Public Administration and Governance
The three-tier frame
Federalism creates federal, provincial and local governments with powers in Schedules 5–9: exclusive federal (defence, foreign affairs, police as a federal subject), exclusive provincial (provincial police, health, secondary education), concurrent (criminal justice, forests, disaster management) and residual powers with the federal level. Local levels deliver services under the Local Government Operation Act 2074 through 753 bodies.
Civil service and accountability
Recruitment is by the Public Service Commission, a constitutional body; terms and promotion follow the Civil Service Act 2049 and regulations. Accountability instruments: the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act 2064, citizen charters, the Right to Information Act 2064 (request to the designated information officer, appeal to the National Information Commission), CIAA jurisdiction over corruption, the Auditor General and the Administrative Court.
Budget and planning
The fiscal year runs Shrawan 1 to Ashad end; the budget speech is delivered on Jestha 15. The National Planning Commission prepares periodic plans; the 16th Plan covers FY 2081/82–2085/86.
Worked example
‘A ward office refuses a service listed in its citizen charter and will not name an information officer.’ Sequence: written request citing the RTI Act, then appeal to the National Information Commission; separately a CIAA complaint for misconduct, and a writ where a legal right is denied. Reasoning: RTI is the fastest documented route; the writ is the last resort.
Traps
- Listing ‘police’ as a concurrent subject; it is federal, with separate provincial police.
- Confusing the PSC (recruitment) with the Constitutional Council (appointments).
- Quoting the fiscal year as starting in Baishakh.