Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s Statement Fails to Reassure Government Employees’ Leaders

Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) attempted to reassure government employees via social media on Tuesday morning; however, his message failed to satisfy them. Uttam Kumar Kutuwal, president of the Nepal Civil Service Union, responded, “Though assurances were given on Facebook, an ordinance has been introduced that curtails our rights. It’s like allowing someone to eat first but then shooting them—if you want us dead, then let us starve.”
Following the government’s ordinance that dissolved the employees’ official trade unions, six employee organizations announced on Monday their intention to approach the courts. Kutuwal affirmed their resolve, saying, “We must be allowed to speak out and demand our rights. No country has ever forcibly taken away such rights; it is tragic that Nepal is doing so. We will pursue legal remedies for this.”
Bhagwati Nyaupane Dahal, president of the Nepal Civil Service Organization, also stated that legal consultations and preparations are underway, and they are ready to take the matter to court soon. She remarked, “We expected the Prime Minister, who said ‘let the government talk,’ not to suppress our right to speak as he has.” The employee organizations allege that their rights are being stripped in violation of the constitution, regulations, laws, international norms, practices, treaties, and agreements.
However, Prime Minister Balen has stated that the ordinance does not deprive employees of their rights. The amendments made through the ordinance include provisions for the civil service to address grievances. According to these, any employee facing issues can submit complaints orally or in writing to their office head. If the decision is unsatisfactory, they may request a review; if unresolved, they may pursue legal action. The Prime Minister commented, “This does not take away rights but strengthens professional independence. From now on, appointments, transfers, and promotions will be based on law, capability, and efficiency—not party affiliation.”