Kathmandu, August 7:

Minister for Labour and Transport Management Ramesh Lekhak today urged the Maoists to behave responsibly.

“I’m sorry to say that the Maoists are indulging in ‘childish’ politics. Their demands sound childish and so are their grumbles,” he said, addressing a programme of government employees. He said that being the largest party, the Maoists had to be responsible, serious and flexible.

“Before reaching any conclusion, the Maoists should estimate how big and strong their competitors are,” he said.

He added that NC had always wanted the Maoists to lead the government. But if they failed to lead the government, other parties should be given the opportunity to form government, Lekhak said. Chief secretary Bhoj Raj Ghimire said, “Now on, government staffers would get increments in line with the increase in revenues. “The government employees will not have to stage protests to get their salaries raised,” he said.

The government-formed Pay Commission has recommended the government to hike salaries of civil servants, keeping in mind the increase in revenue collection.

Ghimire said the examination system of Public Service Commission, in which Nepali language is the only medium, should be revised to ensure a fair representation of Janajatis, women and Dalits in the government service.

Govinda Kusum, secretary at the Ministry of General Administration, said government employees must change their attitude with the changing times. They must be disciplined, humble and motivated, he said. Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Lilamani Poudel said, “While exercising their rights, activists of trade unions should make sure that their exercise does not infringe upon the rights of others.”