Administrative Reforms Gain Momentum

The 100 days of the Prime Minister Balendra Shah-led government have been marked less by conventional partisan politics and more by vigorous efforts to redefine how the state functions. Instead of wasting times on felicitation programmes, inaugural ceremonies, official events and endless meetings, the government has presented itself as one committed to governance reform, institutional accountability and reducing partisan influence in public institutions. The move is part of the 100-point governance reform agenda aimed at improving the quality of education.

Politically, the government’s honeymoon period has signaled a break from the old practices that have long shaped the governance system. The government’s most politically significant move has been its decision to reduce the influence of partisan parties in the government offices, public institutions, colleges and universities. The reforms aim to restore professional integrity and autonomy to institutions.

Building neutral bureaucracy

The move is unquestionably prudent for the civil servants, teachers and administrators, who should always work impartially instead of being representatives of political parties. In a bid to break the long-standing nexus between political parties and the bureaucracy, the government decided to dissolve trade unions affiliated to political parties. Similarly, it has also issued a strict directive barring civil servants from joining any political party or affiliated organisations. They have been warned of dismissal from their job and rendered disqualified from future jobs if they are found participating in politics.

The prevailing laws also envision the civil service as politically neutral, impartial, professional and accountable, and also urge employees to fully comply with codes of conduct and discipline. Section 61 of the Civil Service Act, 1993, allows for the dismissal of employees involved in political activities. In the past, many ministers complained that some government employees, including secretaries, who were affiliated with political parties, different from those leading the government, were often uncooperative and reluctant to support the government's policy and progarmmes citing procedural requirements. They were accused of keeping important files pending and delaying the implementation of key government decisions. The civil servants should carry out their duties fairly, professionally and independently.

On March 28, the government decided to terminate politically-affiliated student unions from colleges and universities within 60 days. It also stated that an alternative mechanism, such as the student council and the voices of students, will be established to ensure that students' voices are represented in a more inclusive and non-partisan manner. Of late, the government has intensified its campaign to end partisan political interference in universities. Preparations are in the final stages to formulate guidelines that prohibit student unions from occupying university buildings or land, remove political symbols, and implement the student council and voice of students system.

The decision was widely welcomed by the public as it intended to curb political interference in the education sector, which has long been blamed for declining academic standards, overshadowing academic priorities and hindered the overall development of the education system. However, the decision has also drawn criticisms from student organisations and political parties, which argue that it violates the constitutional rights to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Some also argue that instead of curtailing student unions, efforts should focus on reforming them through the promotion of healthy and democratic practices. Such reform would help develop a constructive political culture and groom future political leaders. 

Likewise, there are legal hurdles to abolishing the FSU at universities, including Tribhuvan University (TU), as it is protected by the University Act and related regulations. Under the Act, two FSU representatives are entitled to seats in TU Senate, the institution’s highest policy-making body. However, a recent university ordinance has suspended that provision, removing FSU representation from the Senate. The matter is currently sub judice before the Supreme Court.

The government is firm on ensuring a meritocratic system. Prime Minister Shah has repeatedly stressed that appointments to public bodies should be based on competence and professional merit, not the political affiliation. In line with the government’s focus on merit-based appointment and open competition, for the first time in Nepal’s history, the government invited application from eligible citizens for ambassador and permanent representatives’ posts and top officials of public institutions.

Constitutional safeguards

Many have applauded this decision but some argue that posts like an ambassador should be reserved for experts and experienced individuals. In a major administrative reform, the government removed 1,594 politically appointed officials across 108 state-affiliated organisations, including top officials of vital institutions, board members and other policy-level officials.  This step aims to strengthen institutional credibility and restore public trust in public institutions. However, even two months after removing the office bearers, it has filled only a few of the vacant positions, leaving most of them vacant.

Critics argue that mass dismissals, carried out without timely replacements, have created a leadership vacuum in several key public institutions, including health institutions and universities. Translating policy into long-term structural change requires legislative backing, administrative capacity and close cooperation among three-tier governments. The government’s success will ultimately depend on how effectively these agendas will be implemented and leads to lasting structural changes. The government requires demonstrating strategic vision, pooling adequate resources and balancing reform with constitutional safeguards in order to implement its drastic reform plans.

(Adhikari is Sub-editor of this daily.)