretary Madan Bhujel, said the draft will be revised in line with the commission’s recommendations and submitted to the Cabinet shortly.

The commission, represented by joint secretary Purushottam Sharma, emphasized that any changes must not undermine benefits guaranteed at the time of appointment under the Civil Service Act 1993. The ministry is weighing options such as removing the disputed provisions or modifying them to preserve pension rights, while aiming to avoid future legal challenges. The revised bill is expected to reach the Cabinet within the next few days.