KATHMANDU: The Federal Civil Service Bill has triggered political outrage after it was revealed that a secretive change diluted the “cooling-off period” provision without the committee’s consensus.

Both the Maoist Centre and CPN-UML have demanded the resignation of State Affairs and Good Governance Committee Chair Ramhari Khatiwada and called for a full investigation.

The controversy centers on Clause 82(4), which bars retired or resigned civil servants from being appointed to constitutional or government posts within two years. However, Clause 82(5)(a) — inserted without informing committee members — introduces exceptions, effectively nullifying the restriction.

Maoist MP Madhav Sapkota said Khatiwada and committee secretary Suraj Kumar Dura must resign on moral grounds for compromising parliamentary integrity. He claimed their actions had tarnished the dignity of lawmakers.

Echoing similar concerns, UML leader and former law minister Padam Giri called the alteration a “serious conspiracy” and urged immediate punitive action.

He warned the Parliament’s image has been damaged and said the committee should halt all meetings until those responsible are held accountable.