Koshi Province MP Bhandari Criticizes Federal Government's Office Hours and Holiday Policy

Biratnagar. Former Koshi Province Minister and CPN-UML provincial assembly member, Revatiraman Bhandari, has stated that the provincial government is not obligated to strictly implement the federal cabinet's decision to grant two public holidays per week.

He also criticized the decision to open offices from 9 AM, labeling it impractical. Speaking during Monday's session of the Koshi Provincial Assembly, Bhandari claimed that the two-day holiday policy had already failed in the past.

He argued that under constitutional and legal provisions, federal government decisions do not automatically apply to provincial offices. 'The federal and provincial civil service acts are separate,' he noted.

'The provincial government's operational regulations also differ from those of the federal government. On what legal basis does a federal cabinet decision automatically apply to the province?' Bhandari questioned. 'Any change in provincial rules or office hours requires an official decision by the provincial cabinet. Blindly following the federal government's decision is contrary to the spirit of federalism.'

He stated that the decision to open offices at 9 AM would cause hardship for both employees and service seekers. 'Given the dietary habits and cultural practices in the Terai and hills, it is not possible to be ready and reach the office by 8-9 AM,' he added. 'Even if employees arrive at 9 AM, service seekers do not arrive before 10 AM. There is no point in forcing employees to arrive at 9 AM when service seekers won't show up until 10 AM. This is not good governance; it is merely causing hardship to thousands of employees.'

Instead of granting holidays to address fuel shortages, he suggested tightening the use of government vehicles and implementing a policy where officials from secretaries to joint secretaries share vehicles.

MP Bhandari advised the provincial government to exercise its authority to revoke the 9 AM start time, maintain the traditional 10 AM office hours, and consider extending evening hours if there is a high volume of service seekers.