Kathmandu: The recent decision of Minister for Physical Planning and Works Hisila Yami to transfer three top-level officials at ministry has invited protests from trade unions. Among other trade unions, Maoist-affiliated trade union Nepal National Civil Employee Organisation (NNCEO) has also been protesting the decision.

On June 8, Yami had transferred three officials –Hari Prasad Sharma, Ishwari Paudyal and Rajkumar Malla. Sharma, who was heading Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, has been brought to the ministry as joint secretary. Similarly, Paudyal, joint-secretary at the ministry, has been sent to Bagmati Sewerage Management Project while Rajkumar Malla, the chief of BSMP, has been transferred to DWSS as director general.
"The irrational decision of the minister is not justifiable. It even defamed the ministry and demoralised the officials," said Prem Paudel, chairman of departmental working committee of NNCEO. He said that the frequent and unreasonable transfers at the ministry irked the trade unions. "Such decision humiliates committed officials and creates an environment of suspicion among the staffers." "Political witch-hunt damages the objective of making new Nepal," he added.

Source: The Himalayan Times, June 15, 2008