Kathmandu, Aug. 12 -- Ramhari Khatiwada, chair of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the lower house, resigned from his post on Tuesday, saying he valued public trust more than his position, amid controversy over the tampering of a 'cooling-off period' provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill.

Addressing the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Khatiwada said a parliamentary special committee formed to investigate the matter had not found him personally guilty. However, he decided to step down so as to set an example of political integrity.

The controversy centres on a clause that prohibits retired or resigned civil servants from taking constitutional or government appointments for two years. The committee had unanimo...