KATHMANDU: The government has issued a strict directive barring civil servants from joining any political party or affiliated organizations and from engaging in political activities.

In a notice issued Wednesday, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration warned that employees found participating in politics could be dismissed from service and disqualified from future government employment.

According to the ministry, Section 61(1)(g) of the Civil Service Act, 1993 allows for the dismissal of employees involved in political activities.

The ministry stated that prevailing laws envision the civil service as politically neutral, impartial, professional, and accountable, and urged employees to fully comply with codes of conduct and discipline.

The ministry also clarified that strict legal action would be taken against any employee found affiliated with political parties, sister organizations, or class-based organizations, involved in political activities, or contesting elections for political posts.

Section Officer Bibek Bidari said the notice was issued to maintain the neutrality and credibility of the civil service.