A parliamentary probe committee led by Jeevan Pariyar held an extensive discussion on Wednesday with Ramhari Khatiwada, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on State Affairs and Good Governance, regarding the ongoing controversy over the “cooling-off period” provision.
The nearly two-hour-long inquiry took place in the committee’s meeting hall at Singha Durbar. Following the session, journalists asked Khatiwada how it felt to be questioned before his fellow lawmakers. In response, he stated, “I am also a Member of Parliament. As chairperson, it was my responsibility to initiate the investigation. This isn’t a courtroom—it’s an open dialogue.”
The probe committee has focused particularly on a contentious clause in the Federal Civil Service Bill, which states that retired civil servants must observe a mandatory two-year cooling-off period before being eligible for appointment to constitutional positions.
However, after the report was passed by the House of Representatives, it was discovered that the provision in question had been retained as per the older bill, contradicting the new recommendation. This inconsistency has drawn criticism and dissatisfaction from several lawmakers, some of whom have interpreted it as a deliberate political maneuver.
Amid mounting pressure, Speaker Devraj Ghimire formed a special parliamentary investigation committee to study the matter more thoroughly and provide clarity.
The issue has sparked significant debate, as the cooling-off period is intended to ensure fairness and transparency in constitutional appointments. The apparent conflict between the passed report and the bill’s content has raised concerns over procedural integrity and legislative oversight.
