Kathmandu, September 1

The Ministry of General Administration transferred over 400 employees after the election code of conduct came into force on August 30.

The MoGA transferred employees on August 31 with back date of August 28.

According to MoGA data, the ministry transferred 129 joint secretaries, 95 under-secretaries, 35 section officers, 88 non-gazetted first class officers, 24 clerks, nine computer operators and five peons. The ministry has also deputed 19 non-gazetted first class officers, 24 clerks, three computer operators and one peon to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development from the MoGA.

Trade union organisations affiliated to the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML have protested against the government’s decision to transfer employees with back date after the election code of conduct came into effect.

Office bearers of the unions today met Minister of General Administration Tek Bahadur Basnet and threatened to launch protest if the decision was not withdrawn.

Vice-chairman of the Nepal Civil Servants Employees Association Bhola Nath Pokhrel told THT that Basnet agreed to form a committee to probe transfer of employees. “The government has spread panic among employees by transferring them in haste,” said Pokhrel. He said the ministry prepared the list of transfers on Wednesday night in haste after the EC enforced poll code of conduct.

According to Pokhrel, Basnet requested trade unions affiliated to the NC and the UML not to make transfer of employees an issue. He added that he was ready to address their demands.

He said some employees had filed complaints at the EC pointing out violation of poll code of conduct.

Basnet, however, could not be contacted for comments.

Election Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Shah said the EC would direct the government to withdraw its decision to transfer employees. He said the election body was committed to implementing the election code of conduct and taking action against the violators.

He asked government employees to inform the EC if the government had transferred them with back date.