Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has sought clarification from two employees who have been absent for long after acquiring residence permit of foreign countries.

Issuing a notice, the Ministry has said that legal process has been initiated against those who are living abroad without attending their office after the expiry of study leave or extraordinary leave.

According to the information, two computer operators working at the ministry have been absent from the office for a long time even after completing their studies and general leave. According to the ministry, they have obtained temporary residence permit and permanent residence permit.

There is a legal provision that a civil servant cannot obtain or apply for a residence permit in a foreign country while in office. They have been asked to furlough an explanation for being absent from the office within 30 days of the expiry of the sanctioned leave.

According to the Ministry, the Civil Service Act, 2049 BS has asked them to furnish satisfactory grounds and evidence within 15 days as there is a need to take action against them to be found disqualified for government service in the future.

The Ministry has stated that further action would be initiated as per the prevailing law if the clarification is not submitted within the stipulated time or if the clarification is not satisfactory.

The Ministry has also intensified the study and search for other employees who have been living abroad in absence from the office and have been out of contact for a long time.

Minister for General Administration Pratibha Rawal said that surveillance has been stepped up to further strengthen discipline and accountability in the civil service.

Stating that the Ministry was committed to maintaining discipline in the civil service, Minister Rawal said that a study was underway to find out the condition of employees absent from the office and necessary decision would be taken as per the law.