Nepal, April 26 -- A new civil service blueprint prepared by the government signals one of the most far-reaching attempts in years to reshape Nepal's bureaucracy-tightening political restrictions, restructuring administration under federalism, and redefining how civil servants are recruited, evaluated and retained.

At the heart of the draft Federal Civil Service Bill is a firm push for neutrality and performance-based governance. Civil servants who join political parties, affiliated organisations, or engage in political activities would not only face dismissal but also be permanently barred from future government service-an unusually stringent provision that marks a clear departure from past frameworks.

The bill also proposes raising th...