Two candidates selected through the civil service examination for recruitment into the civil service this year have been tested positive for drugs. The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) will now give them the opportunity to appeal to the Appellate Authority. The commission will re-look into the matter and decide accordingly.
Today was the last day for the drug tests of 385 candidates. If tested positive, the candidates will lose the slot and it will be given to the next candidate as per the ranking.
An official from the RCSC said, positive tested candidates will be handed over to the Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority (BNCA) for treatment or other interventions. However, they will be given chance to appear for the next civil service exam.
The test, according to the commission is to maintain a drug-free civil service and support the national effort to curb drug abuse. “This kind of drug-testing system will discourage youth to stay away from drugs to join the civil service,” said one of the selected candidates, Tshering Dendup.
Others too felt the move will help younger generations to undergo positive behavioural changes. “I think it is a good initiative as it will help maintain drug-free civil service and younger generations to kick the habit of drug abuse,” said another selected candidate, Kinzang Jamtsho.
Urine samples are collected for the test. The test kit detects ten different types of drugs. And the results are shown within a few minutes after the test and then declare to the candidates. The RCSC and BNCA jointly conducted mandatory pre-employment drug test. The four-day drug test ended today.
