Although a number of Reform Commissions formed over the years to strengthen public
administration, recommended several initiatives to the government, the changes were largely
neglected, and some of the initiatives could not even meet the critical needs. Lethargy and inept
service are common, making the bureaucracy ineffective and incompetent. Public servants lack
commitment and are overwhelmingly influenced by political parties and their ideologies. The
traditional administrative process is still bogged down in longer procedures than necessary, and
creating quicker services seems to always be latched to some form of corruption. Afno Manchhe
(one’s own people), Chakari (Sycophancy), political influence, and bribery are deeply rooted in
Nepalese bureaucracy. This paper thus explores and evaluates the attempts of administrative
reform and pubic service in Nepal since 1960s. The experience of globalization and new modes
of communication have made the public vocal to raise questions about the accountability and
effectiveness of public servants in Nepal. While public expectations are growing, the Nepalese
public administration seems too slow to change itself. There is now a need to clarify political
commitments and explore political-administrative interface.