Kathmandu, November 30:

A frustrated appellate court judge has come up with novel Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for his tribe and senior court officials to facilitate their early exit from service.

“I want to retire if the government launches the golden handshake scheme. I have served for more than 28 years as a judge. I have no hope to get a promotion,” said Eak Raj Acharya, judge, Appellate Court, Ilam. “Besides, many judges aren’t techno-savvy. Their mindset isn’t sync with the changing times. Hence, retirement is the best option,” he said.

Many judges, according to Acharya, want to avail of the VRS if it is made available to them.

“We have raised this issue in many meeting in the past. Many will benefit from this. Moreover, this scheme is in vogue in World Bank and many multi-national companies,” he added. Bishwo Kanta Mainali, present, Nepal Bar Association, opposed the VRS. “It will set a bad precedent. It won’t augur well if judges want to shy away from their duties,” said Mainali.