While specific, up-to-the-minute statistics ranking government employers by the exact number of employees can be difficult to find, the following sectors and organizations are generally considered the major government employers in Nepal:
Civil Service (Nijamati Sewa): This is a broad category encompassing employees working in various ministries, departments, and administrative offices of the government. Recruitment is managed by the Public Service Commission (Lok Sewa Aayog). Key ministries include:
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
- Ministry of Health and Population
Security Forces: These are significant employers:
- Nepal Army
- Nepal Police
- Armed Police Force (APF)
Education Sector: The government employs a vast number of teachers and staff in public schools and universities across the country.
Health Sector: Government hospitals, health posts, and related health services employ a large number of medical and administrative personnel.
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs): Nepal has several large government-owned companies that are major employers. Some prominent examples include:
- Nepal Telecom (NTC)
- Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)
- Nepal Airlines
- Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC)
- Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB)
- Nepal Bank Limited
- Agricultural Development Bank Ltd. (ADBL)
- Nepal Food Management and Trading Company (previously Nepal Food Corporation)
Government jobs, often referred to as Sarkari jagir, are highly sought after in Nepal due to factors like job security, benefits including paid leave and pensions, and social prestige. The Public Service Commission (Lok Sewa Aayog) conducts competitive examinations for entry into various government positions.