Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that civil servants bear a major responsibility to deliver public services swiftly, efficiently, and effectively in order to establish good governance in the country.
Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu today on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Nepal Civil Service Employees Union, Deuba emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms in the civil service to align with the spirit of democratic change and meet the demands of the time.
“The trade unions must play an important role in building a strong and capable civil service. You should actively work to make every government service efficient and effective by correcting past weaknesses,” Deuba said.
He further noted that the employees’ union should serve as a guardian and leader for all civil servants. As a sister organization of the country’s largest democratic party, the Nepali Congress, the union has played and should continue to play a vital role in shaping policies, he added.
Deuba underlined that unions must also engage constructively in discussions and advocacy on state policies aimed at strengthening governance capacity. He stressed that good governance can only be ensured if every institution has honest and responsible employees.
Calling the bureaucracy a “permanent government,” Deuba argued that the union must strongly advocate for the appointment of professionally competent, honest, and service-oriented officials in leadership positions.
“The government will certainly pay attention to the basic needs and problems of employees. My party and I will always extend our support,” he assured.
He also highlighted the historic role of the civil service union in Nepal’s democratic struggles, saying it has consistently raised its voice for employees’ rights and contributed new energy to the trade union movement in the country.
Deuba recalled the union’s leading role in bringing the Civil Service Act, 2007 (2064 BS), which he said opened new avenues for employees’ professional rights and social security. He expressed commitment that the Congress party will continue to push for the correction of weaknesses in the Civil Service Bill, particularly issues concerning employee adjustment.
On the occasion, acting union president Uttam Kumar Katuwal pledged that the civil service union would continue to contribute constructively to promoting good governance and making public service delivery more effective. He stressed the need to rectify weaknesses in the Federal Civil Service Bill to make it more complete.
Outgoing president Gopal Prasad Pokharel remarked that democratic-minded employees have not been able to establish a strong presence in constitutional and other key institutions.
At the program, Deuba launched the union’s publication titled Karmachari (Employee). Similarly, 42 individuals, including outgoing president Pokharel and Undersecretary Deepak Regmi, were honored with certificates of appreciation.
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