THIS is with reference to the letter 'Age relaxation for CSS exam a suggestion' by G.H. Jibrran Mangnejo (July 25). I utterly disagree with the suggestion that the relaxation of age limit to 32 years will not hold water.

According to the writer he has carried out a survey regarding the age of successful candidates in the CSS between the 1980s and 2007 and found that most of the candidates achieved success in CSS between the ages of 22 to 27. But he has not discussed the educational background, conducive environment for study, nor problems like the need to earn for one's family and financial stability for those qualified students in the CSS exam. Other social issues like poverty, unemployment, injustice, feudalism and family feuds have created a stumbling block delaying a lot of students from appearing in the exam.

He has further discussed that CSS candidates are required to study six to eight hours on a daily basis and that an ordinary candidate can make his dream come true. Looking at the current massive load-shedding, need to earn to manage one's family and other problems discussed above, one cannot devote six to eight hours on a daily basis for study.

However, the CSS exam is a competition at the national level, in which all Pakistanis, whether they belong to poor, middle or elite class, can apply. But their educational and income facilities vary a lot. The age-limit barrier in the exam has discouraged a lot of candidates. Age relaxation would encourage students to pursue their career in the civil service of Pakistan.

The chairman, FPSC and the relevant Senate committee are requested to look into this matter.

ABDUL MANAN BROHI
Larkana