New criteria aim to end NARC’s dysfunction, Kathmandu-based staff to sent to remote areas

Nepal's agricultural sector is set for a significant overhaul as the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment introduces stringent new criteria to address years of dysfunction within the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). The "Employee Transfer and Posting Management Criteria, 2083" have been approved by Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary, aiming to dismantle a system where transfers and promotions were often based on political connections rather than merit or need.

The new regulations are designed to ensure good governance and expand research work across the country, aligning with geographic requirements. A key objective is to end the practice of NARC employees remaining stationed in Kathmandu indefinitely through influence. The criteria explicitly prohibit the discriminatory situation where well-connected staff secure desirable postings in the capital while others are perpetually assigned to remote areas.

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The acute shortage of staff in remote offices, while many employees pile up only in Kathmandu through access, has created serious anomalies in the institution’s research work. Since this has created a major obstacle to research suited to Nepal’s varying geographic regions, we have made this necessary decision.

Minister Chaudhary emphasized that the reforms are crucial for breaking the sluggishness in NARC's research activities. "The acute shortage of staff in remote offices, while many employees pile up only in Kathmandu through access, has created serious anomalies in the institution’s research work," she stated. "Since this has created a major obstacle to research suited to Nepal’s varying geographic regions, we have made this necessary decision."

Under the new system, leadership positions will be primarily based on performance, not just seniority. Employees facing departmental action will be removed from chief responsibilities, and newly appointed staff will be prioritized for postings outside Kathmandu. The ministry believes these changes will address staffing shortages in remote research centers and encourage a commitment to delivering research services to farmers, bringing "research results out of the lab and into farmers’ fields."

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These criteria will give the institution a new direction. Our main responsibility is to make employees committed to delivering research services to remote areas and to bring research results out of the lab and into farmers’ fields.