New Federal Civil Service Act Proposes Mandatory Retirement Age of 60

One year after the enactment of the Federal Civil Service Act, a new bill proposes to set the mandatory retirement age for civil servants at 60 years. This significant change comes after extensive consultations with the Public Service Commission and employee organizations. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration is spearheading the initiative, which aims to modernize the civil service sector.

Key Changes in the New Bill

• Immediate Implementation: Unlike the previous draft, which suggested a gradual increase in the retirement age, the new bill proposes an immediate change, effective one year after the Act's promulgation.

• Employee Input: Employee organizations have been vocal in supporting the increase in the retirement age from 58 to 60 years.

• Public Service Commission's Role: The draft bill has undergone revisions based on suggestions from the Public Service Commission.

Why the Change?

Addressing Workforce Needs

The government believes that extending the retirement age will help retain experienced professionals within the civil service, thereby enhancing the quality of public services.

Aligning with Employee Preferences

According to Lekhnath Koirala, President of the Civil Servants Association, the consensus among employees is to extend the retirement age to 60 years. This aligns with the government's new proposal.

Implementation Timeline

The draft bill is currently with the Council of Ministers for discussion. Once approved, it will be registered in the Parliament by the Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration. The law will come into effect one year after its promulgation, as per the Ministry's latest statement.

What's Next?

Kamal Prasad Bhattarai, the Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the Ministry, stated that the draft has been refined based on numerous suggestions. The next steps involve further discussions and eventual registration in the Parliament.

The proposed change in the mandatory retirement age for civil servants is a significant step towards modernizing the public sector. It not only aligns with the preferences of the current workforce but also aims to improve the quality of public services by retaining experienced professionals. Keep an eye on this space for further updates on this transformative legislation.