Nepali Congress slams UML’s Civil Service Bill amendment as ‘unethical’

KATHMANDU: The ruling Nepali Congress has strongly criticized a recent amendment proposal put forward by lawmakers from coalition partner CPN-UML, calling it “unethical” and “inappropriate” for a party within the governing alliance.

The amendment in question seeks to remove the “cooling-off period” provision from the Civil Service Bill, a clause that currently bars retired civil servants from immediately entering politics or taking up politically appointed roles.

Five UML lawmakers registered the controversial proposal after the bill passed the House of Representatives and moved to the National Assembly.

Senior Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsingh KC condemned the move, saying it violates the ethical boundaries expected of coalition partners.

“The proposal to scrap the cooling-off period is not only inappropriate, it is unethical,” KC said following a meeting of Nepali Congress office-bearers held Friday at party president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha.

He added that such unilateral initiatives by UML lawmakers undermine coalition trust and appear to serve narrow political interests. The matter was a central agenda at the office-bearers’ meeting, where multiple leaders expressed concern over the implications of the amendment.

Senior leader Shekhar Koirala has also publicly voiced his dissatisfaction, further deepening unease within the Congress over what is being seen as overreach by its largest coalition partner.

Nepali Congress insiders say the party believes the cooling-off period is crucial to maintaining institutional integrity in public service and preventing politicization of the bureaucracy. Attempts to dilute this principle, they argue, could damage democratic norms.

The controversy comes at a time of mounting friction within the ruling alliance, which has also seen disagreements over land reform policies and the performance of Nepali Congress ministers in the coalition cabinet. However, no formal discussion on reshuffling ministers took place during Friday’s meeting, according to KC.