Increasing Number of Government Employees on Extended Leave Remain Inactive: What Are the Figures?
Former Secretary Gopinath Mainali expresses surprise at the growing tendency of government employees taking long-term leave for capacity building but remaining inactive after returning to office.
“A doctor from the Ministry of Health went to Japan on a one-year study leave. He stayed there for an extended period. It was only upon his return after 20 years that it was discovered his position had been terminated. No follow-up was done during that time,” Mainali shared regarding the current situation.
“When questioned by the relevant authorities, he objected to the inquiry about his long absence. Subsequently, investigations into similar cases have been undertaken, particularly in the Ministries of Health, Forests, and Environment, where such incidents are prevalent.”
He expressed concern that the country is losing skilled and talented human resources, leading to significant economic and opportunity costs.
“There is no compensation possible for the excellent doctors, researchers, and administrators we have lost. We have lost the valuable services they could have provided to the nation and its people.”
He emphasized the necessity of strict disciplinary action to prevent such behavior.
What is the Current Status?
Image Source, Sharad KC/BBC
The National Library, which maintains personal records of civil servants, recently provided data on employees currently on leave. A detailed study revealed irregularities in the records of 529 employees out of 6,234 at the federal level.
“We keep detailed records of employees’ service activities. Among them, 529 appear inactive due to no recorded postings, transfers, promotions, or adjustments. A thorough study is necessary,” said Shravan Kumar Pokharel, head of the National Library.
Most of these inactive employees belong to the Ministry of Health with 287, followed by 42 in the Ministry of Agriculture, 37 in the Ministry of Forests, and 29 in the Ministry of Energy. Similarly, 18 are in the Supreme Court, 16 in the Ministry of Industry, 15 in the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, and 13 in the Ministry of Finance. Various other ministries and agencies also have such employees on record.
The Ministry of General Administration, the main central body for civil service administration, has 16 such inactive employees.
This ministry recently decided to take disciplinary action against two employees misusing leave.
“We are investigating employees who went abroad for study leave, extraordinary leave, or scholarships and lost contact thereafter. We will regularly contact inactive employees as part of this review. This notification has been issued in this context,” explained Deputy Secretary Ekdev Adhikari of the Ministry of General Administration.
“The Civil Service Act clearly prohibits working after obtaining permanent residency (DV PR) status abroad. Employees must voluntarily declare their PR status and resign; if they continue working without informing the government, they should be declared unfit and dismissed. Such individuals are not entitled to benefits beyond services received from the fund,” he added.
What Types of Leave Are Being Abused?
Image Source, PSC
Civil servants receive various types of leave, including regular leave, long-term study leave, and extraordinary leave.
According to the Civil Service Regulations 2050, employees who have completed three years of service are eligible for up to three years of study leave, which can be extended by up to two additional years if required by the government.
Employees on study leave receive full salary and may study domestically or abroad with government permission; however, no salary is paid for voluntary study leave.
The government may grant extraordinary leave for a maximum of one year at a time, not exceeding three years throughout the service period, for reasonable grounds.
No salary is paid during extraordinary leave, and it is not available to employees who have not completed five years of service.
Employees may also take up to five years of unpaid leave if they submit proof that their spouse is posted abroad.
“These leaves represent misuse of revenue and opportunities in a developing country, which is not only an economic and ethical error but in some cases also a criminal offense,” former Secretary Mainali stated.
He recommended strict reforms and penalties in the Civil Service Act.
“Those who betray the country or commit crimes must face effective penalties, including public apology and remorse, which will also serve as a deterrent for future generations,” he emphasized.
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