Parliament set to raise civil servants’ age limit

Kathmandu, March 5 — Preparations are underway to raise the age limit for civil servants.

Discussions regarding increasing the age limit of civil servants are progressing positively in the Federal Parliament's House of Representatives' State Affairs and Good Governance Committee.

This discussion is part of a bill that aims to regulate the formation, operation, and conditions of federal civil services.

The committee, formed under the leadership of Nepali Congress lawmaker Dileendra Prasad Badu, is reviewing the bill along with proposed amendments by the lawmakers.

The discussion on raising the age limit for civil servants is moving forward in a positive direction.

Rashtriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker Buddhi Man Tamang, a member of the sub-committee, confirmed that discussions on raising the age limit of civil servants are taking place, and the discussions are progressing in a positive manner.

"The discussion is on increasing the age limit of civil servants to 60 years, and it is progressing positively," Tamang told Ratopati.

When asked about the reason for raising the age limit, Tamang explained that when the current Civil Service Act was enacted, the average life expectancy of Nepali people was 62 years, and hence the age limit was set at 58.

However, according to the latest census, the average life expectancy has now increased to 72 years, and hence discussions are taking place to raise the age limit to 60 years.

"When the Civil Service Act was enacted in 1993, the average life expectancy of Nepali people was 62 years, and the age limit for civil servants was set at 58. Now, according to the latest census, the average life expectancy has reached 72 years. Therefore, we are making arrangements in the law to raise the age limit to 60 years," Tamang explained.

There is also a discussion among lawmakers that experienced employees retiring at the age of 58 may leave early, resulting in a gap in experience even though there will be new employees with knowledge.

An informal agreement has been reached among some lawmakers on this matter.