Civil Service Transfers to Be Handled Through Software, Ending Influence and Hassles
Kathmandu — The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration is set to make the civil service employee transfer system fully technology-friendly. The ministry has entered the final stage of implementing a software-based automated system to end long-standing criticism, informal influence, and lack of transparency in employee transfers.
Once the new system is implemented, employees will no longer be required to physically visit the ministry carrying files for transfer processing. According to the ministry, the entire transfer process will begin through an online application. The system itself will display five predictable possible office options for employees, and transfers will be determined based on those choices.
Although the software had already been developed earlier, it could not be implemented for various reasons. At present, there is a practice of submitting applications online while also appearing physically at the ministry, but the ministry said this will now be gradually corrected. Transfers that had been halted due to the Election Commission’s code of conduct are now being prepared to proceed through the same system after software testing is completed.
To keep the system organized and updated, the ministry and the National Book Office (Civil Service) have already reached an understanding on information exchange. According to ministry official Sharma, the system has been developed so that all processes related to appointment, transfer, promotion, and career development can be handled through software. Information will be shared between the two bodies through an Application Programming Interface (API), allowing decisions on transfer or promotion to be automatically updated in the employee’s Personal Information System (PIS) within 24 hours.
This step has been taken to move public service toward a technology-based electronic governance system that is both faceless and paperless. Technical teams from both institutions are jointly developing this employee management system.
In the past, there were widespread complaints that employees with access and influence were always able to remain in convenient locations, while those without such access had to stay in remote postings. With the transfer system now set to become cyclical, predictable, and transparent, enthusiasm has also grown among employees. Through the new system, employees will receive advance information about their probable transfer location at least two terms in advance. This is expected to make it easier for them to plan family arrangements and their children’s education, while also having a positive impact on overall service delivery.
For related context on civil service promotions and transfers, the new system is expected to make such processes more systematic and transparent.
