ACCORDING to a news report, the FPSC has forwarded a proposal for change in the policy for CSS 2011 examinations, according to which the minimum qualification will be a master's degree (16 years of education) and the age limit will be relaxed by five years.

This is a good initiative taken by the commission because in most developed countries the age limit for appearing in such competitive examinations is either not specified or it is around 35-40 years.

Currently, for appearing in the CSS examinations, the minimum qualification is B.A. and the age limit is 28 years which was reviewed by former President Pervez Musharraf in 2001.

But, last year a similar kind of proposal for changing this policy was forwarded for approval which was rejected by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

I request Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to take this matter seriously because this issue has recently been discussed in the Senate and there are hundreds of highly-qualified but unemployed people in Pakistan who are being deprived from appearing in CSS examinations only because of the age-limit barrier.

As in Pakistan, most of the middle class have to support their families right after their graduation and they also have to complete their remaining education while serving in government or private organisations.

Therefore, in relaxing five years of age and setting minimum qualification as Masters (16 years of education) should not be opposed. This way we could find well-educated as well as mature people in the civil services.

The chairman, FPSC, and the Senate Committee concerned are also requested to support this move.

SHEERAZ AKHTAR
Lahore