Drastic cut in public holidays recommended

KATHMANDU, July 22: The government is preparing to reduce the number of public holidays currently enjoyed by civil servants, as recommended by the Administration Restructuring Commission (ARC). [break]

ARC´s recent report has suggested to the government to cut the number of annual public holidays from 41 days to seven days.

Cut holidays from 41 days to 7 days

Replace Bikram Sambat with English calendar

Provide one month salary allowance to employee on his/her wedding

Arrange two days leave a week

Ban section officers from joining unions

The ARC report says that the recommendation was made as too many public holidays have a negative impact on the public.

Established by the then Maoist-led government under the chairmanship of the minister for general administration, ARC has said that the civil service would become effective and transparent if its recommendations are implemented.

ARC has asked the government to follow the English calendar and avoid the use of Bikram Sambat.

“We recommended a heavy cut in public holidays as there are a large number of unnecessary holidays.” said Acting Secretary Yub Raj Bhusal. “Nepal is first among South Asian countries in providing public holidays to civil servants.”

The ARC report will come into implementation once the cabinet endorses it. This is the first time that a commission set up by the government has recommended a massive cut in the number of public holidays. Neighboring India provides only seven public holidays to its government employees.

ARC has suggested public holidays only on New Year´s, Dashain, Deepawali, Buddha Purnima, Republic Day, Maha Nawami and Holi.

The commission has also advised the government to arrange 20 days of casual leave to its staff. “Employees can enjoy casual holidays according to their own needs, interests and culture”, the report said. ARC´s recommendation comes in the wake of the increasing trend of announcing new public holidays after the restoration of Loktantra in 2006.

ARC has also advised the government to scrap the present practice of six working days and recommended two holidays in a week. “Run government offices from Monday to Friday” the report said. It has also suggested increasing office hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The commission has advised providing a five-day leave for the wedding of a government employee´s son or daughter. “Provide an additional monthly allowance to staff getting married,” the report said.

Ban officers from trade unions

ARC has recommended that the government ban section officers from joining trade unions. “The government should strictly prohibit section officers from becoming members of trade unions” said the report, adding, “The government should amend the civil service act and implement our suggestions.” If the report is brought into implementation, some 74,00 section officers would be prevented from becoming union members.