National

Government trims public holidays by 22 days

The government has reduced the number of public holidays by 22 days. A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday took the decision on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). Government trims public holidays by 22 days

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Published at : March 29, 2018

Updated at : March 29, 2018 16:48

Kathmandu

State Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Baskota said there would be 89 public holidays next year, down from 104. Of the total, 67 public holidays will be applicable for all the civil servants while 22 will be given to the ones representing specific religion or culture. The increase in working days of civil servants will help in realising the government’s vision of achieving higher economic growth rate, Baskota told the media. Nepal is among the countries having a high number of public holidays. According to Administrative expert Kashi Raj Dahal, the government decision conforms to Administrative Reform Advice 2070 (BS) that suggested cutting the number of public holidays.

According to sources, MoHA had proposed removing Republic Day, Democracy Day, Civil Service Day, National Unity Day, Martyrs Day and Democracy Day holidays. Recommendations also included removing religious holidays like Ghatasthapana, Kojagrat Purnima, Ram Nawami, Krishna Janmastami and partial holidays on the occasion of Janai Purnima and Rishi Panchami. The government has not announced the occasions removed from the list of public holidays.

“The reduction in public holidays is commendable. This will increase efficiency of bureaucracy as well as benefit the public,” Dahal said. Dahal headed the committee that prepared the Administrative Reform Advice 2070. He said the number of religious holidays is more than required.

Most developed economies in the world have two-day weekend. This concept of two-day weekend is not practical for a country like Nepal, he said.

“The concept of two-day weekend was implemented in Kathmandu valley. It was revoked later as it was not practical for a country like Nepal,” Dahal said, adding that the countries offering two-day weekend holiday generally have longer working hours in comparison to Nepal where the government offices function from 10 am to 5 pm.

57,354 staff deployed at 830 local units

KATHMANDU: The Cabinet on Wednesday decided to deploy 57,354 staff at 830 local level departments.

Speaking to reporters, State Minister for Information and Communication Gokul Baskota said the Cabinet decided to trim several posts in various ministries to adjust civil staff at different levels.

The decision trims over 18 percent employees from several ministries following the recently approved organisation and management survey, Baskota said.

Accordingly, the Prime Minister’s Office will have 232 posts, up from the present 198. The Finance Ministry will have 186 posts, down from 240. Industry Ministry will have 152, down from 227; and Agriculture Ministry will have 179, down from 325. Ministry of Water Supply will have 68, down from 77; Home Ministry 226, down from 367. Foreign Ministry remains unchanged at 141. Ministry of Physical Infrastructure will have 94, down from 106. Ministry of Women will have 80, down from 86 and Ministry of Youth and Sports will have 56, down from 66. The Ministry of Defence will have 98.

This decision will help local units that faced severe civil staff shortage and struggled to provide services to citizens. The meeting also took other several decisions. (PR)