LokSewa basically translates to Civil Service. LokSewa Aayog, AKA Public Service Commission is a vital government body in Nepal, that conducts competitive exams for civil service roles, offering a pathway to secure government jobs. It is an important constitutional body responsible for recruiting civil servants in the government of Nepal. It was established in Nepal on 15 June 1951 AD.
According to Part 23 of the Constitution of Nepal, the LokSewa Aayog adheres to various principles to perform its duties, such as merit, impartiality, fairness, equality, inclusiveness, double bind, identity masking, non-involvement, and confidentiality.
The Public Service Commission conducts examinations to choose applicants following the Public Service Commission (Procedure) Act, 2066 BS, using one or more selection methods as open competitive written examinations, open competitive practical examinations, interviews, and other methods adopted by the commission. LokSewa exam dates and centers will be fixed for different levels to fill vacancies by the Commission.
Different types of civil service jobs are available based on the skills and interests of an individual such as teachers, healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals), public safety workers, environmental scientists, engineers, social workers, lawyers, IT professionals, administrative assistants and so on.
To ensure inclusiveness in public service jobs, different quotas are allocated such as for women 33%, Indigenous group (27%), Madhesi 22%, Dalit 9%, Disabled 5%, Backward areas 4%, and Open competition 55%.
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Increase in Applications for LokSewa Exam in FY 2079/80 BS
According to the 64th annual report of the Public Service Commission, although the number of people going abroad for employment and study has increased, the pull towards government service has also been increasing.
In the fiscal year 2079/80, 483,203 people applied for government service through the online method. This is a significant increase from the previous year’s 365,434 applicants, indicating a growing interest in government jobs. The utilization of online application submission and the establishment of exam centers in remote districts such as Dolpa and Humla have also contributed to the rise in applications.
The applications were received from all 77 districts of Nepal, and a total of 3,675 candidates, including 1,099 women and 2,576 men, were selected for permanent civil service positions. The districts with the highest number of applications were Sarlahi, Bara, Rautahat, Mahottari, and Dhanusha, contributing a total of 81,403 applications or 17 percent of the total. The districts with the lowest number of applications were Manang, Mustang, Rasuwa, Myagdi, and Dolpa, contributing a total of 3,073 applications or only 0.63 percent.
Gulmi and Syangja have a high number of people preparing for and passing the LokSewa exams, which contributes to their dominance in the civil service. This might be because of family legacy in civil service, the influence of family and friends, hard work and dedication, lower representation of other communities, government efforts to uplift marginalized communities, and so on.
However, the number of applicants passing the exams from the Terai districts like Dhanusa and Sarlahi has also been increasing recently. The increasing demand for jobs such as Nayab Subba (Deputy Subba) and Kharidar (Non-gazetted first class officer) in these areas has also contributed to this increase.
Source: Public Service Commission Exam Trends in Nepal: FY 2079/80 Analysis
Reasons for Increased Attraction Towards Government Jobs
Government jobs are often funded by taxes and are intended to serve the public in some way. Government jobs are available at the federal, provincial, and local levels and can be found in a variety of fields such as education, healthcare, public safety, and others.
One of the reasons for increased attraction towards government jobs is the stability, job security, and timely promotion they can provide as they are funded by taxes of the general public, making them less prone to changes and layoffs compared to private sector jobs.
Government jobs mostly offer competitive salaries and benefits such as health insurance, retirement programs, and paid time off like paid education leave, paid maternity leave, a government vehicle for officers, government scholarships, and many more, which attract people towards civil service jobs.
These public service jobs also provide the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. These jobs center around serving the public and making a difference in people’s lives. For instance, a teacher in a government-run school may have the ability to shape the education and future of their students, while a healthcare worker in a government-run clinic may be able to deliver essential healthcare services to underprivileged communities.
Government jobs can also offer a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Furthermore, these jobs frequently promote a strong sense of community and companionship, with employees working together to achieve common goals.
For more information, you may visit this site: 6 Reasons to Choose a Government Job
Challenges for Youth Employment in Nepal
Nepal faces significant employment challenges, particularly among the youth. Over 60% of Nepal’s population is young, and the unemployment rate among the youth is considerably higher than the national average. The International Labor Organization (ILO) reports that over 19% of young people in Nepal are unemployed. Every year, over 400,000 young people enter the labor force, adding to the employment pressures.
Many young people demand adequate job opportunities within the country, but the lack of such opportunities often forces them to seek better employment and higher incomes abroad. Given the scarcity of jobs in the private sector, government jobs are seen as the ultimate solution.
Obstacles in the LokSewa Aayog
There might be many benefits to working in government jobs, but there are a few challenges that should be considered. The main obstacle of LokSewa Aayog is its tedious examination process as they are time-consuming, requiring candidates to wait a long period and go through multiple procedures.
The LokSewa exams tend to focus more on memory recall rather than analytical skills. Physical exams are mandatory making them challenging during critical times like lockdowns. Additionally, the lengthy time from vacancy announcement to exam conduction results in high opportunity costs and potential loss of qualified candidates.
These government sectors are highly influenced by politics, with most decisions being affected by political agendas rather than by what is best for the organization or the public.
Conclusion
LokSewa is governed by Nepal’s LokSewa Aayog, an important constitutional body that is responsible for recruiting civil servants in the government of Nepal through competitive examinations holding principles such as merit, impartiality, fairness, and inclusion in its selection process. The civil service jobs provide competitive salaries, benefits, job security, and opportunities for career advancement, making them attractive to the general public which can be witnessed from the rise in applicants. Despite all these benefits, challenges such as tedious and memory-based examination processes, and political influences remain. While the LokSewa Aayog is praised for its transparency and non-interference, it must also adapt to the evolving needs of the new generation. If it continues to rely on outdated recruitment processes, it must consider improvements to stay relevant.