Don't appoint retired officials in key positions: Panel

Published On: April 27, 2018 05:00 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, April 27: A joint-taskforce formed by the ruling parties, CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center), has suggested to the government not to appoint retired civil servants, army and police offices to key government offices and constitutional bodies.

The suggestion from the cross-party taskforce headed by former home minister Bam Dev Gautam comes while most retired civil servants, senior police and army officials have been assuming important political appointments in government positions and constitutional bodies. The taskforce comprising key interlocutors from both parties that was formed to provide inputs on ensuring good governance and prioritizing development agendas has suggested to the government to pick experts while making such appointments.

In its 73-point suggestions, the taskforce has asked the parties to make a public commitment that they would not indulge in any sort of corruption and take firm action to control political corruption. It has suggested that the government do not let go any leader or cadre of the political parties if they are involved in any wrongdoing or corruption.

Arguing that the erstwhile Sher Bahadur Deuba government had made several 'illegal appointments' breaching the election code of conduct, the taskforce has suggested to the government to review such decisions and scrap them.

The confidential report seen by Republica has urged the government to use Electronic Voting Machines in the upcoming elections, establish National Technical Training Academy in the center and its subordinate offices in the provinces and local unit and resolve all land related problem introducing land reform programs.

Leaders have suggested to the government to issue State Security Cards to poor households, set up cheap shops in each local unit and issue National Identity Cards within a year.

Along with Gautam, Bhim Rawal, Bijaya Poudel and Yuba Raj Khatiwada from UML and Girirajmani Pokharel, Barshaman Pun and Min Bahadur Shrestha of the Maoist party were involved in preparing the report.

Likewise, the government has been suggested to prioritize railway connectivity and inland waterways with both neighboring countries to reduce Nepal's dependency on trade with India.