Kathmandu, February 15

Computer officers in government offices are lobbying for entry into civil services so that they may get promotion through internal competition.

A source at the Ministry of General Administration informed that computer officers wanted such provision incorporated in the Federal Civil Service Act.  Around 280 computer officers are seeking promotion through internal examination.

The source also said that if computer officers were not allowed entry into civil services, they would retire in their current position.

Computer officer at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Hari Bhakta Mahatara said, “Computer operators junior to us got the chance to enter civil services, but we have been denied the opportunity to get ahead in our career,” he said.

Computer operators in government offices fall under technical employees, who are appointed through an ordinary selection process without having to take any exam conducted by the Public Service Commission.

While 280 computer officers want to enter civil services for promotion, many computer operators have already done so following the Supreme Court’s verdict. According to Mahatara, the Supreme Court had made their attempt to enter civil services  possible.

“We were promoted to computer officer from commuter operator, but now we don’t have any prospects of growth,” Mahatara added.

High level government officials, however, are against internal promotion of computer officers. A senior government official said, “If computer officers want to enter civil services, they should take the exam conducted by the Public Service Commission.

General Secretary of Nepal Civil Servants Organisation Mohan Ghimire said the state must address the problem of technicians working in government offices. “The problem has been created by the government, so it cannot escape from its obligation to solve the problems of its staffers,” he added.