Government Issues Ordinance, Removes 1,594 Appointed Officials

Kathmandu. The latest move by the government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah, aimed at administrative strengthening and giving new momentum to state bodies, has created a major stir in the country's political circles.

Following the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, President Ram Chandra Paudel issued the 'Special Arrangement Ordinance Regarding Removal from Office of Public Officials, 2083 BS', resulting in the collective removal of 1,594 officials appointed under various laws and structures. This 'surgical operation' by the government has now brought legal and political debates to the forefront.

Constitutional experts have expressed serious concern and worry, particularly over the move to collectively remove senior officials from universities and educational bodies. Constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari has termed the government's style as an 'action beyond imagination'. He argues that while taken in the name of reform, collectively removing officials in this manner raises serious questions about university autonomy, the rule of law, and the principles of natural justice.

According to Adhikari, a situation where one should fear the treatment more than the disease is not a good sign. He believes that advancing such serious matters, which should be discussed in parliament, through an ordinance risks opening a dangerous path for any future government to exert political control over universities and public bodies. Such a precedent appears to undermine institutional stability.

Although the government claims this step is necessary to make the administration efficient and end old malpractices, he has emphasized that the reform process must be transparent. Adhikari's analysis suggests that reforms carried out through clear criteria, independent evaluation, phased processes, and parliamentary supervision are only sustainable and credible.

He wrote,

Slow Down !

I had not imagined 'action' to this extent. Although the government's move to remove all senior officials from universities and various educational bodies through an ordinance is in the name of reform, collectively removing them at this level raises questions about university autonomy, the rule of law, natural justice, and institutional stability. One should not fear the treatment more than the disease. It is even more sensitive to proceed through an ordinance than to make such a decision after good discussion in parliament, as it can set a dangerous precedent for any future government to politically control universities. Therefore, even if reform is necessary, it is sustainable only through clear criteria, independent evaluation, phased processes, and parliamentary supervision.