KATHMANDU: Civil servants in Nepal have launched protests expressing disagreement with several provisions in the proposed Civil Service Bill.

The agitating employees have gathered in front of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, voicing dissatisfaction over career development, transfer and promotion procedures, and perceived reductions in benefits and facilities.

Representatives of the Nepal Civil Service Employees Union claim that the bill lacks a clear roadmap for career progression.

They also argue that the mechanisms for transfers and promotions are ambiguous, and that certain provisions would curtail existing employee benefits.

Among the key demands are automatic promotion by one level for employees after five years of service and by one grade after ten years, the right of section officers to compete in open competitions for up to five years, and arrangements for inter-provincial transfers.

Employees also questioned the fairness of forcing employees from Koshi Province (eastern Nepal) to work in Sudurpaschim Province (western Nepal), raising concerns about whether such staff would ever get to return home.

They have urged the government to ensure that contract-based employees are not left empty-handed when their terms end, calling for provisions to protect their livelihoods.