KATHMANDU: A heated debate unfolded in the National Assembly on Tuesday over the controversial “cooling-off period” provision for government officials, with major parties clashing on its duration and necessity, while a Maoist Centre lawmaker accused the Prime Minister of shielding corrupt ministers.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Narayan Dutta Bhatta proposed extending the cooling-off period to four years, arguing it would strengthen accountability.

“Instead of two, it should be four years,” Bhatta said, criticizing the ruling CPN-UML’s amendment proposal to scrap the provision entirely. He warned that removing the clause would draw public backlash, stating, “2027 is not far away,” referring to the next elections.

Echoing concern, Maoist Centre MP Renu Chand questioned UML’s inconsistent stance, recalling how a minister had previously admitted the bill was flawed and hoped the National Assembly would correct it.

Meanwhile, Maoist Centre lawmaker Suresh Kumar Ale Magar accused Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of protecting corrupt ministers. “Corruption is everywhere,” Ale said. “The PM not only watches but embraces corrupt ministers in Cabinet meetings.”

The debate centered on the Federal Civil Service Bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, which proposes a two-year bar on post-retirement political appointments for civil servants.

A parliamentary probe was formed after controversy arose over attempts to tamper the clause.