The government has abolished civil servant trade unions by amending Section 53 of the existing Civil Service Act. It has also introduced detailed provisions for addressing employee grievances.
Through the Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Acts, 2026, the government removed the provision related to trade unions from Section 53 of the Civil Service Act, 1992.
Definitions related to civil servant trade unions and official trade unions have also been removed from the act.
Previously, Section 53 of the act allowed third-class or lower-ranked civil servants – except gazetted officers serving as office heads – to join trade unions.
With the removal of trade unions, the government has established a system where employees can submit grievances regarding service terms, benefits, or professional grievances directly to their office head or a designated officer.
Such complaints must be resolved within 30 days. If they cannot be resolved, a written decision with reasons must be provided within 15 days. Employees dissatisfied with the decision can appeal to an officer ranked one level higher.
The ordinance also prohibits civil servants from engaging in any form of organized activity in the civil service.
Earlier, Section 73(a) of the Civil Service Act provided for addressing grievances of civil servants, but it did not specify timelines or responsible officials.
Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal stated that abolishing trade unions would help clean up public administration and that no one should be alarmed.
"The results of this years-long practice are clear to everyone," she told Setopati. "Ensuring good governance, effective service delivery, and the fundamental character of civil service, impartiality, neutrality, professionalism, and accountability is not possible with trade unions in place."
She emphasized that the law protects the service terms of all employees and that the government remains firm in its implementation.
The draft of the bill on the formation, operation, and terms of service of the federal civil service – recently introduced by the ministry – also includes provisions to abolish trade unions.
The bill proposes banning civil servants from holding membership in political parties, their sister organizations, or any politically affiliated organizations.
It also proposes dismissing civil servants and disqualifying them from government service in the future if they are found to be involved in political activities.
