Editorial :
The Balochistan government issued a notification with regard to increasing the age limit for new candidates applying for government jobs a few days back. As per the notification, the government has given eight years extension in the age limit for fresh candidates.
Now candidates of 43 years of age can apply for government jobs in Balochistan, Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, the Balochistan Minister for Communication and Works Department announced. However, this relaxation is only for one year.
Age relaxed from July 1st to 30th of June 2023, the notification mentions. This notification gives more questions than answers. The reason behind the age relaxation for government jobs is obvious i.e. ministers, advisers and parliamentary secretaries coupled with friendly opposition would merely adjust their supporters in government departments.
Thousands of jobs are lying vacant in Balochistan
Currently, thousands of vacancies are lying vacant in various departments. Jobless youth of the province are tired of submitting their documents in every department. Since appointments on merit have become rare in Balochistan, therefore, candidates with no political backing or less influence cannot get jobs.
The government has already empowered the departments to recruit employees rather than testing services. Based on track record, testing services are not ideal but they have proved to be far better than departments when it comes to merit and transparency in terms of the recruitment process.
Under the new notification, employees would only serve for 17 years
The question arises that why age relaxation for candidates is only for a year. If the government has clear intention of recruiting those who have tired of submitting documents for jobs, then, the offer should not be for a limited period. The notification is controversial and debatable, when the retirement age is 60 years, then, fixing 43 years as the eligibility for applying for government jobs is beyond comprehension.
It means, the fresh recruited employees would only serve for 17 years and then their retirement would approach fast. The government has to review its decision since the province need young energetic and educated manower to run the affairs of the province.
