Kathmandu, July 14

Around 34,000 temporary employees have been staging protest for the last few days demanding permanent status.

The government has brought down the number of ministries from 33 to 24, and departments from 64 to 54. According to the trade union of temporary and contract-based workers, there are around 34,000 temporary government employees.

Temporary government employees affiliated to the trade union led by Bhupal Rasaili have been staging protest in front of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration for the past few days. With the merger of ministries, departments, commissions and district offices, many of these temporary employees face sacking. Some of these temporary employees have served in government offices for 33 years.

Rai said the government should not undermine the contribution of temporary employees who have served in government offices for a long time. The union has also submitted memorandums to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration Lal Babu Pandit.

“Although we have forwarded our demands to the government, we have received no response. This has left us with no option but to stage demonstration in front of the ministry every day,” Rai said.

The union has demanded that all temporary workers who have worked for at least 240 days be made permanent. “We have also demanded other facilities on par with permanent employees,” Rai said.

Stating that the constitution granted the right to employment, Rai said if temporary employees did not get permanent status it would be against the fundamental right of the people.

However, the government is not in a mood to manage all temporary employees. Spokesperson for the MoFAGA Suresh Adhikari said, “They were recruited by ministries, departments, commissions, secretariats and district offices. So, the central government can’t do anything about it.”