BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Government is all set to make basic computer skills mandatory for recruitment to its jobs and chalk out a service rule which will enforce this clause.
While elementary computer skill has already been included as an eligibility criteria for recruitment to some of the Group B and C posts, it is yet to be made a blanket one. Now, the Government is working on the finer details to enforce it by preparing a rule.
In its draft stage, the Odisha Civil Services (Knowledge on Basic Computer Skills) Rules 2015 is aimed at prescribing computer knowledge for appointment to Government jobs and services in Group A, B and C services. The Government has also sought feedback from School and Mass Education, Higher Education, ST and SC Development and E&TET Departments on the new rule.
Since use of computers in different departments and districts is making rapid strides to bring about efficiency in public offices, the proposed rule is on the expected lines. In view of the growing need of ICT in smooth management of offices, direct recruitment of Government employees possessing basic computer skills will be a befitting step, the GA Department document says.
As per the draft rule, no person will be eligible to apply for any service or post (other than Group D) under the State Government unless he or she possesses a Certificate on Knowledge in Basic Computer Skill. The General Administration Department which has formulated the rule has also defined the certificate course.
When the new norm comes into effect, the proposed rule says, every Government servant who is holding a post will be required to submit a certificate proving his/her skills within two years. In cases where recruitment process has been initiated just before commencement of the rule, the persons selected to such service or post will have to submit the certificate within two years from the date of appointment.
The Government has already been integrating ICT in various services through Odisha Knowledge Corporation Limited (OKCL) and its learning centres in urban, semi-urban, rural, tribal and hilly regions. Similarly, under the e-Vidyalaya Project of School and Mass Education Department, 4000 school coordinators in Government and aided high schools of 30 districts have been appointed.
Since basic computer skill has already been incorporated in the recruitment rule of the lowest rung Group-C posts, the Government felt it would be appropriate to frame a similar rule requiring for entry into all higher level posts.
Tech Knowledge
■ No person will be eligible to apply for any post (other than Group D) unless he/she possesses Certificate on Knowledge in Basic Computer Skill
■ Every Govt servant who is holding a post will be required to submit a certificate proving his/her skills within 2 years