THIS refers to the letter ‘CSS reforms or a recipe for disaster’ (Oct 30) by Summer Noor. OMG/Secretariat Group is an occupational group of the CSS, and an officer starts his/her career as a section officer in the federal secretariat, Islamabad.

A section officer is the backbone of policymaking as he initiates each policy through his first note. Sensitivity of this post demands that these people should be highly competent to steer the policy-making process at the national level.

But, unfortunately, induction into this group was stopped twice since its inception: first, from 8th to 16th commons and, then, from 28th to 36th commons. It is noteworthy that during that tenure these posts were continuously filled through lateral entry or through deputation or through section 10.

All the favourites were later inducted into the OMG and now enjoy seniority in our batch 37th CTP OMG, which is selected through CSS after 10 years.

Owing to this mala fide induction  secretariat functioning is at the lowest ebb as far as quality is concerned. The prime minister has signed notification after notification to induct favourites from various regions and accommodate them permanently in the OMG.

On the one hand, they have to face discrimination from the DMG which has threat of competition from this group in grade 20 and, on the other hand, they have to suffer from these lateral entrants in clear violation of merit and rules.

OMG induction through CSS was banned by the all-powerful DMG as they hold post of secretary, establishment, and such other posts responsible for promotion and induction of civil servants.

Now these officers are suffering and feeling bad as they have come through a rigorous process of selection and training. But the people from the other side do not have such examinations or training.

Induction into 17 and 18 grades and now into 19 and 20 grades without the CSS will destroy the service structure of the OMG/Secretariat Group badly.

RAJA KASHIF Rawalpindi