Nepal is witnessing a concerning trend as more and more young people are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. With a rising number of Nepali youth opting for foreign employment, the Public Service Commission (PSC) is facing a serious issue—no applications have been submitted for several key civil service positions. This raises the pressing question: Is there truly no opportunity left in Nepal?
No Applicants for 24 Civil Service Posts in 2080/81
In the fiscal year 2080/81, the Public Service Commission opened a total of 1,455 vacancies in various civil service positions. Out of these, 24 critical positions, including those under the reservation quota and technical roles like Nephrology, Neurology, and General Engineering, received zero applications. This alarming statistic was revealed in the PSC’s annual report, submitted by Chairman Madhav Prasad Regmi to President Ramchandra Paudel.
Despite continuous efforts to fill these positions, it seems that the allure of better pay and working conditions in private and foreign sectors is leading to a steady decline in interest in government jobs.
Decreasing Interest in Civil Service Jobs
According to the PSC report, the number of applicants for civil service positions has been dropping. This year, a total of 473,490 applications were received for various civil service positions, down by 10,000 compared to the previous year (2079/80). Young people seem to be increasingly disinterested in government jobs due to higher salaries and benefits in the private sector, alongside the pull of overseas employment opportunities.
While the government service was once considered prestigious and stable, today’s youth are finding that private sector jobs and foreign employment offer more attractive financial and career growth opportunities.
Reservation Quota Left Unfilled for Over a Decade
Another issue contributing to the unfilled positions is the outdated reservation quota system. The Civil Service Act of 2049 mandates a review of the reservation quota every 10 years, but this hasn’t been done for 17 years. As a result, some reserved quota positions remain unfilled, further contributing to the problem.
For many positions under the reservation quota, such as those reserved for women, Dalits, and other marginalized groups, the absence of candidates is a direct reflection of the system’s inefficiency. The outdated structure fails to address the real needs and aspirations of today’s youth.
A Shrinking Pool of Applicants
Interestingly, most applicants for civil service positions come from specific districts in the Terai region. Districts like Sarlahi, Dhanusha, Saptari, and Mahottari recorded the highest number of applications, while regions like Manang and Mustang submitted the least. In total, only 0.48% of the applications came from districts with fewer job opportunities.
Despite these applications, many critical posts in health services and technical fields remain vacant, pointing to a gap in skilled professionals opting for government service.
Youth Prefer Foreign and Private Sector Jobs
The declining number of applicants for government positions can be traced to the increasing migration of Nepali youth for foreign employment. Thousands of young people leave Nepal daily, seeking better wages and working conditions abroad. Private sector jobs within the country also offer higher salaries and better career prospects compared to government jobs, further driving youth away from public service roles.
The trend is clear: Nepali youth are less interested in civil service jobs as they believe the private sector and foreign employment offer greater opportunities for financial stability and career development.
Conclusion
As more young people leave the country and civil service jobs remain vacant, it is evident that Nepal is facing a workforce crisis. The lack of applicants for critical government roles raises questions about the future of public services in the country. To reverse this trend, the government needs to rethink its policies, including updating the reservation quota system, improving job benefits, and creating an environment that encourages young people to see a future in civil service.
Nepal’s youth are the backbone of the nation. If the government does not act quickly to create appealing opportunities at home, the country risks losing its brightest minds to foreign shores, further weakening its workforce and economy.
This growing disinterest in civil service jobs is a wake-up call for Nepal to invest in its future by offering competitive and attractive opportunities for its young population.