KATHMANDU, Dec 18: A total of 25,218 individuals have been recruited into the Civil Service at various levels under the reservation quota since its implementation in 2007. These appointments were made through examinations conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC), granting permanent positions to successful candidates.
The reservation system was introduced by amending the Civil Service Act, 1993, in line with the interim constitution of Nepal promulgated in 2007. Under this system, 45 percent of the total seats advertised by the PSC are reserved for six marginalized groups: women, Madhesi, Dalit, people with disabilities, indigenous nationalities, and individuals from rural areas. According to PSC spokesperson Geeta Kumari Homegain, the 45 percent reservation quota is further divided as follows: 33 percent for women, 27 percent for indigenous people, 22 percent for Madhesi people, 9 percent for Dalits, 5 percent for people with disabilities, and 4 percent for backward areas.
In the fiscal year 2023/24, the PSC advertised 947 posts under these six groups, recommending 1,066 candidates for permanent appointments. Of these, 341 posts were filled by women, 282 by indigenous/tribal people, 248 by Madhesi people, 104 by Dalits, 49 by people with disabilities, and 42 by individuals from rural areas. Over the past 17 years, 25,218 individuals from all underrepresented groups have been recommended for Civil Service appointments, according to the PSC's 65th annual report.
Misuse of reservation quota rampant
However, during the fiscal year 2023/24, no applications were received for 24 advertised posts, including those under the reservation system and technical categories. Despite a legal provision requiring a review of the reservation quota every 10 years, this has not been done for 17 years. Officials state that the lack of review has made it difficult to fill certain reserved positions.
Section 7, Sub-section 11 of the Civil Service Act mandates a 10-year review of the reservation system, but this has yet to be implemented. The PSC reports that technical positions, such as those in nephrology, general engineering, neurology, and cardiology, have gone unfilled due to a lack of applicants. In total, 3,660 vacant posts were advertised in the fiscal year 2023/24, including open and inclusive competitions.
The PSC has repeatedly urged the government to review the reservation quota through its annual reports submitted to the President. However, no action has been taken.
"Without a review, some reserved posts remain unfilled," said Homegain. Revising the quota requires amending the Civil Service Act, but the government has yet to do so or introduce a Federal Civil Service Act to replace the existing legislation.
