The general purpose of this chapter is to create North Dakota human resource management services in order to establish a unified system of human resource management for the classified service of the state based upon merit principles and scientific methods, governing the position classification, pay administration, and transfer of its employees. All appointments and promotions to positions in the state classified service must be made without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, age, religious affiliations, or political opinions on the basis of merit and fitness.