Works at ‘essential service’ institutions in Bardiya district have been hampered following the deployment of staffers from such institution to the upcoming second phase of elections for the House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly slated for December 7.

Five doctors from Bardiya Hospital and health officials including staffers providing maternity services have also been deployed for the polls causing disruption in medical services. Likewise, government-run pharmacy at the hospital is also shut following lack of medical personnel.

Likewise, technical staffers from Nepal Telecom, recognised as an “essential service” by the Essential Services Operation Act, 1957, have also been deployed for election purposes.

Similarly, Bardiya National Park rangers, administration staffers and game-scout have also been called for poll duty which has added concerns over the safety and security of several endangered animals in the protected zone.

A security personnel at the National Park said that security challenges have been added as the dearth of staffers encourage poachers and timber smugglers to come into action.

Meanwhile, District Election Officer and District Court Registrar Hiranya Prasad Bhandari said that they had to opt for personnel from ‘essential service’ institutions including hospital, telecom and conservation area, as there is shortage of personnel for election purposes.

Bhandari informed that they have deployed over 2,600 government officials and teachers at 153 polling stations and 329 election centres in the district.