Public servants wanting to serve

The thinking that gives rise to this question is so archaic as to lead one to wonder if the senior officials of the Public Service are still operating in colonial times.

There is no prohibition against Public Service employees serving the country at a different level nor is there any justification for any sanction against any public officer for doing so.

The decision to offer oneself for service of a different kind is one that should be encouraged and applauded, not treated as an act against the employer.

The State in fact recognises this in its provision for public employees to be granted no-pay leave on the grounds of public policy. Employees who have spent many years accumulating benefits which they have earned by virtue of their employment would not lose them because they wish to serve at a different level.

Many officers are granted such leave to serve in State enterprises and in education institutions. How then can it be fair to deny such facility to someone who wishes to serve the nation? No such denial could be justified and any such attempt should be determined by the court.

KARAN MAHABIRSINGH Carapichaima