Nepal Law Ministry Challenges 55-Retirement Bill Over Constitutional Conflicts
Updated
Updated · The Kathmandu Post · Jul 7
Nepal Law Ministry Challenges 55-Retirement Bill Over Constitutional Conflicts
1 articles · Updated · The Kathmandu Post · Jul 7
Summary
Clause 57 of Nepal’s draft civil service bill has stalled after the Law Ministry said it cannot clear a one-time rule forcing current staff to retire at 55 or after 30 years’ service.
Section 58 of the existing Civil Service Act bars worsening service conditions without written consent, and officials say compelling employees hired under a retirement age of 58 to leave earlier would breach that protection.
The draft still raises the retirement age for future civil servants to 60, but its transition rule could push thousands out immediately while someone just a day younger could remain until 60.
Law Ministry officials said the bill contains other constitutional flaws as well, delaying legislation sent for vetting on May 26 and forcing further talks with the ministry that drafted it.
The ministry said downsizing goals could still be pursued through compensation, continued pay until 58, or voluntary retirement, warning that mass early exits would also trigger heavy pension costs.