Kathmandu, November 27

The Ministry of General Administration has issued the ‘Standards Relating to Giving Prior Approval to Civil Servants to Engage in Trade, Business or Other Activities’ as per Section 48 of the Civil Service Act, 1993.

It was authenticated on October 23 and has come into force forthwith. With its implementation, any civil servant may be granted prior approval to carry out trade and business activities under certain terms and conditions to be complied with by him/her.

“A prior approval may be granted to civil servants after they commit that they will engage in trade and business activities only outside office hours without hampering the daily service delivery of their concerned office.

They shall also be required to pay taxes under the prevailing laws. The prior approval should not exceed three fiscals at a time,” read the document.

The concerned authorities may allow civil servants to participate in any programme for the purpose of delivering lecture, present work papers, conduct research and undergo training in Nepal or abroad.

However, they will not be allowed to get involved with establishment, operation and management of any company, including banks and financial institutions, educational institutions and cooperative organisations.

The power to grant prior approval to any civil servant to engage in trade and business activities rests with the council of ministers. Similarly, the council of ministers is the sole authority to give prior approval to a special class gazetted civil servant.

In the case of a first class gazetted civil servant, the concerned ministry will grant prior approval for the purpose.

“Secretary of the concerned ministry will give such approval to second and third class gazetted civil servant. Chief of the concerned office will approve or bar a non-gazetted or classless employee.”