Department of Labor Issues Strict Directive: Workers’ Complaints Must Be Addressed Within One Hour

KATHMANDU, July 22 — The Department of Labor and Occupational Safety has issued a strict directive ordering all department heads and concerned officials to address grievances filed by workers or victims within one hour of receipt.

The department issued the circular to all subordinate labor and employment offices as well as occupational safety and health centers nationwide. The decision follows growing complaints to the Ministry regarding severe delays in handling grievances submitted directly or via platforms such as Hello Sarkar, along with reports of unprofessional conduct by officials.

Under the new operational rules, officials must address the complaint and inform the applicant within 60 minutes. If a matter falls outside an office’s jurisdiction, officials are required to notify the service seeker immediately and forward the file to the appropriate authority.

The directive also mandates offices to prompt immediate responses from business establishments, facilitate labor law negotiations, issue swift decisions if talks fail, and strictly enforce rulings from the Labor Court. Furthermore, officials have been instructed to adhere firmly to the Good Governance Act and Civil Service Act, ensuring quick resolution and immediate status updates for grievances routed through the Hello Sarkar system.