Civil servants key actors to deliver fruits of democracy to people: PM Oli

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Sept. 8: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has commended the contribution of civil servants in driving progressive political changes in the country and lauded their role.

In a message issued on Sunday on the occasion of Civil Service Day, the Prime Minister appreciated the involvement of civil servants during the struggle against autocratic rule and in various democratic movements. He also acknowledged their simultaneous fight for professional rights.

The Civil Service Day is observed every year on September 7 commemorating the day when civil service got a formal structure based on a legal framework. Emphasising the need for integrity and unity across the civil service sectors, the Prime Minister stated, "All civil servants must enhance their competencies and serve the country and people with honesty and dedication to ensure good governance and sustainable development."

He stressed that civil servants play a vital role in delivering the benefits of democracy to the people, fostering public trust, and strengthening state-citizen relations. “I urge civil servants to demonstrate knowledge, skills, efficiency, and dignity in their service, in line with our national vision of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali,’” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, emphasised that civil servants must deliver simple, efficient, and results-oriented services with a client-centred approach. He also directed employees to serve with greater dedication.

Speaking at a programme organised in Kathmandu to mark the 22nd Civil Service Day, Minister Singh stressed that the civil service must operate under the state to fulfil its responsibilities effectively.

He said that it is the primary duty of the civil service to align its performance with the government's long-term vision, periodic plans, policies and programmes, and the budget outlay. He urged all civil servants to work in line with political leadership to help achieve the national goal of a ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.’

Pointing out the critical role of civil servants in institutionalising the federal democratic republic and ensuring the equitable distribution of democratic benefits, he said, “The civil service, as the backbone of governance, is an integral part of nation-building.”

Minister Singh also discussed the government's commitment to the effective implementation of federalism, improved public service delivery, and a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. He urged civil servants to support these initiatives.

He emphasised that civil servants must adapt over time, continuously improve, and meet citizens’ expectations for development and good governance. He said that maintaining good governance and effective service delivery remained the core responsibility of government employees.

Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Bhagawati Neupane, stressed the need for civil servants to use innovative tools in information and technology to improve service delivery. She also directed employees to utilise modern technologies such as digital systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data to ensure faster, more streamlined, and accessible services.

She pointed out the importance of enhancing employee capacity, professionalism, continuous learning, and reform to earn public trust. She also underscored the need to build a responsible, ethical, results-driven, and innovative administrative structure suited to the current demands.

On the occasion, Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal said that the civil service, which once operated from simple offices, had gradually evolved into a technology-friendly and modern system.

He said that the Federal Civil Service Act, which is set to be introduced soon, will further strengthen administrative federalism. Aryal also encouraged civil servants to make themselves competent and competitive in line with the times.

Award recipients not announced this year

Unlike in previous years, the government did not release the list of award-winning civil servants on this year’s Civil Service Day.

According to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the list was not published due to incomplete preparations. Traditionally, the government honoured civil servants on the day by presenting Best Civil Service Award-1 recipient (cash prize: Rs. 200,000), Excellent Civil Service Award-10 recipients (cash prize: Rs. 100,000 each), and Civil Service Award-30 recipients (cash prize: Rs. 50,000 each).

While this year's honourees were not announced, civil servants who were selected for awards in the previous year were formally recognised at the event