NEPAL
Legislation restricting Nepal’s Public Servants from sharing their views on social media has been introduced into Parliament.
Critics claim the law is an attack on freedom of expression.
The Federal Civil Service Bill proposes strict provisions for Public Servants that would remain in effect even after their retirement.
Clause 75 of the Bill restricts them from criticising the Government in “any statement via broadcast or social media in such a manner as to be contrary to the policies of the Government of Nepal”.
Another clause restricts Government employees from publishing news relating to Government business. This restriction would also continue to apply after individuals had left Government service.
According to the Bill, the pension of retired Public Servants could be stopped if they violated the provision.
Media expert, Suresh Adhikary said Public Servants had always had their own code of conduct, but that allowed them to express their opinions as citizens.
Last year, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology endorsed a policy barring all staff and teachers from criticising the Government and political parties or posting comments to that effect on social media.
The Social Media and Mobile Phone Use Directive, endorsed by Minister for Education, Giriraj Mani Pokhrel was seen as an attempt to prevent publication of the Government’s decisions before they were fully endorsed and to block negative comments on the Government’s activities.
The policy allowed employees only to publicise the Government’s final plans and policies and encouraged positive comments on posts related to the Government and its parties.
Kathmandu, 13 February, 2019
