Bill proposes PSC written exams for all govt bodies

Published On: August 13, 2016 03:10 AM NPT By: Ashok Dahal  | @ashokpillar


KATHMANDU, Aug 13: A new bill registered at the parliament secretariat includes a provision mandating the Public Service Commission (PSC) to conduct examinations for recruiting personnel into the civil service, the security forces and all other government and semi-government bodies.

The Bill to Amend and Integrate the Duties, Responsibilities and Jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission (PSC) has given the commission responsibility for conducting written examinations as well as interviews for civil servants, and for conducting written exams for other institutions.

However, the PSC will not be involved in conducting written examinations for universities and government schools as the Constitution has kept these institutions outside the PSC's jurisdiction.

Earlier, the PSC conducted written examinations and interviews only for the civil service. Article 243 of the new Constitution has broadened the PSC jurisdiction, allowing it to conduct written examinations for all organized institutions in which the government has at least a 50 percent stake. The new bill was drafted in the course of bringing the new Constitution under implementation.

The bill defines 'organized institutions' as corporations, companies, banks, committees or commissions, authorities, foundtions and boards having at least 50 percent ownership by the government, except the universities and the Teachers Service Commission.

“Written exams for the security forces, other federal government agencies and organized institutions which used to be conducted by the respective bodies will be conducted by the PSC from now onward,” reads the bill registered at Parliament by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

'Other federal government service' has been defined as the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and other government services formed under federal law.

Earlier, the PSC used to only send a representative to monitor examinations to be conducted by the security forces and other government or semi-government agencies.

The bill will come into effect after its endorsement by Parliament following deliberations and amendments if needed. After the endorsement of the bill, the new Act will replace the existing Public Service Commission Act-2066 BS.

“The new constitution has broadened the jurisdiction of the PSC and with the commencement of the new bill the commission's work load will nearly double. The commission should enhance its capacity and establish provincial offices without delay,” said administrative expert Kashi Raj Dahal. The new Constitution has provisioned Provincial PSC Offices in each of the seven provinces.

According to Dahal, the PSC used to conduct written examinations for recruitment into government corporations before the political change of 1990 also. “But the constitution of 1990 gave more autonomy to the corporations, which resulted in political interference in the recruitment process,” said Dahal.

After the commencement of the new Act, the security forces, other federal government offices and organized institutions will need to consult the PSC prior to taking any decision on promotion of employees and filling of vacant posts. The new Constitution has made it mandatory for government agencies to consult the commission before appointing any permanent staff. The PSC shall then depute a representative to oversee the process.


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