Nepal Government Unveils National Commitment Plan for Administrative Reform

Kathmandu. The government has announced a plan to introduce 25 percent new human resources into the civil service within the next 5 years. This proposal is included in the draft of the National Commitment prepared by the government, incorporating the election manifestos of 6 nationally recognized political parties.

Additionally, the government stated that the number of federal ministries will be maintained at 17. Previously, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) had mentioned in its election manifesto that it would limit the number of ministries to 17.

In the process, the government's commitment mentions that the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers will be transformed into a results-oriented center for inter-ministerial coordination, climate change, and direct monitoring of large projects.

'The National Planning Commission will be transitioned into an expert group (think tank) focused on data and monitoring, and the Policy Research Institute will be restructured,' the government stated in its released commitment. 'A high-level administrative structure review commission will be formed to establish an effective inter-relationship between federal, provincial, and local administrations, to establish a merit-based system, to eliminate unnecessary and functional duplication, and to restructure the competitive public administration.'

Similarly, the government stated that the scope of work and authority of political and administrative leadership will be clearly defined by law. 'Within the next five years, 25 percent new and capable human resources will be introduced into the government service,' the commitment letter states.

To ensure a results-oriented administration, the government also announced that it will issue laws related to the civil service, including provisions for clear performance indicators, evaluation, promotion, and career development.

Instead of inconsistent additional benefits such as allowances, the government stated that basic salaries will be adjusted and implemented in a fair, regular, and timely manner. It also aims to end unnecessary harassment, the need to visit offices repeatedly for services, and the requirement for direct interaction with intermediaries and employees.

The government's plan includes phasing out traditional and cumbersome hierarchical note-based systems and paper-based administrative processes by implementing a time card system for public service delivery. The government has asked the parties to provide suggestions on the commitment letter by Baisakh 10.