The Punjab government is facing a gigantic task at hand to deal with ensuring 100 per cent enrolment and curtailing ever-consistent trend of dropouts from primary and high public-sector education institutions respectively, which are equally facing lack of facilities and shortage of teachers.
Secondly, after the passage of the 18th amendment from the parliament, responsibilities of the education sector have been devolved to the provincial governments, but none of the dispensations, including Punjab, has initiated legislation in their respective parliamentary houses despite a lapse of one year.
Observed speakers at a seminar ‘Right to Free Education: Constitutional Obligations for Punjab’ held here on Monday at a local hotel jointly by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and the Punjab government. Representative to Pakistan of UNESCO Dr Kozue Kay Nagata set the tone of the seminar in her opening remarks, and concluded by depicting hope for actualising the desired targets “seeing sincerity and working of the Punjab government”. Minister Education Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman did not turn up to deliver the concluding address.
Secretary Literacy and Basic Education Department Dr Allah Bakhsh Malik, while speaking on ‘Situation Analysis of Education in Punjab: Challenges and Issues’, talked frankly about the problems confronted by his government, efforts of the political leadership, overall development context, and role of education in social and economic development.
Dr Malik mentioned that the educational situation was not ideal because of high dropouts, that is, out of 40 per cent students reaching class-IV, 77 per cent never opt for obtaining the matriculation certificate.
About the legislative responsibilities of the provincial government, he mentioned that curriculum, syllabi, planning, policy, Islamic education and standards were with the provincial dispensation, while there was a need to improve interprovincial coordination as well. He told the audience that the Punjab government would be tabling the Right to Compulsory Education Bill 2011 in the Assembly soon.
About enrolment, he said with 15 per cent increase in education budget, 100 per cent enrolment could be achieved in 2024-25, with 20 per cent increase it could be done in 2019-20, and with 25 per cent increase in education budget, 100 per cent enrolment could be achieved in 2015-16. “Rs 3387 billion for the last, Rs 3895bn for 2019-20, and Rs 4064bn are required for achieving 100 enrolment rate of 5-16 years of population by 2015-16,” he mentioned, adding that achievement of targets was closely linked to resource absorptive capacity. While quoting a research, he admitted that the system lacked capacity to efficiently absorb even the available financial resources though the education sector had suffered from persistent and acute under-investment. “Pakistan ranks amongst the bottom five countries of world, so far as public expenditure on education, as a percentage of total public spending is concerned,” he quoted a source.
While speaking about the missing facilities, Dr Malik said 40 per cent of public schools at primary, elementary and secondary level, lack basic facilities like drinking water, 17 per cent had no roofs, 39 per cent were without drinking water, 62 per cent without electricity, 50 per cent without toilet facilities and 46 per cent did not have boundary wall.
However, he commended provincial political leadership for putting its foot forward to do the best for the sector. “We need to go extra miles, and the call is: education for all and by all,” he said, while hoping to actualise Millennium Development Goals.
Secretary Education Department (Schools) Muhammad Aslam Kamboh talked about the budgetary allocations, and wanted that these should be linked to the materialisation of the goals. He said the government was making appointments on merit, while handsome salaries were being offered to teachers.
Secretary General UNESCO Pakistan Muhammad Dawood said the largest illiterate population of Pakistan was in Punjab, while the problem was acute in Southern Punjab and rural areas. He also talked at length about ‘pulls and pushes of the influential’ causing damage to the sector, and impediments to legislation.
UNESCO’s Arshad Saeed Khan asserted that implementation for Article 25-A of the constitution – The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law – was linked to further provincial legislation of the Education Act and framing of rulers, but no province had achieved this. He further mentioned that 40 per cent children of poor parents did not go to school, and development of up-town schools versus improperly maintained public sector institutes was creating bifurcation in the system, which would ultimately lead to division in the society. “Hence equitable free standardised education should be available to all,” he demanding, while enlisting various parliamentary acts awaiting implementation after a passage of decades even. After elaborating various trends of non-enrolment and dropouts, he observed, “keeping these consistent trends in mind, unless exemplary steps are taken, only 70 per cent enrolment can be made possible by 2015.”
Showing posts with label Administration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Administration. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 16
Sunday, August 14
Banning protests on Mall, an administrative matter
Chief Secretary Punjab Nasir Mehmood Khosa has said imposing ban on public meetings at the Sharah-e-Quaid-e-Azam Lahore is a purely administrative matter, and besides freedom of business activities, the government also has to keep in view the democratic right of the people to hold public meetings, and no such order can be issued which usurps the fundamental rights of the people.
In his statement before the High Court on Friday, Khosa said it was the responsibility of the government to deal with the issues in a proper manner, but it was also essential to create a consensus of opinion for this purpose. “Such orders of the court, which cannot be implemented and those rules of the government which can not be abided, could tarnish the image of these institutions; therefore, there is a need of developing consensus of opinion regarding ban on pubic meetings at Sharah-e-Quaid-e-Azam. Just as the people cannot be stopped from exercising their democratic right, similarly the rights of the business community should also be protected,” he added.
The CS said before strict administrative measures, there was a need to create public awareness and consensus. “The ban will be implemented in phases,” he mentioned.
Officers to be ‘encouraged’ for better performance
At a meeting presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif was told that on his instructions, first three divisions and districts showing best performance with regard to implementation of development projects under various packages during 2010-11 have been selected by the committee headed by Chief Secretary Nasir Mehmood Khosa.
Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Rawalpindi Divisions got first, second and third positions respectively with regard to implementation of development projects whereas Sahiwal, Faisalabad and Gujrat remained first, second and third respectively in the category of districts.
Shahbaz Sharif, while appreciating the performance of Commissioners and DCOs of these divisions and districts, directed that a special function should be held in Lahore for the encouragement of these officers.
Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Rawalpindi Divisions got first, second and third positions respectively with regard to implementation of development projects whereas Sahiwal, Faisalabad and Gujrat remained first, second and third respectively in the category of districts.
Shahbaz Sharif, while appreciating the performance of Commissioners and DCOs of these divisions and districts, directed that a special function should be held in Lahore for the encouragement of these officers.
Tuesday, August 9
Govt yet to pay salaries to work-charged employees
The work-charged employees are running from one office to another for getting their salaries of three months, but the Punjab government has so far not considered the issue despite the fact that they are still working and carrying out their responsibilities.
Secondly, sword of sending them home at any day is hanging over their heads constantly without getting their dues paid. They also believe that their replacements would be immediately made once they would be stopped from attending their offices, and they alleged that it has already been done upon the recommendations of the political leaders. As long as their confirmation is not actualised, they would be sitting on the edge all the time. Because of this also, there is no increase in their pays, which has been announced by the provincial government over a period of time though these work-charged employees have rendered their services with the administration for seven to 22 years. Moreover, these employees had been denied facilities like marriage and death grant, house rent, conveyance and education allowance because of the delay in regularisation of their services.
These employees have been denied extension in their services as well, which has virtually rendered their services ‘beyond the legal purview as well’. Now the situation is that whenever they are to be sent packing, the attendance register could be displaced or the immediate boss can very easily assert that they are not attending their duties for quite some time, deleting and adding people as per his sweet will.
As per sources, the National Industrial Relations Commission had already ordered for the confirmation of the work-charged employees, but it has not been done so far. Also the Punjab government is yet to implement the decision of the Lahore High Court, which had directed the City District Government Lahore administration – not others were addressed in the judgement – to regularise services of all the work-charged employees. In addition to this, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif is said to have also instructed the CDGL to do the same. However, in blatant violation of the decision, and CM’s directions, the administration had been withholding cases of 485 employees who had been performing duties for almost two decades.
Earlier, these employees of various districts have resorted to protests and demonstrations demanding regularisation of their services, while the high-ups are yet to implement various orders, which is causing huge concerns to around 5000 to 6000 employees and their families.
These employees cannot launch protests now since they believe that once it would be done, the authorities would have a ‘tangible pretext to dismiss’ them from the service, and if anyone has the money to move any competent court against the order, then the question will be: who will implement the decision?
Secondly, sword of sending them home at any day is hanging over their heads constantly without getting their dues paid. They also believe that their replacements would be immediately made once they would be stopped from attending their offices, and they alleged that it has already been done upon the recommendations of the political leaders. As long as their confirmation is not actualised, they would be sitting on the edge all the time. Because of this also, there is no increase in their pays, which has been announced by the provincial government over a period of time though these work-charged employees have rendered their services with the administration for seven to 22 years. Moreover, these employees had been denied facilities like marriage and death grant, house rent, conveyance and education allowance because of the delay in regularisation of their services.
These employees have been denied extension in their services as well, which has virtually rendered their services ‘beyond the legal purview as well’. Now the situation is that whenever they are to be sent packing, the attendance register could be displaced or the immediate boss can very easily assert that they are not attending their duties for quite some time, deleting and adding people as per his sweet will.
As per sources, the National Industrial Relations Commission had already ordered for the confirmation of the work-charged employees, but it has not been done so far. Also the Punjab government is yet to implement the decision of the Lahore High Court, which had directed the City District Government Lahore administration – not others were addressed in the judgement – to regularise services of all the work-charged employees. In addition to this, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif is said to have also instructed the CDGL to do the same. However, in blatant violation of the decision, and CM’s directions, the administration had been withholding cases of 485 employees who had been performing duties for almost two decades.
Earlier, these employees of various districts have resorted to protests and demonstrations demanding regularisation of their services, while the high-ups are yet to implement various orders, which is causing huge concerns to around 5000 to 6000 employees and their families.
These employees cannot launch protests now since they believe that once it would be done, the authorities would have a ‘tangible pretext to dismiss’ them from the service, and if anyone has the money to move any competent court against the order, then the question will be: who will implement the decision?
Saturday, August 6
For govt all is well at Ramzan bazaars
Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa has said quality eatable items are available at reasonable rates in all Ramzan bazaars of the province set up on the direction of CM Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and common citizens are benefiting from these bazaars.
He said this while presiding over a meeting here on Thursday. He added that the government was providing all essential items at cheaper rates during Ramzan, and people would be getting this relief against price hike after Ramzan.
Minister Law Rana Sanaullah Khan said all essential items of best quality were available in abundance in these bazaars and prices were also reasonable, and price control magistrates were available for immediate redressal of complaints.
Food Minister Ch Abdul Ghafoor said people were taking interest in shopping in Ramzan bazaars. He said vegetables and fruits of best quality were available at the green channel setup under the control of Agriculture Department.
Education Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman proposed that beef and mutton should be provided at cheaper rates through Lahore Meat Company. Zakat Minister Malik Nadeem Kamran said the government was serving to the masses sincerely and the people’s response is also encouraging. Finance Minister Kamran Michael informed about the details of Ramzan bazaars set up in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Sargodha divisions.
MNA Bilal Yasin informed the meeting that government and traders community were serving the masses for earning the bounties of Ramzan. He urged the local public representatives to extend cooperation for making the Ramzan bazaars successful.
Chief Secretary Nasir Mahmood Khosa said as per reports received from districts, it was clear that the government was providing relief to the citizens. Secretary Industries informed that on the basis of these reports, improvement was being made in these bazaars.
Commissioner Lahore Division informed about the demand and supply of dates and apples whereas the DCO Lahore presented details regarding Ramzan bazaars.
He said this while presiding over a meeting here on Thursday. He added that the government was providing all essential items at cheaper rates during Ramzan, and people would be getting this relief against price hike after Ramzan.
Minister Law Rana Sanaullah Khan said all essential items of best quality were available in abundance in these bazaars and prices were also reasonable, and price control magistrates were available for immediate redressal of complaints.
Food Minister Ch Abdul Ghafoor said people were taking interest in shopping in Ramzan bazaars. He said vegetables and fruits of best quality were available at the green channel setup under the control of Agriculture Department.
Education Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman proposed that beef and mutton should be provided at cheaper rates through Lahore Meat Company. Zakat Minister Malik Nadeem Kamran said the government was serving to the masses sincerely and the people’s response is also encouraging. Finance Minister Kamran Michael informed about the details of Ramzan bazaars set up in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Sargodha divisions.
MNA Bilal Yasin informed the meeting that government and traders community were serving the masses for earning the bounties of Ramzan. He urged the local public representatives to extend cooperation for making the Ramzan bazaars successful.
Chief Secretary Nasir Mahmood Khosa said as per reports received from districts, it was clear that the government was providing relief to the citizens. Secretary Industries informed that on the basis of these reports, improvement was being made in these bazaars.
Commissioner Lahore Division informed about the demand and supply of dates and apples whereas the DCO Lahore presented details regarding Ramzan bazaars.
Thursday, August 4
Hizb-ut-Tahrir's soft corners in bureaucracy
In yet another clandestine move, banned radical outfit Hizb-ut-Tahrir is reaching out to the bureaucracy, and it is finding soft corners as well, while the intelligence agencies are yet to start strenuous exercise for screening the babus.
The officialdom, which is supposed to be neutral having no motivational religious or political inclinations, has been palpable to various influences, while it has been not a point of concern for the top men of the administration. Even now, the radical elements are quite visible in entering the official power corridors sans being scanned properly. Now the situation is that of adversely affecting the uniformity of the service, which should look beyond any idealistic concerns and addressing a particular working group aiming to ‘bring a change in the political administration of the country.
As per sources both in the administration and the Hizb, the outfit has been ‘spreading its message’ for quite some time now, and it is gearing up its working to spread its tentacles in all spheres of public functioning especially, from military to bureaucracy to leaders and workers of political parties and men of social influence.
The official sources have observed that well-versed in their ideology, the English-speaking Hizb workers are making headway since their sympathisers could be found in all tiers of the government. When questioned about the percentage of officials under the influence of various ideologies, specifically the Hizb, the source could not divulge the exact number, but was of the considered opinion that the influence was really huge.
Senior officials are aware about the recent developments when the military had detained its officers for alleged links with the Hizb, and the warning of the intelligence agencies that the banned outfit was seeking support from ‘like-minded’ elements in all tiers of the society. He mentioned a correspondence of the Punjab police and the agencies where it had been asserted that the outfit was also attempting a ‘deep infiltration’ in the academia as well besides other sections. “The urgency is known to top men that ‘appropriate’ steps should be taken for controlling the group which was incessantly calling for establishing Khilafat in Pakistan by overthrowing the popularly elected governments,” he said, while further hinting at ‘suspicious’ activities of the Hizb at various levels, particularly in Punjab. “We have urged law-enforcement agencies to take preventive and pre-emptive measures to avert any untoward nexus by identifying and apprehending the miscreants and their coterie,” he asserted.
On the other hand, when a Hizb worker was quizzed the same, he was blunt in asserting, “If one wants to gauge our level of working and to know who are with us, ask your government to lift ban slammed on us for no reasons.” About giving a safe estimate of number, he averred that there were enough people required for a change. He added that the Hizb was working in all spheres of the society, including bureaucracy. He mentioned that ‘water tight compartmentalisation in the Hizb’ had been done in order to keep the secrecy so that different areas of working could carryout their functions without being noticed and the Hizb men did not stay contact with each other.
He was of the point of view that the babus were being convinced that problem lied in the incorrigible system. “Instead of correcting the system, the Hizb is trying to change the system since we believe that the complications are inherent to the present working,” he mentioned, while asserting that the Khilafat was only possible in Pakistan.
He further told this scribe that many Hizb members had come to Pakistan from Britain, and had penetrated various tiers of governance. “Arrests will not make any difference,” he observed.
About launching an armed manoeuvre, he plainly made it clear that “No guns till the establishment of the Khilafat.”
“The end,” the Hizb believes, “is neigh since nothing can stop us now.”
Wednesday, August 3
Punjab bans religio-political outfits
The Punjab government on Tuesday banned 23 banned outfits from collecting Zakat, and has directed its police to register cases against them under Anti-Terrorism Act, and action will be also taken against those who will make contributions as well.
The provincial Home Department has issued a new list of banned organisations, and they have been barred from collecting Zakat, Fitra and charity. According to sources, action under the ATA would be taken against those who would violate the ban. “No activities by the banned outfits will be permitted. They can neither collect funds nor arrange any gathering for this,” the home department stated in a circular, adding that the banned organisations would not be allowed reorganisation under alternate names as well.
Official sources also added that these organisations would not be allowed to operate under new names. All District Police Officers (DPO) have been ordered to monitor members of the banned organisations and that they should not be allowed to collect donations at any cost.
However, the Sunni Tehreek will continue to be monitored while action will also be taken against those who make contributions to the banned organisations. Main organisations include: Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sepah-e-Muhammad, Jaish-e Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Tayba, Sepah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, Tehreek Jafria Pakistan, Tehreek Nefaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi, Tehreek-e-Islami, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Millat-e-Islamia Pakistan, Khudam-ul-Islam, Islami Tehreek Pakistan, Jamiat-ul-Ansar, Ansar-ul-Islam, Jamiat-ul-Furqan, Hizb-ul-Tehrir and Khair-un-Naas International.
The list, which also includes five banned outfits from Balochistan
This is the second action since July last year when the provincial government had banned 22 militant organisations that changed their names after they were outlawed in 2002.
The crackdown did not include any military operations. Task forces, including local police, the criminal investigation department (CID), the Special Branch, the Anti Terrorists Squad of the Punjab Police and other intelligence agencies, have been organised on a local level.
The provincial Home Department has issued a new list of banned organisations, and they have been barred from collecting Zakat, Fitra and charity. According to sources, action under the ATA would be taken against those who would violate the ban. “No activities by the banned outfits will be permitted. They can neither collect funds nor arrange any gathering for this,” the home department stated in a circular, adding that the banned organisations would not be allowed reorganisation under alternate names as well.
Official sources also added that these organisations would not be allowed to operate under new names. All District Police Officers (DPO) have been ordered to monitor members of the banned organisations and that they should not be allowed to collect donations at any cost.
However, the Sunni Tehreek will continue to be monitored while action will also be taken against those who make contributions to the banned organisations. Main organisations include: Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sepah-e-Muhammad, Jaish-e Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Tayba, Sepah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, Tehreek Jafria Pakistan, Tehreek Nefaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi, Tehreek-e-Islami, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Millat-e-Islamia Pakistan, Khudam-ul-Islam, Islami Tehreek Pakistan, Jamiat-ul-Ansar, Ansar-ul-Islam, Jamiat-ul-Furqan, Hizb-ul-Tehrir and Khair-un-Naas International.
The list, which also includes five banned outfits from Balochistan
This is the second action since July last year when the provincial government had banned 22 militant organisations that changed their names after they were outlawed in 2002.
The crackdown did not include any military operations. Task forces, including local police, the criminal investigation department (CID), the Special Branch, the Anti Terrorists Squad of the Punjab Police and other intelligence agencies, have been organised on a local level.
Saturday, July 30
Punjab Govt replicates departments’ functions
The Punjab government has created six authorities and two foundations in addition existing departments, which is causing duplication of the functioning in the governance, while no other administrative wing has been abolished to ease burden on the public kitty and replication of working.
This has raised many questions about dishing out favours to those falling within the close political circles, and causing dent to the public exchequer since the multiplication of the non-development expenses. Now 18 authorities are part of the Punjab government, while most these are general administrative arms, being run in the presence of the existing departments. Besides this, steering committees have also been created as well, which are being headed by the PML-N parliamentarians.
Earlier, the same dispensation has constituted over fifty task forces, while the bulk of these were dissolved this year after these had functioned for over two years. This was done when the Lahore High Court was scheduled to hear a petition against the appointments of 50 coordinators and chairpersons of task forces since it was ‘advised’ that no law could justify their appointments. However, this was attributed to a sagacious step of government’s much- trumpeted austerity drive.
Moreover, the provincial dispensation has created six new authorities during its stint, while five of these have been instituted in the last two years. These have been protected under the law, as the Punjab Assembly has already passed the bills.
This has raised a huge question about the working of the departments since two options come to the minds of the governance experts, who aver that either these departments are not working properly, or these have lost the trust of the top men of the province. However, they are of the considered opinion that these authorities have resulted in the duplication of duties and functions, while the political appointees deem it their right to interfere in the working of the departments.
As far as the pays are concerned, the Management Professional scales are offered to these appointees, and by virtue of this, besides salaries, others facilities automatically attached to the post are dished out to them. The official sources have confided that minimum of Rs 20million annually are costing the kitty, which could have been saved since no improvement in the governance could be gauged. 76 persons have been working as coordinators (49), chairpersons of committees (17), and media consultants (10) in various departments and institutions. These appointed men are enjoying perks and privileges also if any one of them is said to be working ‘on honorary basis’. However, besides salaries ranging between Rs75,000 and 225,000 – depending upon the MP scale – they are also provided 150 to 200 litres of petrol, house rent, and telephone charges, and a full official paraphernalia, including manpower.
Spokesperson of the Punjab government Senator Pervez Rasheed, while negating dishing out of perks and privileges, asserted no one of the appointed were drawing salaries, and they were voluntarily working. He observed that there was no duplication of work and replication of responsibilities since the Foundations, authorities and committees were working in their own ambits. To him, every thing was in correct place, and functioning as per its permitted purview, while capable persons had been appointed to head the administrative arms.
The Babus view it from their own perspective, and deem that besides their functioning, these authorities were meant to benefitting a few chosen political cronies belonging to the PML-N coterie since pays, privileges, and perks are attached to these posts. “Also separate buildings have been procured on rent for the offices, while despite its once self-imposed ban on purchase of new vehicles, cars have been purchased. Do these not fall under wasteful expenditures?” questioned anonymity-seeking officer of the Planning and Development Board, who is waiting for a writ-petition in the court of law to mend a few things, which had not been passed by the provincial assembly.
The Punjab Food Authority Act and the Lahore Ring Road Authority Act were institutionalised this year. The first one is virtually sitting over the heads of all the departments, especially the Food Department. The legislation grants it all the powers to undo departments’ working and orders, while initiating new ventures on its own. The Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority Act, created in 2009 and updated in January last year, is also encroaching the pitch of the Food Department, and its sub-heads.
To officers, the LRR Authority seems to a never-ending idea, while the Communication and Works Department, in collaboration of the P&D Department, is carrying out huge projects already.
Another much-publicised but equally criticised is the Sasti Roti Authority Act, which is being headed by MNA Hanif Abbasi, and as per sources, he has paid official visits on a chopper to various districts of the province for the provision of the roti.
As part of its mantra, the Punjab government attaches huge import to the education and health sectors, and three departments – Higher and Schools education with a large of wings attached and the Health department – are taking care of the administrative matters. Nevertheless, the dispensation went ahead with institutionalising the Punjab Daanish Schools and Centers of Excellence Authority Act – taken care of by a trio of retired officers – and the Punjab Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority Act, when the Punjab Vocational Training Council was already working.
Secondly, in the same way the Health Foundation and the Punjab Education Foundation have been created, while the education and health departments had the maximum number of task forces as well.
The PEF is an autonomous statutory body established under an act of the provincial assembly with its head office at Lahore, and its aim to encourage and promote education in the private sector operating on non-commercial/non-profit basis. Besides this, it is for the promotion of education, especially encouraging and supporting the efforts of the private sector in providing education.
In addition to this, the Punjab Examination Commission is also working as an autonomous body set up to administer assessment-only examinations for grade 5 and grade 8. The Commission is only focused on assessing learning outcomes of these students. These assessments enable students to score better in their promotion examinations conducted by their own schools and respective boards of studies.
Moreover, the provincial government has set up a series of Steering Committees being headed by parliamentarians to carry out a review of the criteria for accepting schemes, provisions of logistic and administrative support and of funds.
MNA Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is very busy with the development of the hill resort of Murree since he is Chairman Steering Committee on development projects of Murree. Another MNA Bilal Yasin Chairman Price Control Committee is active for controlling prices of edibles during Ramzan.
This has raised many questions about dishing out favours to those falling within the close political circles, and causing dent to the public exchequer since the multiplication of the non-development expenses. Now 18 authorities are part of the Punjab government, while most these are general administrative arms, being run in the presence of the existing departments. Besides this, steering committees have also been created as well, which are being headed by the PML-N parliamentarians.
Earlier, the same dispensation has constituted over fifty task forces, while the bulk of these were dissolved this year after these had functioned for over two years. This was done when the Lahore High Court was scheduled to hear a petition against the appointments of 50 coordinators and chairpersons of task forces since it was ‘advised’ that no law could justify their appointments. However, this was attributed to a sagacious step of government’s much- trumpeted austerity drive.
Moreover, the provincial dispensation has created six new authorities during its stint, while five of these have been instituted in the last two years. These have been protected under the law, as the Punjab Assembly has already passed the bills.
This has raised a huge question about the working of the departments since two options come to the minds of the governance experts, who aver that either these departments are not working properly, or these have lost the trust of the top men of the province. However, they are of the considered opinion that these authorities have resulted in the duplication of duties and functions, while the political appointees deem it their right to interfere in the working of the departments.
As far as the pays are concerned, the Management Professional scales are offered to these appointees, and by virtue of this, besides salaries, others facilities automatically attached to the post are dished out to them. The official sources have confided that minimum of Rs 20million annually are costing the kitty, which could have been saved since no improvement in the governance could be gauged. 76 persons have been working as coordinators (49), chairpersons of committees (17), and media consultants (10) in various departments and institutions. These appointed men are enjoying perks and privileges also if any one of them is said to be working ‘on honorary basis’. However, besides salaries ranging between Rs75,000 and 225,000 – depending upon the MP scale – they are also provided 150 to 200 litres of petrol, house rent, and telephone charges, and a full official paraphernalia, including manpower.
Spokesperson of the Punjab government Senator Pervez Rasheed, while negating dishing out of perks and privileges, asserted no one of the appointed were drawing salaries, and they were voluntarily working. He observed that there was no duplication of work and replication of responsibilities since the Foundations, authorities and committees were working in their own ambits. To him, every thing was in correct place, and functioning as per its permitted purview, while capable persons had been appointed to head the administrative arms.
The Babus view it from their own perspective, and deem that besides their functioning, these authorities were meant to benefitting a few chosen political cronies belonging to the PML-N coterie since pays, privileges, and perks are attached to these posts. “Also separate buildings have been procured on rent for the offices, while despite its once self-imposed ban on purchase of new vehicles, cars have been purchased. Do these not fall under wasteful expenditures?” questioned anonymity-seeking officer of the Planning and Development Board, who is waiting for a writ-petition in the court of law to mend a few things, which had not been passed by the provincial assembly.
The Punjab Food Authority Act and the Lahore Ring Road Authority Act were institutionalised this year. The first one is virtually sitting over the heads of all the departments, especially the Food Department. The legislation grants it all the powers to undo departments’ working and orders, while initiating new ventures on its own. The Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority Act, created in 2009 and updated in January last year, is also encroaching the pitch of the Food Department, and its sub-heads.
To officers, the LRR Authority seems to a never-ending idea, while the Communication and Works Department, in collaboration of the P&D Department, is carrying out huge projects already.
Another much-publicised but equally criticised is the Sasti Roti Authority Act, which is being headed by MNA Hanif Abbasi, and as per sources, he has paid official visits on a chopper to various districts of the province for the provision of the roti.
As part of its mantra, the Punjab government attaches huge import to the education and health sectors, and three departments – Higher and Schools education with a large of wings attached and the Health department – are taking care of the administrative matters. Nevertheless, the dispensation went ahead with institutionalising the Punjab Daanish Schools and Centers of Excellence Authority Act – taken care of by a trio of retired officers – and the Punjab Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority Act, when the Punjab Vocational Training Council was already working.
Secondly, in the same way the Health Foundation and the Punjab Education Foundation have been created, while the education and health departments had the maximum number of task forces as well.
The PEF is an autonomous statutory body established under an act of the provincial assembly with its head office at Lahore, and its aim to encourage and promote education in the private sector operating on non-commercial/non-profit basis. Besides this, it is for the promotion of education, especially encouraging and supporting the efforts of the private sector in providing education.
In addition to this, the Punjab Examination Commission is also working as an autonomous body set up to administer assessment-only examinations for grade 5 and grade 8. The Commission is only focused on assessing learning outcomes of these students. These assessments enable students to score better in their promotion examinations conducted by their own schools and respective boards of studies.
Moreover, the provincial government has set up a series of Steering Committees being headed by parliamentarians to carry out a review of the criteria for accepting schemes, provisions of logistic and administrative support and of funds.
MNA Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is very busy with the development of the hill resort of Murree since he is Chairman Steering Committee on development projects of Murree. Another MNA Bilal Yasin Chairman Price Control Committee is active for controlling prices of edibles during Ramzan.
Harking back to failed LPT of 90s
The PML (N)-led Punjab government will be re-introducing much-criticised Yellow Cab Scheme, sources told TheNation on Thursday.
The Scheme (taxi service) has been brought to the fore in Punjab Budget 2011-2012, being presented on Friday (today). As per sources, unemployed youth will be given the interest free 800cc cars after depositing Rs 20,000 or maximum Rs 30,000. This has been decided to help lessen unemployment in the Punjab.
Secondly, it has also been asserted that these cabs would be used to replace rickshaws. That is why, the scheme would be introduced in major cities of the province, including five City District Governments.
This has been pronounced publically by the PML-N bigwigs on more than one occasion that the scheme would be re-introduced since the same party in February 1992 had launched the programme, which was considered to have played a significant part in the deterioration of nationalised commercial banks. An entity, now a private sector, was virtually brought it to the brink of disaster, and its opponents considered it a political bribe for PML-N workers. However, despite catching abundant flak from the political adversaries, the N-League has gone ahead with the scheme.
Earlier, the result was a lot of NAB-ised cases. In April last year after 15 years, an accountability court acquitted former Habib Bank Limited president Younis Dalia in the yellow cab scheme fraud case. However, the co-accused, former HBL senior vice president Peer Deedar Jan Sarhandi, was convicted and sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment with a fine of Rs 60 million. The accused were facing charges of financial irregularities, which had caused a huge loss to the bank in the yellow cab scheme. The National Accountability Bureau had filed a reference against Dalia and Sarhandi in 1996, stating that both the accused had committed a fraud of Rs 60 million in the recovery of yellow cabs. The reference was closed under the National Reconciliation Ordinance, but was reopened after the Supreme Court declared the NRO null and void.
Also, the Yellow Cab scheme was drifted by the elite class, when it made full use of influential sources in the banks, and got imported cars of world famous brands. After getting these cars as taxis in their name, they converted them to ‘personal’ vehicles. In due course, they also stopped paying instalments, and all the relevant laws were violated as well. To avoid usage of these vehicles in this way, the cabs have been restricted to 800cc. The sources were the view that there was a possibility that the bar could be lifted.
Secondly, after some time, these vehicles were sent to Afghanistan through the porous Durand Line. That is why, one sees less ‘yellow cabs’ across Pakistan, while these vehicles can be found in abundance in the neighbouring country.
The jugglery of ‘yellow cab’ figures apart, the fact was that the Scheme had definitely run into snags and the dead end was reached in a very short time. The tactics of the exploiters, who had made it a regular business, was to invest Rs 15,000 as initial payment, took the delivery of the vehicle, and made earnings out of it till the time of repayment began. Then they made over the vehicle to the dealers, showing their inability to pay the instalments, which meant without incurring any liability. In the process, they had a net earning of Rs. 50,000 or so.
Thursday, December 23
Punjab govt to ‘nominate’ 1130 special magistrates
The Punjab government is all geared up to nominate 1130 officers from the already-existing lot, who will be given powers of the Special Judicial Magistrates as per the Criminal Procedure Code, and these public servants will be working under the provincial Home Department, and will not be supervised and monitored by the Lahore High Court.
As per details divulged by a source, on the desire of Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, a committee was constituted to review appointment of magistrates for the implementation of orders falling under the purview of judicial powers, and an action plan could be provided which is allowed by law. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan was the Convener of the committee, while its members were Chief Secretary Punjab, administrative secretaries of Home, Industries, Health and Law departments.
This committee has presented recommendations to the CM under the title ‘Efficient implementation of Law and enhancement of powers of magistrates’. It has been suggested that 1130 officers and officials could be given powers of special magistrates. It has been suggested that 36 District Officers (Revenue), 135 Deputy District Officers (R), 135 Tehsildars (R), 537 Naib Tehsildars, 130 Tehsil Municipal Officer, 95 Tehsil Officers (Regulation) and 62 Chief Officers Headquarters and Non-HQs could be assigned additional powers.
These Magistrates would be given powers on ex-officio basis. It has been further recommended that these should be appointed as Special Magistrates for summary trials, and provided police force comprising four cops – headed by Upper Subordinate (one) ASI, while the latter would be duty bound to act upon magistrates’ order.
“It has been planned because of the fact that at present, pleas taken by judicial magistrates are only carried out as judicial duties, and they fall under the LHC. Secondly, the government is facing serious problems regarding price control, encroachment and other heads since the incumbent judicial magistrates are not doing spot-summary trials,” observed the officers, adding that the committee had given three options as well. First, it has been maintained that the actual solution to the problem is the restoration of the executive magistracy, which is only possible after amendment in the Penal code by the Federal Government. Secondly, in short run, there is a need to strengthen special magistrates, and given short term training and law awareness. Lastly, the creation of special courts under local and special laws could only be possible after amendment in 14-A of the CrPC. “Here the Punjab govt will not intervention of the Centre, and through this, the provincial dispensation can make matters easy for itself,” added the source.
As per details divulged by a source, on the desire of Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, a committee was constituted to review appointment of magistrates for the implementation of orders falling under the purview of judicial powers, and an action plan could be provided which is allowed by law. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan was the Convener of the committee, while its members were Chief Secretary Punjab, administrative secretaries of Home, Industries, Health and Law departments.
This committee has presented recommendations to the CM under the title ‘Efficient implementation of Law and enhancement of powers of magistrates’. It has been suggested that 1130 officers and officials could be given powers of special magistrates. It has been suggested that 36 District Officers (Revenue), 135 Deputy District Officers (R), 135 Tehsildars (R), 537 Naib Tehsildars, 130 Tehsil Municipal Officer, 95 Tehsil Officers (Regulation) and 62 Chief Officers Headquarters and Non-HQs could be assigned additional powers.
These Magistrates would be given powers on ex-officio basis. It has been further recommended that these should be appointed as Special Magistrates for summary trials, and provided police force comprising four cops – headed by Upper Subordinate (one) ASI, while the latter would be duty bound to act upon magistrates’ order.
“It has been planned because of the fact that at present, pleas taken by judicial magistrates are only carried out as judicial duties, and they fall under the LHC. Secondly, the government is facing serious problems regarding price control, encroachment and other heads since the incumbent judicial magistrates are not doing spot-summary trials,” observed the officers, adding that the committee had given three options as well. First, it has been maintained that the actual solution to the problem is the restoration of the executive magistracy, which is only possible after amendment in the Penal code by the Federal Government. Secondly, in short run, there is a need to strengthen special magistrates, and given short term training and law awareness. Lastly, the creation of special courts under local and special laws could only be possible after amendment in 14-A of the CrPC. “Here the Punjab govt will not intervention of the Centre, and through this, the provincial dispensation can make matters easy for itself,” added the source.
Baboos deny special institution status to ACE
Certainly it is a policy shift if special institution status is granted to the Anti-Corruption Establishment, but the DMG-baboos of the provincial officialdom have left no room for the Director General Anti-Corruption Establishment to pursue the proposal.
Now the status is that the DG ACE has been asked to make a comprehensive presentation focussing on actual problems and issues being faced by the Establishment and their viable solutions. However, the presentation can include the implications, if any in case the special institution status would be granted to the ACE.
As per documents, a meeting was held to ‘decide’ ACE special institution status with Chief Secretary Nasir Mahmood Khan Khosa in the chair. It also reviewed the progress on work assigned to sub-committee regarding amendments required in existing laws/rules for smooth functioning of the ACE and consideration for giving ACE a status of ‘Special Institution’ of the Services and General Administration Department under Rules of Business.
Secretary Law briefed the Committee about the progress, and informed that after reviewing existing laws/rules, draft Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment Bill 2010 had been prepared in consonance with the objective of smooth functioning of the organisation, and subsequent rules would be framed after enactment of the proposed law. He further told that certain proposals related to proposed legislation and giving ACE an independent and autonomous status through amendments in the Rules of Business were considered.
The Director-General ACE explained that under existing arrangements, the Establishment is an attached department of the S&GAD. “It is an organisation responsible for the accountability of the government functionaries. Therefore, it should be made independent of government influence so as to revive the confidence and trust of the common man,” he observed, while adding that the institution of the Provincial Mohtasib had also been given status of Special Institution of the S&GAD under Rules of Business.
On the other hand, first, Secretary (Regulations) stated that normally the institutions, which have been mentioned in the Constitution, had been given status of Special Institutions. As there was no mention of ACE in the Constitution, the proposal of DG, ACE was not justified. Secondly, the Additional Chief Secretary supported the view point of Secretary (Regulations). He was of the view that internal improvements should be made as to how problems at the functional level could be addressed within present status of the institution through amendments in existing laws/rules if required.
The Secretary (Services) was of the view that first DG ACE should brief the meeting about problems at the functional level in the disposal of day-to-day business. “Once the problems/issues are identified, then the Committee can discuss whether these can be addressed remaining within the existing laws/rules or by making suitable amendments,” added the Secretary.
Inspector General of Police, while asserting that arguments could be given for and against the proposal, observed that if complete autonomy was given, then the government would not be able to use it as tool. “However, at the same time, the Institution will not be able to get full support of the government after autonomy as it is available today. Therefore, decision on the issue should be taken after due consideration,” he added.
Special Secretary (Finance) told that status quo should be maintained as nothing tangible would be achieved by changing its status. Secretary Law opined that under the Constitution, no institution could be made independent of the government as it would tantamount ‘to a state within state’.
The CS elucidated that internal mechanisms of the institutions lead to proper check and balance and monitoring of their functions. “If such mechanisms work effectively, there would not be any reason of non-trust of the people. The proposal of merely shifting power from one body to another entails serious implications. In case if an institution is made totally independent of the ambit of government, then the head of the institution will be left on its own and there shall not be any system of check and balance,” he averred.
Now the status is that the DG ACE has been asked to make a comprehensive presentation focussing on actual problems and issues being faced by the Establishment and their viable solutions. However, the presentation can include the implications, if any in case the special institution status would be granted to the ACE.
As per documents, a meeting was held to ‘decide’ ACE special institution status with Chief Secretary Nasir Mahmood Khan Khosa in the chair. It also reviewed the progress on work assigned to sub-committee regarding amendments required in existing laws/rules for smooth functioning of the ACE and consideration for giving ACE a status of ‘Special Institution’ of the Services and General Administration Department under Rules of Business.
Secretary Law briefed the Committee about the progress, and informed that after reviewing existing laws/rules, draft Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment Bill 2010 had been prepared in consonance with the objective of smooth functioning of the organisation, and subsequent rules would be framed after enactment of the proposed law. He further told that certain proposals related to proposed legislation and giving ACE an independent and autonomous status through amendments in the Rules of Business were considered.
The Director-General ACE explained that under existing arrangements, the Establishment is an attached department of the S&GAD. “It is an organisation responsible for the accountability of the government functionaries. Therefore, it should be made independent of government influence so as to revive the confidence and trust of the common man,” he observed, while adding that the institution of the Provincial Mohtasib had also been given status of Special Institution of the S&GAD under Rules of Business.
On the other hand, first, Secretary (Regulations) stated that normally the institutions, which have been mentioned in the Constitution, had been given status of Special Institutions. As there was no mention of ACE in the Constitution, the proposal of DG, ACE was not justified. Secondly, the Additional Chief Secretary supported the view point of Secretary (Regulations). He was of the view that internal improvements should be made as to how problems at the functional level could be addressed within present status of the institution through amendments in existing laws/rules if required.
The Secretary (Services) was of the view that first DG ACE should brief the meeting about problems at the functional level in the disposal of day-to-day business. “Once the problems/issues are identified, then the Committee can discuss whether these can be addressed remaining within the existing laws/rules or by making suitable amendments,” added the Secretary.
Inspector General of Police, while asserting that arguments could be given for and against the proposal, observed that if complete autonomy was given, then the government would not be able to use it as tool. “However, at the same time, the Institution will not be able to get full support of the government after autonomy as it is available today. Therefore, decision on the issue should be taken after due consideration,” he added.
Special Secretary (Finance) told that status quo should be maintained as nothing tangible would be achieved by changing its status. Secretary Law opined that under the Constitution, no institution could be made independent of the government as it would tantamount ‘to a state within state’.
The CS elucidated that internal mechanisms of the institutions lead to proper check and balance and monitoring of their functions. “If such mechanisms work effectively, there would not be any reason of non-trust of the people. The proposal of merely shifting power from one body to another entails serious implications. In case if an institution is made totally independent of the ambit of government, then the head of the institution will be left on its own and there shall not be any system of check and balance,” he averred.
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