NEC code of conduct and Council Act 2055

Nepal Engineering Council Act 2055 (1998)

This Act established the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC) to regulate the engineering profession and make it systematic, dignified and responsible.

Main provisions:

• Council: an autonomous corporate body with perpetual succession; it has a Chairperson, ex-officio and nominated members, and members elected from registered engineers.
• Functions: set the minimum qualification for registration; recognise and accredit engineering programmes; register engineers and maintain the register; issue registration certificates; recognise foreign qualifications; prepare and enforce the code of conduct; advise the government; and take action against misconduct.
• Registration: compulsory to practise engineering in Nepal; engineers are registered in categories according to their qualification and field of engineering. Foreign engineers need registration for temporary practice.
• Discipline: the Council can warn, suspend or cancel registration on proven misconduct; an appeal against its decision can be made to the court.
• Offences and penalties: practising without registration, or obtaining registration falsely, is punishable by a fine.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct issued by NEC under the Act binds all registered engineers. Its key points are:

1. Hold public safety, health and welfare paramount.
2. Practise only in the area of one's competence; keep skills updated.
3. Be honest, truthful and impartial; issue public statements and reports objectively.
4. Act as a faithful agent of the employer/client; keep confidentiality; avoid conflicts of interest.
5. Do not give or accept bribes, gifts or commissions.
6. Do not compete unfairly; do not injure the reputation of other engineers; give credit for others' work.
7. Do not sign or certify work not prepared or supervised by oneself.
8. Respect the law, protect the environment, and uphold the dignity of the profession.

Violation can lead to disciplinary action by the Council.