The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has circulated the Code of Conduct to be Followed by Ministry Employees, 2083, approved through a ministerial-level decision on 2083/03/19. The code applies broadly to ministry employees, including those working on service contracts and officials temporarily assigned to or from other government bodies. It requires staff to act with honesty, good conduct, impartiality, professionalism, transparency and accountability, treat colleagues and service recipients respectfully, and provide services without discrimination based on religion, caste, gender, nationality, region, language or other grounds. Priority and assistance should be given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, children and other vulnerable service users.
The code sets detailed integrity and workplace standards. Employees must follow laws and official procedures, protect confidential documents and information, safeguard government seals, passwords, identity documents, equipment and other public assets, and must not misuse official authority or resources for personal benefit. Staff are expected to work punctually, complete assigned duties within prescribed deadlines and quality standards, follow dress and identification requirements, keep workplaces orderly, avoid unnecessary delays in service delivery, disclose potential conflicts of interest and remain accountable for decisions taken under delegated authority. Decisions must be objective, lawful and evidence-based, while service recipients’ privacy and rights must be protected.
The code also introduces specific rules for social media and public communication. Employees must not circulate misleading interpretations of government or ministry decisions, post confidential or unauthorized workplace material, make derogatory or politically prejudiced comments that could damage institutional credibility, or use social platforms in ways that undermine the dignity of public service. Complaints or criticism concerning official work should generally be raised through supervisory or grievance mechanisms rather than through public retaliation. Employees are nevertheless allowed, within legal and professional limits, to participate in research, writing, literature, arts, culture, sports, professional activities and responsible personal use of digital platforms where these do not interfere with official duties or government policy.
Compliance with the code will be monitored by the ministry secretary or an authorized official, while matters not specifically addressed will continue to be governed by prevailing laws and other applicable codes for public servants. The ministry has instructed all of its divisions and subordinate units to implement the code, framing it as a measure to strengthen ethical administration, employee discipline, public trust and efficient service delivery.
