Government takes action following EPS exam protest: officials relieved of duties

KATHMANDU: Responding to the shortcomings in handling the recent Employment Permit System (EPS) exam protest, the government has taken decisive action by relieving key officials of their duties. Lalitpur Chief District Officer (CDO) Rudra Prasad Pandit, Chief of Lalitpur Police Range, SSP Shiddhi Bikram Shah, and EPS Korea Branch Director Gurudatta Subedi have been removed from their positions.

Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha announced that the decision also includes the suspension of DSP Umesh Joshi and Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Prakash Jwala’s Private Security Officer (PSO) Bodhraj Danuwar, both deployed from Lalitpur Police.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, during the opening ceremony of the Sixth Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre in Kathmandu, admitted to some weaknesses in handling the incident on Friday.

PM Dahal stated, “Our minister’s PSO has been suspended after recognizing a serious error in the process of taking that vehicle without properly assessing the situation. Similarly, the officer who gave the order to open fire has also been suspended pending the investigation report.”

The demonstration, led by youths who failed the Korean language test for shipbuilding work, took place in front of the Employment Permit System (EPS) office in Balkumari on Friday. The protesters demanded an opportunity to fill out the language test form for manufacturing work in South Korea.

Amid the protest, allegations of police personnel using excessive force emerged, resulting in two casualties. Protesters also set fire to the vehicle of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Prakash Jwala. The government’s response underscores its commitment to addressing the issues raised during the protest and ensuring accountability for the actions taken.