KATHMANDU: Ramhari Khatiwada, Chair of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the House of Representatives, has called for a thorough investigation into the recent tampering of the Federal Civil Service Bill, specifically regarding the controversial cooling-off period provision.
Speaking to reporters at Singha Durbar on Tuesday ahead of a scheduled committee meeting, Khatiwada said the alteration of the bill—without consensus—was a serious legislative error that must be examined.
“Such a serious mistake should never happen in the process of lawmaking. We are in favor of an investigation,” Khatiwada said. “How did a provision that was agreed upon through long consensus get changed? This must be looked into.”
He further stated that he is ready to face consequences if found responsible during the investigation.
“If the investigation finds me at fault, I am willing to face action,” he added. “We have already urged the Speaker to initiate a probe into the matter.”
Khatiwada reiterated that the committee had clearly included a clause stating, “A civil servant or any other government employee who resigns or retires shall not be eligible for constitutional or government appointments for a period of two years from the date of retirement.”
However, a new sub-clause was added later, which diluted the restriction.
“That was the core spirit of the bill. But an additional clause was inserted beneath it and sent to the House—something we discovered afterward,” Khatiwada said. “Whoever is responsible for this must be held accountable.”
The controversial change has sparked political uproar, with lawmakers across party lines demanding answers and Khatiwada’s resignation. While some parties have accused him of deliberate manipulation, he has maintained that any irregularity should be dealt with transparently and legally.
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