Issuance of the Medico-Legal Certificates is one the worst case scenarios in Pakistan, and the lot of people involved in criminal cases about injuring or killing others, depends on the MLCs and the forensic reports. Most of the times, these are based on fact considering the fact that most of the well-to-do can approach these doctors, who have been repeatedly found on the wrong side of the law.
Their mere transfer and keeping them under ‘watch’ will not solve the problem. Until they apprehend certain action will taken against them if they indulged in certain illegality, they will not mend their ways.
The Health Department, on the report of Enquiry Committee constituted by the Chief Secretary Punjab, has initiated action under disciplinary rules against five medical officers, involved in issuance of illegal medico legal certificates, and immediately transferred them from their present place of posting.
The concerned Executive District Officers (Health) have been directed that not to allow these doctors to work on medico legal or forensic science related cases.
According to the spokesman of the Health Department Dr. Frukh Humayun has been transferred from RHC Phool Nagar Kasur and his services have been placed at the disposal of EDO Health Rajanpur, similarly Dr. Mohammad Hasan transferred from RHC Rinala Khurd and given at the disposal of EDO (H) Layyah. Dr. Bashir Ahmed has been transferred from RHC Ayyazabad Multan and posted in THQ Hospital Hazro, District Attock, Dr. Abdul Haq transferred from RHC Sara-i-Sidhu, Khanewal and given at the disposal of EDO(H) Mianwali whereas Dr. Ashar Masood transferred from THQ Hospital Kabirwala and posted at DHQ Hospital Nanankana Sahib.
The concerned EDOs have been directed to watch the working of the said Medical Officers and if any professional negligence occurred on the part of these doctors it should immediately brought in to the notice of the Secretary Health.
Will it solve the problem? Certainly big NO is the actual reply.
Showing posts with label Governance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Governance. Show all posts
Thursday, June 21
Sunday, August 14
11 'big' projects completed in Southern Punjab
At a high level meeting presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, approval was given to development projects worth billions of rupees under Large City and District Packages and Southern Punjab Development Programme (SPDP) including mega projects of infrastructure, education, health, sewerage and drainage from which a large number of people will benefit.
The CM said all out resources were being utilised for provision of basic amenities to the masses and rapid development of the province, and record development projects were completed during the last three and a half years and special attention was paid to the backward and less-developed areas of the province for bringing them at par with the developed areas, and development schemes were completed on priority basis in these areas. He added that completion of quality development projects on time and in a transparent manner was policy of Punjab government and transparent utilisation of every penny of public money had been ensured. “Service to the masses is a form of worship and those officers who have shown outstanding performance in completion of public welfare projects should be fully encouraged and their efficiency should also be highlighted in the annual confidential reports of these officers,” he said, adding that through this step, not only hardworking and competent officers would be encouraged but a spirit of competition would also be promoted among the officers demonstrating lethargic attitude in the public welfare schemes and development projects and they would also improve their performance. “A number of projects have been completed in 11 districts of the province under the SPDP and in the remaining districts under Large City and District Packages whereas remaining projects are being completed speedily. Such big projects are being given priority under these packages which can benefit maximum number of people,” he said, while directing that separate funds should be allocated for development and non-developmental expenditure under districts development programme during the current financial year and district coordination committees should monitor it and ensure that the funds allocated for development projects should only be spent on development activities.
The CM also said supply of clean drinking water to the masses was of utmost importance; therefore, in those areas where there was a problem of clean drinking water, water supply schemes should be completed on priority basis. He mentioned that priorities of development projects should be fixed in consultation with elected representatives of various districts. He directed that development schemes under special packages for Chiniot, Sargodha and Mandi Bahauddin be given final shape at the earliest. “On the pattern of Lahore, Parks and Horticulture Authorities should be set up in all big cities for making them beautiful and green. And a comprehensive planning should also be made for construction of parking plazas in big cities for streamlining the flow of traffic so that people should not face any problem,” he said.
He further said setting up a “public facilitation centre” for provision of all facilities under one roof to the citizens by government departments was a good idea presented by the Commissioner Gujranwala and launching it as a pilot project in two or three cities should be considered. “The estimates of development projects are also an important issue and Chairman P&D Board should evolve an effective strategy in this regard and present recommendations in the next meeting,” he said, while directing divisional commissioners to remain fully alert for coping with the damages to be caused by possible flood and rains and no effort should be spared in protecting life and property of the people and providing relief to the affectees in case of any emergency.
Earlier, Chairman P&D Board Javaid Aslam gave a detailed briefing with regard to implementation of various projects under the SPDP and large city and district packages whereas divisional commissioners informed about the new, on-going and the schemes completed under various development packages in their respective divisions.
The CM said all out resources were being utilised for provision of basic amenities to the masses and rapid development of the province, and record development projects were completed during the last three and a half years and special attention was paid to the backward and less-developed areas of the province for bringing them at par with the developed areas, and development schemes were completed on priority basis in these areas. He added that completion of quality development projects on time and in a transparent manner was policy of Punjab government and transparent utilisation of every penny of public money had been ensured. “Service to the masses is a form of worship and those officers who have shown outstanding performance in completion of public welfare projects should be fully encouraged and their efficiency should also be highlighted in the annual confidential reports of these officers,” he said, adding that through this step, not only hardworking and competent officers would be encouraged but a spirit of competition would also be promoted among the officers demonstrating lethargic attitude in the public welfare schemes and development projects and they would also improve their performance. “A number of projects have been completed in 11 districts of the province under the SPDP and in the remaining districts under Large City and District Packages whereas remaining projects are being completed speedily. Such big projects are being given priority under these packages which can benefit maximum number of people,” he said, while directing that separate funds should be allocated for development and non-developmental expenditure under districts development programme during the current financial year and district coordination committees should monitor it and ensure that the funds allocated for development projects should only be spent on development activities.
The CM also said supply of clean drinking water to the masses was of utmost importance; therefore, in those areas where there was a problem of clean drinking water, water supply schemes should be completed on priority basis. He mentioned that priorities of development projects should be fixed in consultation with elected representatives of various districts. He directed that development schemes under special packages for Chiniot, Sargodha and Mandi Bahauddin be given final shape at the earliest. “On the pattern of Lahore, Parks and Horticulture Authorities should be set up in all big cities for making them beautiful and green. And a comprehensive planning should also be made for construction of parking plazas in big cities for streamlining the flow of traffic so that people should not face any problem,” he said.
He further said setting up a “public facilitation centre” for provision of all facilities under one roof to the citizens by government departments was a good idea presented by the Commissioner Gujranwala and launching it as a pilot project in two or three cities should be considered. “The estimates of development projects are also an important issue and Chairman P&D Board should evolve an effective strategy in this regard and present recommendations in the next meeting,” he said, while directing divisional commissioners to remain fully alert for coping with the damages to be caused by possible flood and rains and no effort should be spared in protecting life and property of the people and providing relief to the affectees in case of any emergency.
Earlier, Chairman P&D Board Javaid Aslam gave a detailed briefing with regard to implementation of various projects under the SPDP and large city and district packages whereas divisional commissioners informed about the new, on-going and the schemes completed under various development packages in their respective divisions.
Thursday, July 21
Punjab govt for repeal of Musharraf’s amended CrPC
The Punjab government has demanded reversal of Musharraf’s amendments in the Criminal Procedure Code 1898, and the ball is in the federal government’s court for quite a while now, though its own provincial government of Sindh has reverted to the British system of administration, which is being deemed as an act carried out because of certain political compulsions.
On the other hand, the Punjab government is said to be apprehensive of political backlash if it dared treading path of the Sindh government since the constitutional experts are of the considered opinion that the constitution had been violated in reverting to the colonial system of governance.
Now the actual situation is that the Punjab government is interested in pursuing the reversal to the criminal justice administration system of the colonial times, but cannot do so as long as the Centre goes ahead with the amendments of the CrPC, a draft which is lying with the federal government.
Moreover, restoration of the magistracy would blatantly contradict the idea that the judiciary must be separated from the executive.
As per the draft of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act 2011, the Punjab has demanded appointments of the Judicial (four classes) and district (seven classes) Magistrates. It has been also demanded that the existing sub-divisions be maintained, which are now usually put under the charge of a Magistrate shall be deemed to have been made under this Code.
By virtue of these amendments, in every district, the provincial government can appoint an Executive Magistrate of the First Class to be the District Magistrate, and in case the office of the District Magistrate is vacant, the Additional District Magistrate of the district and in case there is no Additional District Magistrate, such other Executive Magistrate as the provincial government may determine shall perform the functions of the District Magistrate.
Moreover, the provincial government may also appoint Executive Magistrates for particular areas or for performance of particular functions and confer upon them all or any of the powers conferred or conferrable by or under this Code on an Executive Magistrate. Such Magistrates shall be called Executive Magistrates, and shall be appointed for such term as the provincial government may, by general or special order, direct provided that no powers shall be conferred under this sub-section on any police officer below the rank of Assistant Superintendent and no power shall be conferred on a police officer except so far as may be necessary for preserving the peace, preventing crime and detecting, apprehending and detaining offenders in order to their being brought before a Magistrate and for performance by the officer of any other duties imposed upon him by any law for the time being in force.
All Executive Magistrates in a district appointed under sections 12, 13 and 14 shall be subordinate to the District Magistrate and he may, from time to time, make rules or give special orders consistent with this Code and any rules framed by the Provincial Government under section 16, as to the distribution of business amongst such Magistrates.
For Ex-officio Justice of the Peace, it has maintained that by virtue of their respective offices, the Judges of the High Courts are Justices of the Peace within and for whole of Pakistan, Sessions Judges and District Magistrates are Justices of the Peace within and for the whole of the territories administered by the provincial government under which they are serving.
It has been demanded that provided that the offences falling under Chapters VIII, X, XIII and XIV of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), except offences specified in section 153A and section 281 of the said Code shall be tried by the Executive Magistrates. Also the offences punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, with or without any other punishment, shall be tried by the Executive Magistrates.
In addition to his ordinary powers, any Magistrate may be invested with any powers specified in the Fourth Schedule, and in case of a Judicial Magistrate, such powers shall be conferred on the recommendation of the High Court.
The amendments would also withdraw powers of the police officers, like an amendment in section 129 of the Act for “the Police Officer of the highest rank not below an Assistant Superintendent, or Deputy Superintendent, of Police”, the words “Executive Magistrate of the highest rank” shall be substituted.
Also any Magistrate of the first class especially empowered in this behalf by the provincial government may, subject to the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 190, transfer any case, of which he has taken cognizance, for trial to such Judicial Magistrate as may be specified by the Sessions Judge provided that if the offence is triable by a Judicial Magistrate, the case shall be sent to the Court of Session for transfer to such Magistrate. And any District Magistrate may empower any Executive Magistrate subordinate to him, who has taken cognizance of any case, to transfer such case for inquiry or trial to any other Executive Magistrate in his district who is competent under this Code to try the accused; any such Magistrate may dispose of the case accordingly. Moreover, a Sessions Judge may empower any Judicial Magistrate who has taken cognizance of any case, to transfer such case for trial to any other Judicial Magistrate in his district, and such Magistrate may dispose of the case accordingly.
Ordinary powers of a Sub-divisional Magistrate appointed under section 13 will be to direct warrant to landholders, require security for good behaviour, make orders prohibiting repetitions of nuisances, make orders under section 144, depute Subordinate Magistrate to make local inquiry, order police investigation into cognizable case, receive report of police officer and pass order, issue process for person within local jurisdiction who has committed an offence outside the local jurisdiction, entertain complaints, receive police-reports, entertain a case without complaint, transfer case to a Subordinate Magistrate, pass sentence on proceedings recorded by a Subordinate Magistrate, forward record of a Magistrate subordinate to him to the District Magistrate, sell property alleged or suspected to have been stolen, etc. and withdraw a case other than an appeal, and to try or refer the same for trial.
As per the amendments, the ordinary powers of a District Magistrate will be to require delivery of letters, telegrams, etc., issue search-warrants for documents in custody of authority engaged in the delivery of mail, or provision of telephone, telegraph or similar other services, require security for good behaviour in case of sedition, discharge persons bound to keep the peace or to be of good behaviour, to cancel bond for keeping the peace, order preliminary investigation by police-officer not below the rank of inspector in certain cases, try summarily, tender pardon to accomplice at any stage of a case, hear appeals from order requiring security for keeping the peace or goods behaviour, orders of Magistrate refusing to accept or rejecting sureties, and hear appeals from convictions by Magistrates of the second or third classes, call for records, order inquiry into complaint dismissed or case of accused discharged, issue commission for examination of witness, and compel restoration of abducted female.
Sunday, June 12
Tax on clubs, farmhouses
For the first time, the Punjab government has levied duty ranging from 65 to 200 per cent on special classes of entertainment, separate cess on farm houses and clubs, while simultaneously increasing token tax on vehicles from Rs 500 to Rs 4500 depending upon the engine power.
As far as the duty on special classes of entertainment is concerned, 200 per cent of the payment for horse-racing or Rs 200 (whichever is higher) will be charged on admission tickets. Secondly, the proprietor of the Circus is to pay 20 per cent duty on the payment on admission, which will be on annual fixation basis. Thirdly, 65 per cent duty has been imposed on the entry tickets to fashion and musical shows or the same percentage of the total amount paid to the owner or management of the premises or total expenditure made by organiser or sponsor, whichever is higher.
However, no exemption in entertainment duty will be allowed to any of these entertainments under the Punjab Entertainment Duty Act 1958.
The rate of token tax for private vehicles was last revised in 2004. It was considered that since then the tax has lost its real value due to inflation, therefore, it has been proposed to rationalise the rate of token tax for private vehicles with engine capacity of 1000 CC or higher.
Vehicles with seating capacity of not more than three persons and capacity of less than six persons, the increase will be Rs 500. Vehicles with engine power not exceeding 1000 CC, Rs 600; power falling between 1000 CC and 1300 CC Rs 1800, between 1300 CC and 1500 CC Rs 3000, between 1500 CC and 2000 CC Rs 4500, between 2000 CC and 2500 CC Rs 6000 and with engine power exceeding 2500 CC an annual increase of Rs 10,000 has been made.
However, for three 4x4 vehicle with engine power exceeding 2500 CC, the increase is Rs 4500.
Houses or areas having swimming pools will be charged Rs 60,000 per annum as ‘Water conservancy charge’. However, this will not apply to educational institutions with a minimum surface area of 250 square feet.
For palatial farm houses constructed by affluent persons outside the urban rating areas, presently, no Property Tax is being charged from the owners of these farm houses. It has been decided to levy a fix farm house tax on three categories of farm houses having minimum area of four kanals and minimum covered area of 5,000 square feet. A farm house with covered area between 5000 to 7000 square feet, Rs 10 will be charged per square foot of the covered area. For a farm house with covered area between 7001 to 10,000 square feet, Rs15 per square foot of the covered area will be charged. Lastly, a farm house with covered area of more than 10,000 square feet, Rs.20 per square foot of the covered area will be charged. There are many elite clubs rendering services to affluent sections of the society.
The members of these clubs have capacity to pay cess for purposes of provision of education to poor and needy children. Ten per cent Education Cess on clubs’ initial membership fee and on services rendered by these clubs will charged.
As decreed by the government, ‘in order to make cinematic and amusement-park entertainment affordable to the common man’, the Entertainment Duty has been reduced from 65 to 20 per cent. While following into the footsteps of the Federal government and deeming ‘to give relief to the masses’, the General Sales Tax on Services is reduced from 17 to 16 per cent.
15 pc raise in salaries for govt employees
The Punjab government on Friday increased salaries of its employees by 15 per cent, while the pensioners have been given a raise from 15 to 20 per cent, which will be applicable from July 1 this year.
Also the conveyance allowance has been extended across the Punjab. Moreover, 25 per cent increase in the allowance of officials from Grade-1 to 15 has been announced.
This was announced in the budget speech. It has been maintained that the officialdom is an important pillar of the government machinery, and the employees have been hit-hard because of the price-hike and inflation. Keeping in view their financial problems because of limited means, 15 per cent has been raise given to all Punjab government employees.
In the same vein, those pensioners who retired either on June 30, 2002, or after, has been given a raise of 20 per cent. Also, those who retired on July 1, 2002 or after this date, their pension has been raised by 15 per cent.
Moreover, the conveyance allowance, which was limited to nine districts, or was allowed to the Education Department and the Subordinate Judiciary in the form of mobility allowance, has been extended across the province as per the present percentage. However, the Education Department and the Lower Judiciary have been given the choice of adopting one, either conveyance or mobility.
Last year, in its third consecutive fiscal outlay 2010-11, following into the footsteps of the Federal government, 50 per cent ad hoc monthly allowance was announced for Punjab employees, while 20 per cent increase in pension and medical allowances for the retired was announced.
During the fiscal year 2010-11, the increase in the pay, pension and medical allowance cost the public exchequer to tune of Rs54 billion.
In the budget of 2009-10, the provincial government had increased salaries by 20 per cent for officials from BS-1 to BS-16, and in the pensions of those, who retired prior to 1998.
Also the conveyance allowance has been extended across the Punjab. Moreover, 25 per cent increase in the allowance of officials from Grade-1 to 15 has been announced.
This was announced in the budget speech. It has been maintained that the officialdom is an important pillar of the government machinery, and the employees have been hit-hard because of the price-hike and inflation. Keeping in view their financial problems because of limited means, 15 per cent has been raise given to all Punjab government employees.
In the same vein, those pensioners who retired either on June 30, 2002, or after, has been given a raise of 20 per cent. Also, those who retired on July 1, 2002 or after this date, their pension has been raised by 15 per cent.
Moreover, the conveyance allowance, which was limited to nine districts, or was allowed to the Education Department and the Subordinate Judiciary in the form of mobility allowance, has been extended across the province as per the present percentage. However, the Education Department and the Lower Judiciary have been given the choice of adopting one, either conveyance or mobility.
Last year, in its third consecutive fiscal outlay 2010-11, following into the footsteps of the Federal government, 50 per cent ad hoc monthly allowance was announced for Punjab employees, while 20 per cent increase in pension and medical allowances for the retired was announced.
During the fiscal year 2010-11, the increase in the pay, pension and medical allowance cost the public exchequer to tune of Rs54 billion.
In the budget of 2009-10, the provincial government had increased salaries by 20 per cent for officials from BS-1 to BS-16, and in the pensions of those, who retired prior to 1998.
Punjab to bear Rs1.4 billion over devolved ministries
Financial implication of all three phases, encompassing devolving of subjects from the Centre, have been estimated to the tune of Rs 1,427.10 million, which is so if the allocations of Rs 222.4m for the statistical division are excluded.
However, the cumulative amount for the whole exercise will cost the provincial dispensation an amount of Rs 7,822.2m. To ensure the continuity and sustenance of the organisations devolved under 18th Amendment and to avoid any disruption in the service delivery, Rs 384 m has been sanctioned for the 46 offices devolved in the first and second phases in FY 2010-11.
During the first two phases of devolution starting in December 2010, ten out of the forty eight Ministries / Divisions at the Federal level have been devolved. Phase-III is currently underway and it is expected that the process will be completed by the end of June 2011. In the first and second phase, five Ministries/Divisions each were devolved, while the remaining eight Divisions with the exception of statistical Division are likely to be devolved in the third phase.
To begin with, mapping of functions devolved to provincial governments and their allocation to different Provincial Government Departments was completed.
For the devolved ministries in the first phases,
The budget document indicating financial implication mention that a total of Rs 815.9m have earmarked two departments, that is, Population Welfare Department Rs 15.9m and Youth Affairs 800m.
For the second phase devolved ministries, Rs 6,646m have estimated for five heads, which include Culture Rs 68.7m, Education Rs 6435.9, Higher Education Commission Rs 6395.1m, Livestock and Dairy Development Rs 9.1m, Social Welfare & Special Education Rs 124.1m and Tourism Rs 8.2m.
Rs 360.3m have been assessed for five more entities, which include Food and Agriculture Rs 42m, Health Rs 62.3m, Labour and Manpower Rs 33.3m, Minorities Affairs Rs 1.3m and Statistics Division Rs 222.4m.
However, the cumulative amount for the whole exercise will cost the provincial dispensation an amount of Rs 7,822.2m. To ensure the continuity and sustenance of the organisations devolved under 18th Amendment and to avoid any disruption in the service delivery, Rs 384 m has been sanctioned for the 46 offices devolved in the first and second phases in FY 2010-11.
During the first two phases of devolution starting in December 2010, ten out of the forty eight Ministries / Divisions at the Federal level have been devolved. Phase-III is currently underway and it is expected that the process will be completed by the end of June 2011. In the first and second phase, five Ministries/Divisions each were devolved, while the remaining eight Divisions with the exception of statistical Division are likely to be devolved in the third phase.
To begin with, mapping of functions devolved to provincial governments and their allocation to different Provincial Government Departments was completed.
For the devolved ministries in the first phases,
The budget document indicating financial implication mention that a total of Rs 815.9m have earmarked two departments, that is, Population Welfare Department Rs 15.9m and Youth Affairs 800m.
For the second phase devolved ministries, Rs 6,646m have estimated for five heads, which include Culture Rs 68.7m, Education Rs 6435.9, Higher Education Commission Rs 6395.1m, Livestock and Dairy Development Rs 9.1m, Social Welfare & Special Education Rs 124.1m and Tourism Rs 8.2m.
Rs 360.3m have been assessed for five more entities, which include Food and Agriculture Rs 42m, Health Rs 62.3m, Labour and Manpower Rs 33.3m, Minorities Affairs Rs 1.3m and Statistics Division Rs 222.4m.
Prodigious footnotes of ‘austere’ Shahbaz Sharif
Despite loud pronouncements of running the province by putting in place strict austere measure sans any useless expenditures, in the on-going fiscal year, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat has spent Rs 324.647 million, which is so far the highest of any chief executive of the province.
Year 2008-09 was the first fiscal outlay presented by the then PPP-N coalition government, and that year, Rs 243.606m were spent by the CM’s Secretariat. In order to go public about decreased expenses, in 2009-10, the budget estimate was announced to be Rs 165.323m, but the govt was made to revise it to Rs 292.526m because of extra spending by CM’s Secretariat. Better sense prevailed for the last fiscal year when the budget estimate was figured at Rs 266.419m, but now the expenses were made to the tune of Rs 324.647m.
Now again, while delivering the budget speech when Kamran Michael asserted that the budget allocation for CM’s secretariat has been reduced by about 25 per cent. “The CM Punjab has decided to initiate simplicity and saving steps from his own secretariat. That is why for the current fiscal year, in comparison the reviewed amount has been reduced by one-fourth,” asserted the incumbent finance minister. However, he did not mention the figure, which is actually the same for year 2010-11 – Rs 266.419m – but his CM spent Rs 58.228m more than the allocated amount.
In the same way, the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team has spent Rs 10m more than the allocated amount of Rs 40.902m in the on-going fiscal year.
On the other, the Governor’s House is also not keeping itself within the allocated budget though less comparison can be drawn between the two Secretariats, headed by two adversary political parties.
In 2009-10 budget, it spent Rs 137.763m, while in fiscal outlay 2010-11 Rs 133.160m were allocated, but its total spending was Rs 186.512m. For the next budget, the estimate is Rs 160.190m, but certainly it will increase as well keeping in mind the track-record.
The Governor’s House – as one head – spent Rs 14.361m in 2009-10, while next year, against an allocation of Rs 14.367m, it spent Rs 14.712m. However, for the next year, Rs 14.367m have been estimated. As far as the Governor’s Secretariat is concerned, Rs 48.354 were spent in 2009-10, while it used Rs 71.749m against an estimated amount of Rs 49.812m in year 2010-11. For the next budget, an allocation of Rs 64.857m has been made.
In 2009, the staff and household of the Governor’s House had spent Rs 75.048m. Next year, against an estimated amount of Rs 68.981m, but it reached a figure of Rs 100.051m. For the next fiscal year, an amount of Rs 80.966m has been allocated.
“Inevitably, these prodigious footnotes are in blatant contradiction to the parable of embroidered slogans about austerity. Like the wide margins a publisher uses to eke out a skimpy text, the political bosses are making a novel of stupendous spending for future dispensations, which will certainly be bigger than what it is now and it will be certainly at the expense of the poor,” sarcastically observed PML-Q legislator Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari.
Thursday, June 2
Govt not implementing transfer-posting policy
The Punjab government has been unable to implement transfer-posting policy, which is causing huge problems to the civil servants and resentment also, which is serious hampering the functioning of various departments.
According to government employees, the transfer-posting policy is not being practised in its true letter and spirit because of repeated interferences by politicians coupled with bureaucratic support being extended to favourites, which is adding to the problems of the ‘disliked’ officers and officials who certainly have no strings to pull whenever they are transferred and posted to far-off places or against next-to-OSD posts.
As per unannounced policy, transfer-postings of SHOs and Patwaris – at the bare minimum level – are being done according to the ‘instructions’, and in quite a large number of cases upon direct directions of the MNAs and MPAs of the ruling party. This extends to the level of secretaries and their staff posted at the Civil Secretariat to the district and tehsil administrations across the province.
As per the policy’s salient features, transfers would be kept to the barest minimum and would be made against vacant post except where the transfers were justified on administrative or compassionate grounds. The employees whether gazetted or non-gazetted due to retire within next two years, would be allowed to continue in the same district or at the same station of postings till retirement as far as possible.
Regarding couples’ cases, when husband and wife both are serving, it was desirable to keep them at one station for a period of not more than five years; thereafter they would be transferred as per the policy.
However, efforts would be made to post unmarried females and widows at stations suitable to them as far as possible. The unmarried and widows would be given preference over couple cases in the matter of posting and transfers at stations convenient to them
In order to mitigate the suffering of the handicapped and blind employees, the government is to be considerate in posting and transferring them. In the same vein, sympathetic attitude would be adopted while posting or transferring a government employee or officers whose child is mentally challenged and efforts would be made to post them at the place of their choice.
Importantly, a stay of three years and five years would be treated respectively as the minimum and maximum period at a particular place. Similarly for employees transferable, no employee is to be allowed to serve in one district beyond a period of seven years, within particular office, seats having sensitive nature of work such as extensive public dealings, establishment, monetary sanctions etc. would be clearly defined and maximum stay would be kept at two years.
Premature transfers, that is, transfer of any employee before he has completed minimum three years would not be ordered except under rare circumstances of punishment or clearly spelt out administrative reasons.
Unfortunately, the government cannot claim that it is actualising the most glaring aspects of the document even. That is why, the number of complainant-officers and officials is increasing day-by-day, while quite a few of them are moving the competent courts for the redressel of their complaints.
According to government employees, the transfer-posting policy is not being practised in its true letter and spirit because of repeated interferences by politicians coupled with bureaucratic support being extended to favourites, which is adding to the problems of the ‘disliked’ officers and officials who certainly have no strings to pull whenever they are transferred and posted to far-off places or against next-to-OSD posts.
As per unannounced policy, transfer-postings of SHOs and Patwaris – at the bare minimum level – are being done according to the ‘instructions’, and in quite a large number of cases upon direct directions of the MNAs and MPAs of the ruling party. This extends to the level of secretaries and their staff posted at the Civil Secretariat to the district and tehsil administrations across the province.
As per the policy’s salient features, transfers would be kept to the barest minimum and would be made against vacant post except where the transfers were justified on administrative or compassionate grounds. The employees whether gazetted or non-gazetted due to retire within next two years, would be allowed to continue in the same district or at the same station of postings till retirement as far as possible.
Regarding couples’ cases, when husband and wife both are serving, it was desirable to keep them at one station for a period of not more than five years; thereafter they would be transferred as per the policy.
However, efforts would be made to post unmarried females and widows at stations suitable to them as far as possible. The unmarried and widows would be given preference over couple cases in the matter of posting and transfers at stations convenient to them
In order to mitigate the suffering of the handicapped and blind employees, the government is to be considerate in posting and transferring them. In the same vein, sympathetic attitude would be adopted while posting or transferring a government employee or officers whose child is mentally challenged and efforts would be made to post them at the place of their choice.
Importantly, a stay of three years and five years would be treated respectively as the minimum and maximum period at a particular place. Similarly for employees transferable, no employee is to be allowed to serve in one district beyond a period of seven years, within particular office, seats having sensitive nature of work such as extensive public dealings, establishment, monetary sanctions etc. would be clearly defined and maximum stay would be kept at two years.
Premature transfers, that is, transfer of any employee before he has completed minimum three years would not be ordered except under rare circumstances of punishment or clearly spelt out administrative reasons.
Unfortunately, the government cannot claim that it is actualising the most glaring aspects of the document even. That is why, the number of complainant-officers and officials is increasing day-by-day, while quite a few of them are moving the competent courts for the redressel of their complaints.
Wednesday, May 11
Govt falls short of medics’ expectations
The Punjab government on Monday might be flexing its muscles over what it considered to be a success by announcing a pay package worth Rs 5.2 billion for the protesting doctors and paramedics, while the latter are expected to ‘react’ on Tuesday after their consulatory meeting.
This is the third attempt on the part of the government to woo the estranged medics, who deem that they had been betrayed on different occasions. Result: People suffered, as for the first time in the country’s history, public hospitals virtually remained dysfunctional for around 40 days.
Last month, hundreds of doctors resigned and went on strike after the provincial government failed to meet once-promised demands for better pays and service structure and compensation as per education, leaving hospitals virtually crippled and failing to administer medication. The Young Doctors Association Punjab, claiming to have 8,000 members, demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 90,000, including regularisation of employment contracts. Now the YDA has support of some bigwigs of the field, like Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College Prof Javed Akram, who had threatened leading long march for getting the demands actualised.
When the YDA raised the issues with the Punjab government, a committee headed by Zulfiqar Khosa, held parleys and reached an agreement, which was later on rejected, and this made the doctors took to streets, leaving patients and hospitals to be managed by ex-Secretary Health Fawad Hassan Fawad, and muscle flexing medic-cum-MPA Dr Saeed Elahi. At one time, both were hand in glove with the YDA, and this time, perhaps knowingly docs’ prowess, were bent upon teaching a lesson to the Frankenstein, certainly gone beyond their control. Terminations, arrests and new recruitments were made, but again meetings were started.
One such meeting was held at ‘official’ compound of ex-Nazim Mian Amir Mehmood, and both parties agreed to resolve the crisis through dialogue. However, the Elahi-Fawad duo tried to keep apace retributional measures, which razed the mended fences, and doctors went for afresh offence since the latter felt betrayed for the second time.
Then another Zulfiqar Khosa-led cabinet committee was formed by Shahbaz Sharif, and doctors called off their strike after assurance that the government would meet their demands.
This time again, Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa on Monday has told the mediamen that the CM had given approval to pay package of Rs 5.2 billion by accepting the recommendations of cabinet committee after consultation with representatives of young doctors and paramedic associations. He said the government had allocated a huge amount for health sector according to the available resources under which the health expenditure would be increased from Rs 13 billion to Rs 38 billion during the next three years. Khosa expected that after the announcement of ‘big financial package’, the doctors would perform duties instead of resorting to protests.
Under this package, Rs 6,000 would be increased in the stipend of a House Officer and this stipend would be virtually jumped from Rs 18,000 to Rs 24,000. An increase of Rs 22,500 had been approved in the stipend of post-graduate students and their stipend would be increased from Rs 22,000 to Rs 42,000. An increase of Rs 15,000 would be made in the salaries of medical officers and dental surgeons of Grade-17, and Rs 3370 per month would be given them as pay protection. An approval to the increase of Rs 10,000 has been given in the salaries of doctors serving in Grade 18, 19 and 20. Resultantly, an expenditure of Rs 376 million will be incurred on the promotion of paramedic staff under four tier formula. In addition, Rs 239m will be incurred on pay protection of nurses.
Moreover, a special cell has been set up in the Health Department for taking action on the pending promotion cases of doctors. In addition, a special committee has been constituted comprising all stake holders for revising service structure of doctors and paramedics of health department, which is expected to formulate its recommendation at the earliest.
However, it is imperative that both PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif must figure out black sheep in their subordinate ranks, who are constantly dishing out ill-conceived advices aimed at creating mess and troubles for the government, which should not be facing such uncalled for crisis at this juncture.
This is the third attempt on the part of the government to woo the estranged medics, who deem that they had been betrayed on different occasions. Result: People suffered, as for the first time in the country’s history, public hospitals virtually remained dysfunctional for around 40 days.
Last month, hundreds of doctors resigned and went on strike after the provincial government failed to meet once-promised demands for better pays and service structure and compensation as per education, leaving hospitals virtually crippled and failing to administer medication. The Young Doctors Association Punjab, claiming to have 8,000 members, demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 90,000, including regularisation of employment contracts. Now the YDA has support of some bigwigs of the field, like Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College Prof Javed Akram, who had threatened leading long march for getting the demands actualised.
When the YDA raised the issues with the Punjab government, a committee headed by Zulfiqar Khosa, held parleys and reached an agreement, which was later on rejected, and this made the doctors took to streets, leaving patients and hospitals to be managed by ex-Secretary Health Fawad Hassan Fawad, and muscle flexing medic-cum-MPA Dr Saeed Elahi. At one time, both were hand in glove with the YDA, and this time, perhaps knowingly docs’ prowess, were bent upon teaching a lesson to the Frankenstein, certainly gone beyond their control. Terminations, arrests and new recruitments were made, but again meetings were started.
One such meeting was held at ‘official’ compound of ex-Nazim Mian Amir Mehmood, and both parties agreed to resolve the crisis through dialogue. However, the Elahi-Fawad duo tried to keep apace retributional measures, which razed the mended fences, and doctors went for afresh offence since the latter felt betrayed for the second time.
Then another Zulfiqar Khosa-led cabinet committee was formed by Shahbaz Sharif, and doctors called off their strike after assurance that the government would meet their demands.
This time again, Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa on Monday has told the mediamen that the CM had given approval to pay package of Rs 5.2 billion by accepting the recommendations of cabinet committee after consultation with representatives of young doctors and paramedic associations. He said the government had allocated a huge amount for health sector according to the available resources under which the health expenditure would be increased from Rs 13 billion to Rs 38 billion during the next three years. Khosa expected that after the announcement of ‘big financial package’, the doctors would perform duties instead of resorting to protests.
Under this package, Rs 6,000 would be increased in the stipend of a House Officer and this stipend would be virtually jumped from Rs 18,000 to Rs 24,000. An increase of Rs 22,500 had been approved in the stipend of post-graduate students and their stipend would be increased from Rs 22,000 to Rs 42,000. An increase of Rs 15,000 would be made in the salaries of medical officers and dental surgeons of Grade-17, and Rs 3370 per month would be given them as pay protection. An approval to the increase of Rs 10,000 has been given in the salaries of doctors serving in Grade 18, 19 and 20. Resultantly, an expenditure of Rs 376 million will be incurred on the promotion of paramedic staff under four tier formula. In addition, Rs 239m will be incurred on pay protection of nurses.
Moreover, a special cell has been set up in the Health Department for taking action on the pending promotion cases of doctors. In addition, a special committee has been constituted comprising all stake holders for revising service structure of doctors and paramedics of health department, which is expected to formulate its recommendation at the earliest.
However, it is imperative that both PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif must figure out black sheep in their subordinate ranks, who are constantly dishing out ill-conceived advices aimed at creating mess and troubles for the government, which should not be facing such uncalled for crisis at this juncture.
Monday, November 29
Education Department leads complaint index
The provincial Education Department leads the complaint index of the Punjab Ombudsman with about 20 per cent applicants alleged the department of various problems ranging from maladministration to corrupt practices.
As per a report, during the last year, 13157 complaints were received by the Ombudsman, while 4893 were maintainable and 8264 applications were non-maintainable. As far as the nature of maladministration is concerned, 53 per cent, that is, 2588 complainants were of the view that various departments were guilty of inattention, delay, neglect, inefficiency and ineptitude, 30 per cent (1470 applicants) deemed that their cases related to administrative excesses, discrimination, favouritism, and arbitrary, unjust and biased decisions, while 17 per cent (835 applications) were pointing out corrupt practices across all departments.
Complaints about pensionary and other retirement benefits were maximum, that is 376, out of the 967 applications alleging departments of maladministration in service matters. On the other hand, 171 submissions were about appointment under rule 17-A (Plaintiff and Defendant; Capacity; Public Officers), 134 about payment of pending bills, 122 about release/fixation of pay, 99 cases of family pension, while 27, 26 and 12 were about appointment against quota reserved for the children of employees (BS-1 to 5), appointment against quota for the disabled and transfer of the PPO respectively.
After investigation, 57 per cent were complaints wherein the grievances were addressed; in 33 per cent of the cases wherein the views of the agencies were upheld, and for 5 per cent complaints, the directions were issued but implementation was still pending. In 2008, 386 directions were pending implementation, while in 2009, the bar had risen to 464. Under this head, Local Government and Community Development Department is leading with 127 directions awaiting implementation. The Education Department has 64, Irrigation and Power 50, Board of Revenue 46, Health Department 36, Communication and Works 18, while Police and other departments have 10 and 67 directions yet to implement.
Out of total 11,672 complaints – excluding 1485 which related to federal/private matters where departments were not mentioned – received by the Ombudsman, the Education Department (excluding Universities having 246 complaints, Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education 241) led with 2383 applications, and followed by the Police with 1755. The third on the list is the revenue administration/DORs, which had 1307 complainants. The other departments had a tally of 926 LG&CD, 752 Health, 507 Irrigation and Power, 378 C&W, 345 Accountant General Punjab, 323 Benevolent Fund Boards, 216 Water and Sanitation Agencies, 192 Bait-ul-Maal, 188 Agriculture, 185 District Governments,. 168 Excise and Taxation, 137 Home/Jails/Prisons/Civil Defence/Rescue, 130 Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, 126 Anti-Corruption Establishment, 119 Development Authorities, 113 HUE&PHE, 101 TEVTA, 89 Food, 83 Population Welfare, 67 Livestock and Dairy Development, 66 Auqaf, Religious and Minority Affairs, 60 Zakat and Usher, 56 Punjab Board of Technical Education, 50 Transport, 48 Social Welfare and Women Development, 45 Labour and Human Resource, 45 Punjab Public Service Commission, 30 PESSI, 26 Cooperatives, 25 Services and General Administration Department, 24 Information, Culture and Youth Affairs, 22 Industries, 18 Environment Protection, 14 Mines and Minerals, 11 MPDD, 10 Prosecution, 9 Parks and Horticulture, 8 Finance, 7 Planning and Development, 4 each for Law and Parliamentary Affairs and Punjab Text Book Board, 3 each for Sports and Museum, and 2 each for Punjab Small Industries Cooperation and Tourism and Resort Development.
Punjab govt’s axe to fall on projects, employees
Cash-strapped Punjab government is accelerating its move to get rid of extra burden on its exchequer by doing away with the projects, which are being mainly funded by the provincial administration, and terminating employees recruited on contract.
Seeing this, the Health Department has already placed a ban on expenditures under 15 different heads with the pretext that the money saved in this regard would be diverted for the rehabilitation of the flood affectees and providing them with medical facilities.
However, the adversaries to this move believe that the provincial budget had already allocated money for the working of these hospitals and medical institutes, while there was a lesser possibility of spending this money in the flood-hit since the provincial government needed it in the provincial metropolis for running its day-to-days affairs. However, while adopting this move, the Health Department had averred that these special measures were taken for controlling unnecessary expenditures besides utilising the funds allocated in the budget efficiently which would leave no adverse impact on the provision of healthcare facilities. It was believed that these steps would help save Rs 810million to be spent for providing medical facilities to flood affectees.
On Tuesday, the Information and Analysis Unit was merged into the Punjab Resource Management Programme, and its 10 employees on contract were sent home as well. As per sources, in the same way, various measures are being carried out where the projects and units, which can be merged into other projects or departments, will be flowed into bigger heads. “This is part of the policy to curtail the financial load by trimming extra administrative burden, especially those of employees working on contract,” mentioned the source, while falling short of giving it a name of ‘down-sizing’ – an expression which has become a misnomer for the political bigwigs since public wrath could be ignited. “One can call it down-sizing, but for that matter, the Punjab government should also stop giving favours to political favourites,” demanded the officer.
On Wednesday, Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa chaired a meeting – attended by administrative secretaries concerned – which encompassed working of the projects, salaries of government officers working in the projects on deputation, financial share of the Punjab government vis-Ã -vis donors and number of contractual employees. “It is expected that such projects, which are depending heavily on the government financing, and has a large number of employees recruited on contract either by the previous government of the PML-Q or by the present political dispensation, axe will fall on them in two ways – one such projects and units will be abolished, or merged into other departments; secondly, contractual employees will be sent home,” confided a source.
However, this will be done at a slow pace so that the political government does not face public wrath for terminating employees in one go.
Seeing this, the Health Department has already placed a ban on expenditures under 15 different heads with the pretext that the money saved in this regard would be diverted for the rehabilitation of the flood affectees and providing them with medical facilities.
However, the adversaries to this move believe that the provincial budget had already allocated money for the working of these hospitals and medical institutes, while there was a lesser possibility of spending this money in the flood-hit since the provincial government needed it in the provincial metropolis for running its day-to-days affairs. However, while adopting this move, the Health Department had averred that these special measures were taken for controlling unnecessary expenditures besides utilising the funds allocated in the budget efficiently which would leave no adverse impact on the provision of healthcare facilities. It was believed that these steps would help save Rs 810million to be spent for providing medical facilities to flood affectees.
On Tuesday, the Information and Analysis Unit was merged into the Punjab Resource Management Programme, and its 10 employees on contract were sent home as well. As per sources, in the same way, various measures are being carried out where the projects and units, which can be merged into other projects or departments, will be flowed into bigger heads. “This is part of the policy to curtail the financial load by trimming extra administrative burden, especially those of employees working on contract,” mentioned the source, while falling short of giving it a name of ‘down-sizing’ – an expression which has become a misnomer for the political bigwigs since public wrath could be ignited. “One can call it down-sizing, but for that matter, the Punjab government should also stop giving favours to political favourites,” demanded the officer.
On Wednesday, Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa chaired a meeting – attended by administrative secretaries concerned – which encompassed working of the projects, salaries of government officers working in the projects on deputation, financial share of the Punjab government vis-Ã -vis donors and number of contractual employees. “It is expected that such projects, which are depending heavily on the government financing, and has a large number of employees recruited on contract either by the previous government of the PML-Q or by the present political dispensation, axe will fall on them in two ways – one such projects and units will be abolished, or merged into other departments; secondly, contractual employees will be sent home,” confided a source.
However, this will be done at a slow pace so that the political government does not face public wrath for terminating employees in one go.
Monday, November 22
Dysfunctional provincial Bait-ul-Maal Council
The Punjab Bait-ul-Maal Council has virtually become dysfunctional owing to non-existent district committees since 2008, while the provincial government is yet to release an annual grant of Rs 100 million as fixed in the fiscal outlay of 2010-11 despite a lapse of about five months since the budget was announced.
Nevertheless, in the absence of the district committee during the last over two years, the all-powerful Council has raised its bar of utilising funds on its own since it has moved from Rs 8.229491m in 2008 to Rs 21.3719m in 2009.
According to a report of the Council, during 2008-09, a grant of Rs 200 million was given by the then PML-Q govt, and the money transferred to the accounts of district committees, but the un-utilised amount is still in their accounts since these were dissolved in the last quarter of 2008.
However, in year 2009, these non-existent committees have utilised an amount of Rs 0.436481m for administrative matters, while not even a single penny has been given to the needy of the districts across Punjab.
From April till December 2008 – when the PML-N led govt held provincial fort – no substantial amount was given to the poor by the then district committees, except a few pending cases were entertained. Especially after May of the same year, no money was given to aid seekers. However, in the first quarter, the district committees gave away Rs 23.362011m to 3375 individuals and entities, which also included administrative expenses of Rs 0.791674m.
So far, the govt has failed in forming district committees as well. As per a report of the Bait-ul-Maal, the district committees were dissolved on October 25, 2010 upon the expiry of the tenure, and consequent upon this, action on applications was also halted. Secondly, nominations were sought from district officers of the Department for instituting the committees at the earliest, but this process could not be completed owing to the reason that certain names were considered to be ill-suited for the task. “Corrections are underway, and as soon as the task will be completed, the nominations will be presented to the Bait-ul-Maal Council for approval, and consequently, the committees will be formed for dishing out monetary assistance to the poor,” says the report.
Due to non-existent committees, piles of applications from the needy have accumulated at the Department’s offices. As per rule, these requests are to be actualised within three months, but according to the Rule 2.3 of the Punjab Bait-ul-Maal Act 1991, if these applications were not considered within six months, these are automatically deemed disposed of.
However, even if the district committees were not formed, the higher-ups have been meeting regularly, and various sub-committees – administrative and finance, meant for judicious distribution of money – at the provincial level were nominated out the 15-member Council. In 2009, the Council met for eight times, whereas two meetings were postponed since these were inquorate; hence no decisions taken. During this period, Justice (r) Akhtar Hassan completed his stint, and Justice (r) Mian Nazeer Akhtar was appointed as ‘Ameen’ of the Council.
However, in 2009, the Council took lead by utilising Rs 21.3719m under expenditures and other heads to 539 individuals and entities. 19 Non-Governmental Organisations have been given Rs 5.7425m, Rs 8.334m to 255 persons, Rs 1.7304 to 88 as education stipend, Rs 3.23m as dowry allowance to 122 persons, Rs 0.55m to 10 physically impaired persons for tri-cycles and Rs 65,000 were given to two individuals for hearing aid and artificial limbs. Moreover, the Council also dished out Rs 1.72m to 43 persons for treatment.
In dire contradiction to 2009, the Council had utilised only Rs 8.229491m in 2008, which was given to 53 persons and organisations.
Nevertheless, in the absence of the district committee during the last over two years, the all-powerful Council has raised its bar of utilising funds on its own since it has moved from Rs 8.229491m in 2008 to Rs 21.3719m in 2009.
According to a report of the Council, during 2008-09, a grant of Rs 200 million was given by the then PML-Q govt, and the money transferred to the accounts of district committees, but the un-utilised amount is still in their accounts since these were dissolved in the last quarter of 2008.
However, in year 2009, these non-existent committees have utilised an amount of Rs 0.436481m for administrative matters, while not even a single penny has been given to the needy of the districts across Punjab.
From April till December 2008 – when the PML-N led govt held provincial fort – no substantial amount was given to the poor by the then district committees, except a few pending cases were entertained. Especially after May of the same year, no money was given to aid seekers. However, in the first quarter, the district committees gave away Rs 23.362011m to 3375 individuals and entities, which also included administrative expenses of Rs 0.791674m.
So far, the govt has failed in forming district committees as well. As per a report of the Bait-ul-Maal, the district committees were dissolved on October 25, 2010 upon the expiry of the tenure, and consequent upon this, action on applications was also halted. Secondly, nominations were sought from district officers of the Department for instituting the committees at the earliest, but this process could not be completed owing to the reason that certain names were considered to be ill-suited for the task. “Corrections are underway, and as soon as the task will be completed, the nominations will be presented to the Bait-ul-Maal Council for approval, and consequently, the committees will be formed for dishing out monetary assistance to the poor,” says the report.
Due to non-existent committees, piles of applications from the needy have accumulated at the Department’s offices. As per rule, these requests are to be actualised within three months, but according to the Rule 2.3 of the Punjab Bait-ul-Maal Act 1991, if these applications were not considered within six months, these are automatically deemed disposed of.
However, even if the district committees were not formed, the higher-ups have been meeting regularly, and various sub-committees – administrative and finance, meant for judicious distribution of money – at the provincial level were nominated out the 15-member Council. In 2009, the Council met for eight times, whereas two meetings were postponed since these were inquorate; hence no decisions taken. During this period, Justice (r) Akhtar Hassan completed his stint, and Justice (r) Mian Nazeer Akhtar was appointed as ‘Ameen’ of the Council.
However, in 2009, the Council took lead by utilising Rs 21.3719m under expenditures and other heads to 539 individuals and entities. 19 Non-Governmental Organisations have been given Rs 5.7425m, Rs 8.334m to 255 persons, Rs 1.7304 to 88 as education stipend, Rs 3.23m as dowry allowance to 122 persons, Rs 0.55m to 10 physically impaired persons for tri-cycles and Rs 65,000 were given to two individuals for hearing aid and artificial limbs. Moreover, the Council also dished out Rs 1.72m to 43 persons for treatment.
In dire contradiction to 2009, the Council had utilised only Rs 8.229491m in 2008, which was given to 53 persons and organisations.
Tuesday, November 16
S&GAD demands Rs 10m from FD
The Services and General Administration Department has requested the Finance Department to release Rs 10.320 million under the head of the payment of training course fee.
This has been done after the Management and Professional Development Department has in turn pleaded for the same from the S&GAD since the MPDD has conducted the training, and the payment had not been made so far.
As per details, the Finance Department is yet to release Rs 4.16m, which was incurred for the training of 40 PMS (ex-PCS/PSS) participants who attended 8-week mandatory training course for promotion from BS-17 to BS-18 at the MPDD from August 12 to October 9 of the current year. The training fee per person was Rs 1,04,000.
Secondly, another batch of 40 PMS (ex-PCS/PSS) officers attended mandatory course for promotion from BS-18 to BS-19 was conducted at the MPDD from August 15 to October 11 this year. Each officer’s training fee was Rs 1,54,00, and the cumulative cost was Rs 6.16m.
“The Finance Department has already made block allocation of Rs 100m for ‘training (domestic) in the current fiscal outlay, but it is yet to release the said amount to the MPDD, which is otherwise a routine matter,” averred an officer, seeking anonymity. According to him, the S&GAD has asked the FD for releasing the training amount out of the block allocation so that the payment could be made to the MPDD.
While reasoning out the delay, an FD officer observed that the FD seemed to have fallen short of money, and the allocation had been spent on other heads. “This is the only plausible reason, which seemed to be reality as well,” added the officer, wished not to be named when he was quizzed about the issue.
This has been done after the Management and Professional Development Department has in turn pleaded for the same from the S&GAD since the MPDD has conducted the training, and the payment had not been made so far.
As per details, the Finance Department is yet to release Rs 4.16m, which was incurred for the training of 40 PMS (ex-PCS/PSS) participants who attended 8-week mandatory training course for promotion from BS-17 to BS-18 at the MPDD from August 12 to October 9 of the current year. The training fee per person was Rs 1,04,000.
Secondly, another batch of 40 PMS (ex-PCS/PSS) officers attended mandatory course for promotion from BS-18 to BS-19 was conducted at the MPDD from August 15 to October 11 this year. Each officer’s training fee was Rs 1,54,00, and the cumulative cost was Rs 6.16m.
“The Finance Department has already made block allocation of Rs 100m for ‘training (domestic) in the current fiscal outlay, but it is yet to release the said amount to the MPDD, which is otherwise a routine matter,” averred an officer, seeking anonymity. According to him, the S&GAD has asked the FD for releasing the training amount out of the block allocation so that the payment could be made to the MPDD.
While reasoning out the delay, an FD officer observed that the FD seemed to have fallen short of money, and the allocation had been spent on other heads. “This is the only plausible reason, which seemed to be reality as well,” added the officer, wished not to be named when he was quizzed about the issue.
Saturday, November 6
‘Brainy’ TFs still functional despite announcement
Despite an announcement regarding the dissolution of the Task Forces, out of existing 27, the Punjab government has so far denotified only six, while three have been merged into one, and reportedly, the money-saving measure is yet to bear fruits since the perks are still being dished out to the men behind these Forces.
Secondly, contrary to oft repeated claim that these forces were working on honorary basis, except three chairmen, that is, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif (TF on Qabza Mafia), Hamza Shahbaz Sharif (TF on Jail Reforms) and Nadeem Babar (TF on Energy), every chairman has been given vehicle and petrol, while Rs 0.69 million have been paid each month to seven persons since the constitution of forces in 2008 and first quarter of 2009.
Dissolved TFs include Administrative and Financial Efficiency (headed by S. Farogh Naveed, and Wiqar A. Khan as member) two on Promotion of Sports (Niva Usman Umer and Ijaz Gull), Promotion of Sports in Urban and Rural Areas (Ch Muhammad Yaqoob), Introduction of Information Technology System in District Level Offices (Nadeem Haque) and Pakistani Community in the UK (Zubair Gull). Out of these, only Ch Yaqoob was working on honorary basis though was given 1300CC car and 200 litres petrol per month, while the rest were having salaried chairmen. However, another paid Chairman of Task Force on Information Technology System District Level Offices Nadeem Haq is still on job, while like others, he is having car and petrol.
Moreover, 14 chairmen each have been allowed to use 1300CC cars and allocation of 200 litres petrol, while four each have 1000CC vehicles and 150 litres petrol every month. There is one exception of friend-cum-foe of the PML-N ex-Governor Punjab Ghulam Mustafa Khar – Chairman TF on Wild Life – who was given Land Rover 2500CC, and facility of unlimited usage of petrol.
S. Farogh Naveed and Wiqar A. Khan each were given two 1600CC vehicles, allowed 340 litres petrol per month, and pay of Rs 1,95,0000, which made them the highest salaried persons in this regard. Their task force was notified on July 16, 2008, and dissolved on August 20, 2010. However, no report of their Task Force is available with the Services and General Administration Department. “We did ask, but were sternly told that it had been submitted to the Chief Minister,” confided an S&GAD officer, seeking anonymity.
Like wise, Neva Usman, Ijaz Gull, Zubair Gull and Dr Awais Farooqi each have been given Rs 75,000 each month since 2008. Dr Farooqi TF on Parks and Horticulture is said to have been dissolved sans notification.
Beside certain brightest brains of their respective fields, this head of TFs seemed to have been used for dishing out political favours since two MNAs – Hamza Shahbaz Sharif as well – nine MPAs and a host of other political cronies were obliged through this exercise.
MPA Col (r) Shuja Khanzada was appointed as Chairman of three Task Forces, that is, Substandard and Spurious Agri Pesticides/Fertilizers, Long/Short-Term Strategy on BT Cotton, and Development of Vegetables, Pulses and Flowers. On August 20 this year, these three have been merged into one with a cumulative name having all ingredients. However, he is being given one 1300CC car and 200 litres petrol since 2008.
“The calculations regarding cost of petrol – owing to repeated fluctuations in prices – and repair and maintenance of vehicles cannot be made in one go, and perhaps another task force is required to do so. Certainly, it has cost a huge sum to the public kitty with zero-sum results,” averred the officer when he was quizzed about any exercise done in this regard ‘since vehicles are still with the Chairmen and members.’
However, questions remain to be answered are: What was the positive outcome of much-controversial forces, which became political muscles and less of brains for the govt, and caused dent to public exchequer? Were the desired objectives achieved? Why were parliamentarians and political pals given these slots? Will reports either submitted by these forces or prepared by the govt be ever released?
Secondly, contrary to oft repeated claim that these forces were working on honorary basis, except three chairmen, that is, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif (TF on Qabza Mafia), Hamza Shahbaz Sharif (TF on Jail Reforms) and Nadeem Babar (TF on Energy), every chairman has been given vehicle and petrol, while Rs 0.69 million have been paid each month to seven persons since the constitution of forces in 2008 and first quarter of 2009.
Dissolved TFs include Administrative and Financial Efficiency (headed by S. Farogh Naveed, and Wiqar A. Khan as member) two on Promotion of Sports (Niva Usman Umer and Ijaz Gull), Promotion of Sports in Urban and Rural Areas (Ch Muhammad Yaqoob), Introduction of Information Technology System in District Level Offices (Nadeem Haque) and Pakistani Community in the UK (Zubair Gull). Out of these, only Ch Yaqoob was working on honorary basis though was given 1300CC car and 200 litres petrol per month, while the rest were having salaried chairmen. However, another paid Chairman of Task Force on Information Technology System District Level Offices Nadeem Haq is still on job, while like others, he is having car and petrol.
Moreover, 14 chairmen each have been allowed to use 1300CC cars and allocation of 200 litres petrol, while four each have 1000CC vehicles and 150 litres petrol every month. There is one exception of friend-cum-foe of the PML-N ex-Governor Punjab Ghulam Mustafa Khar – Chairman TF on Wild Life – who was given Land Rover 2500CC, and facility of unlimited usage of petrol.
S. Farogh Naveed and Wiqar A. Khan each were given two 1600CC vehicles, allowed 340 litres petrol per month, and pay of Rs 1,95,0000, which made them the highest salaried persons in this regard. Their task force was notified on July 16, 2008, and dissolved on August 20, 2010. However, no report of their Task Force is available with the Services and General Administration Department. “We did ask, but were sternly told that it had been submitted to the Chief Minister,” confided an S&GAD officer, seeking anonymity.
Like wise, Neva Usman, Ijaz Gull, Zubair Gull and Dr Awais Farooqi each have been given Rs 75,000 each month since 2008. Dr Farooqi TF on Parks and Horticulture is said to have been dissolved sans notification.
Beside certain brightest brains of their respective fields, this head of TFs seemed to have been used for dishing out political favours since two MNAs – Hamza Shahbaz Sharif as well – nine MPAs and a host of other political cronies were obliged through this exercise.
MPA Col (r) Shuja Khanzada was appointed as Chairman of three Task Forces, that is, Substandard and Spurious Agri Pesticides/Fertilizers, Long/Short-Term Strategy on BT Cotton, and Development of Vegetables, Pulses and Flowers. On August 20 this year, these three have been merged into one with a cumulative name having all ingredients. However, he is being given one 1300CC car and 200 litres petrol since 2008.
“The calculations regarding cost of petrol – owing to repeated fluctuations in prices – and repair and maintenance of vehicles cannot be made in one go, and perhaps another task force is required to do so. Certainly, it has cost a huge sum to the public kitty with zero-sum results,” averred the officer when he was quizzed about any exercise done in this regard ‘since vehicles are still with the Chairmen and members.’
However, questions remain to be answered are: What was the positive outcome of much-controversial forces, which became political muscles and less of brains for the govt, and caused dent to public exchequer? Were the desired objectives achieved? Why were parliamentarians and political pals given these slots? Will reports either submitted by these forces or prepared by the govt be ever released?
Tenure extension as per ‘pleasure’
The Higher Education Department on Wednesday issued a ‘rare’ notification aimed at granting extension to Controller Examinations Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Lahore Manzoor-ul-Hassan Niazi, but this has not been added anywhere in the six-line order.
“In continuation of this department’s letter of even dated 27-10-2007, the tenure of Manzoor-ul-Hassan Niazi (BS-18) as Controller of Examinations BISE Lahore will expire on 27-10-2010. Secretary Higher Education/Controlling Authority of BISEs in Punjab has been pleased to allow him to continue working as Controller of Examinations till further orders/during the pleasure of Controlling Authority,” reads the order, which has been drafted in such a manner that it communicates extension in the tenure of Niazi while he had been allowed to continue ‘till further orders’.
Secondly, the last phrase of the order communicates the intention only, but nothing as such tangible since it states, “during the pleasure of Controlling Authority”. The Authority in this regard is Secretary HED, and newly-posted Haseeb Ather was not available to offer comments.
A senior officer of the Department was of the considered opinion that the order must have defined the period for which the extension was being granted. “In case of extension, the period has to be defined for which the order issuing Authority should be made responsible,” he said, while maintaining that the extension should have been as per certain rules, which were mentioned in any such order. “It is difficult to figure out true meanings of ‘during the pleasure of Controlling Authority’. This imparts an impression – which can be certainly contradicted – that the order issuing Authority is doing so as per his personal liking, and as long as he wishes, Niazi will stay put; otherwise he will be sent home. Such an order is never a hallmark of any efficient administration since it has to work as per certain rules and regulations,” observed the officer. He also smelled a rat in the order though he could not pinpoint it as such.
He was also of the view that the Authority was issuing orders on the same day of Niazi’s expiry of tenure. “At least one should be in a position to see such eventualities, which can be comprehended by a commoner even. So, a competent person should have been nominated for this slot at least three days prior to the expiry of tenure instead of making such a move, which always dampens spirits of those aspiring to reach higher posts during their careers. This seems to be part of hit and trial method,” opined the officer.
“In continuation of this department’s letter of even dated 27-10-2007, the tenure of Manzoor-ul-Hassan Niazi (BS-18) as Controller of Examinations BISE Lahore will expire on 27-10-2010. Secretary Higher Education/Controlling Authority of BISEs in Punjab has been pleased to allow him to continue working as Controller of Examinations till further orders/during the pleasure of Controlling Authority,” reads the order, which has been drafted in such a manner that it communicates extension in the tenure of Niazi while he had been allowed to continue ‘till further orders’.
Secondly, the last phrase of the order communicates the intention only, but nothing as such tangible since it states, “during the pleasure of Controlling Authority”. The Authority in this regard is Secretary HED, and newly-posted Haseeb Ather was not available to offer comments.
A senior officer of the Department was of the considered opinion that the order must have defined the period for which the extension was being granted. “In case of extension, the period has to be defined for which the order issuing Authority should be made responsible,” he said, while maintaining that the extension should have been as per certain rules, which were mentioned in any such order. “It is difficult to figure out true meanings of ‘during the pleasure of Controlling Authority’. This imparts an impression – which can be certainly contradicted – that the order issuing Authority is doing so as per his personal liking, and as long as he wishes, Niazi will stay put; otherwise he will be sent home. Such an order is never a hallmark of any efficient administration since it has to work as per certain rules and regulations,” observed the officer. He also smelled a rat in the order though he could not pinpoint it as such.
He was also of the view that the Authority was issuing orders on the same day of Niazi’s expiry of tenure. “At least one should be in a position to see such eventualities, which can be comprehended by a commoner even. So, a competent person should have been nominated for this slot at least three days prior to the expiry of tenure instead of making such a move, which always dampens spirits of those aspiring to reach higher posts during their careers. This seems to be part of hit and trial method,” opined the officer.
Saturday, October 23
Govt has failed in ensuring labourer rights
Punjab Minister for Labour and Human Resources Ashraf Sohna has admitted that the government, in connivance with the exploiters, does not want to put an end to exploitation of the labourers because the democratic dispensation has failed miserably in implementing Pakistan Minimum Wages Board since the govt is incapacitated to do so despite having political will.
While responding to queries during the Question-Hour at the Punjab Assembly here on Friday, Sohna further said, “I have repeatedly taken up the issues relating to the labourers, but Punjab Chief Minister took no notice of his complaints. It seems that he (CM) is least bothered in resolving the issues.”
He was responding to a question of Treasury’s Nighat Nasir Shaikh about the minimum wages of labourer maintaining that law of the minimum wages of Rs 7000 was not being implemented in any part of the province, and exploitation was rampant everywhere. “There is no political will or vision of the Punjab govt. It is felt that the Punjab rulers are siding with the exploiters. I know that I am a minister, but cannot lie to the masses from this august house,” he maintained, while referring to his visit to a factory along with MPA Syed Hassan Murtaza, but surprisingly the factory owner did not allow entry till the police was called. “From over 800 children, some 200 were below ten years. I was approached by some key leaders of the main stream political party to stop the visit,” he mentioned to surprised members. “Despite being a minister, I could not take any action,” he added.
On a point of order, PML-N’s Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmed asked the Minister to resign if he could not deliver. To this, the Minister said, “I am frequently informing the CM, but no attention is being paid. Why should I resign? They must resign who not only lie, but also show day dreams,” he suggested.
The Minister further surprised the House by saying that his Department was not short of funds. He announced free education, uniform and books for children of all the registered labourers from nursery to masters.
He made yet another disclosure that from 25 million labourers, only 0.75m were registered with the Department. “The govt is aware of all this, but paying no attention to this issue,” he added.
At one stage when the Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal tried to stop the Minister, the latter said, “If I will be assured for not being thrown out of the House, then I must say that your attitude also reflects that you are also part of the same group that believes in the exploitation of labourers.”
Instead of adopting typical style of defending his Department, the Minister admitted that the Department was deficient in many areas, like ensuring proper measuring or weighing.
Perhaps for the first time, pin drop silence was observed in the House during this Hour. Neither Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan nor Treasury members, except Mehr Ishtiaq, attempted to interrupt the Minister, but the Opposition had a few chances for desk thumping.
Later, the Assembly perhaps set a new precedent for holding the general discussion in the absence of minister and parliamentary secretary concerned; hence there was no policy statement.
Instead Opposition Leader Ch Zaheeruddin to a thin presence of 23 members, started the speech on water shortage. He asked the govt to change its policy for providing water to the farmers, while getting its water share from other provinces besides constructing water reservoirs and rehabilitating the water courses.
Wednesday, October 20
28 ‘defunct’ Task Forces still functional
The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday, during the Question-Hour on Services and General Administration Department, discussed ‘dissolved’, much-criticised and equally celebrated task forces as if these were still functional.
On the other hand, the Treasury’s silence about it hinted at the thin possibility of reversing this decision of suspension, which was taken immediately after the floods. Secondly, the govt is yet to issue a notification, which is a tacit approval that the task forces are still working.
However, no member pointed out about the dissolution of the task forces, including Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, who was giving replies to the House. PML-N leaders, including Rana Sana and spokesperson Senator Pervaiz Rasheed are also on record in this regard.
To the query of Ch Muhammad Tariq Gujjar about number of task forces, and perks of their chairmen, Rana Sana told the House that there were 27 task forces, and the Chief Minister had the power to institute the forces, who was also heading 15 forces including MNAs and MPAs, whereas 12 task forces had technical and unelected chairmen. However, in another answer to a question by Amjad Ali Mayo, it was mentioned that there were 28 functional task forces. Out of these, 18 heads were working without salary, while they had been provided chauffer-driven official vehicles. MPA Col (r) Col Shuja Khanzada was heading three forces, but he was given only one vehicle. However, chairmen of three task forces were working on honorary basis, and seven task forces of Sport, Information Technology, Industries S&GAD and Environment Department had professional heads.
The House was also told that the Commissioners, District Coordination Officers and Deputy District Officers were being given Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively. However, when questioner Engineer Qamar-ul-Islam Raja quizzed about this special favour, Rana Sana mentioned that it was because of the field postings, long working hours, extra burden and the resultant stress. Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan added that the administrative control was also with these officers.
About the allotment of official residences in Lahore to the government employees, Rana Sana averred that all was being done according to the rules, and those residences had not been vacated where the matters were sub judice, and to the rest, notices had been served, in particular to those who had been posted in other districts or provinces. He also stated that it was not possible to implement Rent Restriction Ordinance to those cases, which were pending in courts.
The Law Minister also told the House that the govt was not planning new housing schemes for its employees though the residences were not available to all officers and officials.
To a query whether the govt had any plans of demolishing the Gazetted Officers’ Residences-I, Rana Sana kept mum.
To Opposition Leader Ch Zaheeruddin’s questions about ban on smoking in govt offices, Rana Sana asserted that there was a complete ban on smoking in the offices. “However, upon written complaints, action is taken against the violators,” he asserted, but Dr Samia Amjad seriously objected to this reply adding that it was incorrect.
On the other hand, the Treasury’s silence about it hinted at the thin possibility of reversing this decision of suspension, which was taken immediately after the floods. Secondly, the govt is yet to issue a notification, which is a tacit approval that the task forces are still working.
However, no member pointed out about the dissolution of the task forces, including Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, who was giving replies to the House. PML-N leaders, including Rana Sana and spokesperson Senator Pervaiz Rasheed are also on record in this regard.
To the query of Ch Muhammad Tariq Gujjar about number of task forces, and perks of their chairmen, Rana Sana told the House that there were 27 task forces, and the Chief Minister had the power to institute the forces, who was also heading 15 forces including MNAs and MPAs, whereas 12 task forces had technical and unelected chairmen. However, in another answer to a question by Amjad Ali Mayo, it was mentioned that there were 28 functional task forces. Out of these, 18 heads were working without salary, while they had been provided chauffer-driven official vehicles. MPA Col (r) Col Shuja Khanzada was heading three forces, but he was given only one vehicle. However, chairmen of three task forces were working on honorary basis, and seven task forces of Sport, Information Technology, Industries S&GAD and Environment Department had professional heads.
The House was also told that the Commissioners, District Coordination Officers and Deputy District Officers were being given Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively. However, when questioner Engineer Qamar-ul-Islam Raja quizzed about this special favour, Rana Sana mentioned that it was because of the field postings, long working hours, extra burden and the resultant stress. Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan added that the administrative control was also with these officers.
About the allotment of official residences in Lahore to the government employees, Rana Sana averred that all was being done according to the rules, and those residences had not been vacated where the matters were sub judice, and to the rest, notices had been served, in particular to those who had been posted in other districts or provinces. He also stated that it was not possible to implement Rent Restriction Ordinance to those cases, which were pending in courts.
The Law Minister also told the House that the govt was not planning new housing schemes for its employees though the residences were not available to all officers and officials.
To a query whether the govt had any plans of demolishing the Gazetted Officers’ Residences-I, Rana Sana kept mum.
To Opposition Leader Ch Zaheeruddin’s questions about ban on smoking in govt offices, Rana Sana asserted that there was a complete ban on smoking in the offices. “However, upon written complaints, action is taken against the violators,” he asserted, but Dr Samia Amjad seriously objected to this reply adding that it was incorrect.
Friday, October 15
Assembly waits for Secretary Health
Absence of bureaucrats from the Officers’ Gallery of the Punjab Assembly during the Question-Hours or general discussions is almost a routine now, but on Thursday, unlike previous occasions, even the Treasury was left defenceless and felt helpless in face of bitter diatribe launched by all members because of absent ‘public servants’ when the Health Department was on the agenda.
Because of this, the Question-Hour was started at 11.45am though the proceedings were initiated at 11.10am instead of scheduled 10 am. For almost 30 minutes, the House waited for the arrival of Secretary Health Department Fawad Hassan Fawad and his staff, while they reached at 12.10pm – late by over two hours.
PML-N’s Muhammad Yasin Sohl questioned Secretary’s absence, and requested Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan to take action against the officer, while suggesting that MPAs should go as a delegation for bringing Secretary to the House. PPP’s Syed Hassan Murtaza dished out advice to the Speaker asking the latter to discuss another subject “because neither minister in-charge Malik Nadeem Kamran nor administrative Secretary were present.” Another MPA proposed that the House should have asked for time from the Secretary prior to discussing the subject. N-Leagues Ijaz Ahmed Khan said the discussion of the Question-Hour was being delayed because of the absent Secretary Health. “It is violation of your (Speaker’s) ruling about officers’ attendance. Now action must be taken,” he recommended.
Upon this, the Speaker referred the matter to the Privilege Committee, and directed it to submit a report within one week.
After the Question-Hour was over, the officers and officials of the Department left the Assembly though the general discussion was about health. Again this irked the members, which made Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan to give a ruling that officers should be here during discussions, and strict action should be taken against them. “When we talk about the supremacy of the parliament, it also includes presence of officers in the Gallery. If we cannot protect honour of the House and take action, then what is the use of sitting in the Assembly?” he questioned, while directing Law Minister Rana Sanaullah to seek explanation from the Secretary and apprising the House about it on Friday (today). Rana Sana – earlier during this session had endorsed officers’ absence – was left with no choice except to agree with the Deputy Speaker.
Earlier, Parliamentary Secretary Health Dr Saeed Elahi was grilled by members from all political fronts since they all were dissatisfied with Department’s performance, and shared their awful experiences at badly-managed hospitals. He flip-flopped in replies regarding transfer and suspension of officers found guilty of misconduct, corruption in local purchase, dysfunctional equipments, number of posts vacant, medics given No Objection Certificates for working in foreign countries, discrepancies in pays of doctors posted at the RHCs, BHUs and DHQs. “I can prove malpractices, and if I fail, I will resign,” promised forward bloc member Sheikh Alauddin. Seeing wrong answer submitted by the Department regarding number of posted doctors at the Bahawalpur Victoria Hospital, the Speaker ordered enquiry to verify the veracity of facts. Though the Speaker tried to save Dr Elahi’s skin on numerous occasions – “Sir! You act as the best defence to Treasury” observed Sh Ala – however, the Parliamentary Secretary had a standard reply to all objections, “Substantiate your allegations with tangible proofs, we will take action.”
Thursday, October 14
DMGs are equal to the East India Company
When as hard-hearted one can be while judging others, then there is perhaps no one who can beat PPP’s MPA Syed Hassan Murtaza, who launched bitter diatribe against the District Management Group officers, averring that they were looters and had become burden on the Punjab economy.
“The time is not far when these DMGs will conquer the province following into the foot steps of the defunct East India Company,” he predicted while speaking on a Point of Order at the Punjab Assembly. He also drew the attention of the House to an incident of torturing of a PCS officer Attaullah Saddiqui by a DMG Shafqat-ur-Rehman Ranjha for reportedly having doubt of leaking information about Ranjha’s illegal activities. Murtaza told the House that Ranjha was appointed as Project Director of Lahore Ring Road Project and was also serving as Additional Commissioner Lahore, and was using seven official vehicles at one time in gross violation of rules besides incurring huge losses to the public exchequer under the head of POL. “On one hand, the government have even stopped the development funds of the legislators, but on the other, people like Ranjha are looting public money,” he added, while maintaining that the DMGs considered Pakistan was founded for them. “Stop them otherwise they will devour the country like East India Company,” he prophesied.
A PML-N MPA defended his govt, and when he tried to ‘correct’ Murtaza, the latter left the House to protest against the DMG. However, he came back upon Speaker’s intervention.
PPP’s Sajida Mir pointed out closure of the Janeki Devi Maternity Hospital, and asked for its reopening.
“The time is not far when these DMGs will conquer the province following into the foot steps of the defunct East India Company,” he predicted while speaking on a Point of Order at the Punjab Assembly. He also drew the attention of the House to an incident of torturing of a PCS officer Attaullah Saddiqui by a DMG Shafqat-ur-Rehman Ranjha for reportedly having doubt of leaking information about Ranjha’s illegal activities. Murtaza told the House that Ranjha was appointed as Project Director of Lahore Ring Road Project and was also serving as Additional Commissioner Lahore, and was using seven official vehicles at one time in gross violation of rules besides incurring huge losses to the public exchequer under the head of POL. “On one hand, the government have even stopped the development funds of the legislators, but on the other, people like Ranjha are looting public money,” he added, while maintaining that the DMGs considered Pakistan was founded for them. “Stop them otherwise they will devour the country like East India Company,” he prophesied.
A PML-N MPA defended his govt, and when he tried to ‘correct’ Murtaza, the latter left the House to protest against the DMG. However, he came back upon Speaker’s intervention.
PPP’s Sajida Mir pointed out closure of the Janeki Devi Maternity Hospital, and asked for its reopening.
Thursday, October 7
Opposition blasts govt for flood mismanagement
As it is understood usually, during a general discussion on relief and rehabilitation of flood-affectees on Wednesday at the Punjab Assembly, the Treasury – mainly members from the PML-N – was all praise for the government efforts, while the Opposition bitterly criticised the provincial political outfit for slacking in serving the flood-hit, and failing in visualising the impending danger despite prior information about floods.
While opening the discussion, Minister for law and Parliamentary Affairs Rana Sanaullah told the members that besides providing housing to the flood affectees, people would be provided jobs abroad as representatives of Bahrain, Dubai and Norway had assured the govt in this regard. “They will not only take part in construction of the model villages, but will also offer one job for each flood-affected family,” he said, while adding that he was speaking to enumerate facts on the subject. About the model villages, he said the govt would construct 204 villages in the first phase. “The govt will not spend even a single penny on the construction as the philanthropists will provide for the project. In donors’ conference, 213 foreign donors have pledged construction of 2500 houses,” he said adding that each village would have 50 or 100 houses, and for each unit of 50 houses, Rs 15 million would be spent. “The modern villages will have concrete houses, roads, school, hospital, and other basic amenities,” he further said.
About flood losses, he told the House that 1778 villages of 11 districts, 6.2 million people, 5.23m acres of land, 702and 3144 schools damaged completely and partially respectively, 4 colleges, 975 road of 3750kilometres length, 0.85m families and 0.5m houses were affected, while 110 persons died, and a damage of Rs 81billion was caused. About relief efforts, he said the Punjab govt had set-up 327 relief camps, and at over 1000 points, food items were being provided to the flood victims. “So far 55,000 tents and 110,000 food packages have been provided besides 1550 trucks of relief goods,” he enlisted his govt’s efforts, adding that Rs 4bn had been spent, while Rs 20,000 would be given to each family, and Rs 1.41bn had been given so far.
According to him, the govt had issued 184831 Watan Cards, and 833,000 Cards were to be issued. “If efforts with the present pace and zeal continued, it is beyond doubt that the victims will have better living conditions,” he hoped, while informing the House that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif would make the windup speech on the subject.
Opposition Leader Ch Zaheeruddin expressed his sympathies for the flood-hit, and averred that the devastation was because of bad governance and mismanagement “since the govt was aware of the consequences, but unfortunately, no steps were taken to curtail the damages.” He was of the view that the CM as leader of the House should have opened the discussion.
He advised the CM to stay in his office instead of wasting time on visits and suspending of officials. He questioned the utility of suspensions and visits. “Formulate a comprehensive policy to meet the challenge,” he suggested the CM, while appreciating media. “Mediamen reached those areas where even CM’s helicopter and motorbike did not,” he commented.
He demanded impartial probe into breaching of dykes, spurs and embankments, and stern action against the guilty. “Many areas were saved and destroyed for vested interests and political reasons. Take action against guilty sans any discrimination,” he insisted.
He was sceptic about the provision of the Watan Cards at the earliest. “Only 184831 families till now have got cards, while the total affected families are 833,000. Only tall claims are being made,” he opined. “So far the NADRA had issued only 300,000 cards across the country while only 833,000 needed for the Punjab only. How can the government ensure the provision of cards to all within next few days,” he questioned, while suggesting minimum Rs 500,000 grant for each flood-hit family, and provision of free-of-cost seeds for the wheat crop should also be ensured.
Ch Zaheer criticised use of Zakat funds, and asked the CM to adopt transparent measures for the disbursement of funds. He once again underlined the need for the construction of Kalabagh Dam.
PPP’s Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmed said his Party was also for the KBD’s construction after consensus of all provinces. “The PPP will have no objection if all provinces agreed for its construction,” he said, while quizzing Q-League for doing nothing in this regard despite being in power. “Water worth billion of dollars flowed into the sea just because of the poor policies of the previous governments. India has constructed three dams at Chenab, and seven more are in the pipeline. If these are constructed, the Chenab will become the Ravi,” he observed.
However, he admitted that his Party and PML-N had made mistakes. “I plead provincial and federal governments to do something in this regard,” he added.
Ch Sher Ali Khan, Engineer Bilal, Humaira Awais Shahid Warris Kalu, Rana Muhammad Arshad, Mujtaba Gilani, Rana Afzal, Dr Samia Amjad and Ijaz Ahmad Khan also took part in the discussion.
The discussion will continue on Thursday (today) when the Assembly will meet for the third day of the 20th session at 10am.
While opening the discussion, Minister for law and Parliamentary Affairs Rana Sanaullah told the members that besides providing housing to the flood affectees, people would be provided jobs abroad as representatives of Bahrain, Dubai and Norway had assured the govt in this regard. “They will not only take part in construction of the model villages, but will also offer one job for each flood-affected family,” he said, while adding that he was speaking to enumerate facts on the subject. About the model villages, he said the govt would construct 204 villages in the first phase. “The govt will not spend even a single penny on the construction as the philanthropists will provide for the project. In donors’ conference, 213 foreign donors have pledged construction of 2500 houses,” he said adding that each village would have 50 or 100 houses, and for each unit of 50 houses, Rs 15 million would be spent. “The modern villages will have concrete houses, roads, school, hospital, and other basic amenities,” he further said.
About flood losses, he told the House that 1778 villages of 11 districts, 6.2 million people, 5.23m acres of land, 702and 3144 schools damaged completely and partially respectively, 4 colleges, 975 road of 3750kilometres length, 0.85m families and 0.5m houses were affected, while 110 persons died, and a damage of Rs 81billion was caused. About relief efforts, he said the Punjab govt had set-up 327 relief camps, and at over 1000 points, food items were being provided to the flood victims. “So far 55,000 tents and 110,000 food packages have been provided besides 1550 trucks of relief goods,” he enlisted his govt’s efforts, adding that Rs 4bn had been spent, while Rs 20,000 would be given to each family, and Rs 1.41bn had been given so far.
According to him, the govt had issued 184831 Watan Cards, and 833,000 Cards were to be issued. “If efforts with the present pace and zeal continued, it is beyond doubt that the victims will have better living conditions,” he hoped, while informing the House that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif would make the windup speech on the subject.
Opposition Leader Ch Zaheeruddin expressed his sympathies for the flood-hit, and averred that the devastation was because of bad governance and mismanagement “since the govt was aware of the consequences, but unfortunately, no steps were taken to curtail the damages.” He was of the view that the CM as leader of the House should have opened the discussion.
He advised the CM to stay in his office instead of wasting time on visits and suspending of officials. He questioned the utility of suspensions and visits. “Formulate a comprehensive policy to meet the challenge,” he suggested the CM, while appreciating media. “Mediamen reached those areas where even CM’s helicopter and motorbike did not,” he commented.
He demanded impartial probe into breaching of dykes, spurs and embankments, and stern action against the guilty. “Many areas were saved and destroyed for vested interests and political reasons. Take action against guilty sans any discrimination,” he insisted.
He was sceptic about the provision of the Watan Cards at the earliest. “Only 184831 families till now have got cards, while the total affected families are 833,000. Only tall claims are being made,” he opined. “So far the NADRA had issued only 300,000 cards across the country while only 833,000 needed for the Punjab only. How can the government ensure the provision of cards to all within next few days,” he questioned, while suggesting minimum Rs 500,000 grant for each flood-hit family, and provision of free-of-cost seeds for the wheat crop should also be ensured.
Ch Zaheer criticised use of Zakat funds, and asked the CM to adopt transparent measures for the disbursement of funds. He once again underlined the need for the construction of Kalabagh Dam.
PPP’s Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmed said his Party was also for the KBD’s construction after consensus of all provinces. “The PPP will have no objection if all provinces agreed for its construction,” he said, while quizzing Q-League for doing nothing in this regard despite being in power. “Water worth billion of dollars flowed into the sea just because of the poor policies of the previous governments. India has constructed three dams at Chenab, and seven more are in the pipeline. If these are constructed, the Chenab will become the Ravi,” he observed.
However, he admitted that his Party and PML-N had made mistakes. “I plead provincial and federal governments to do something in this regard,” he added.
Ch Sher Ali Khan, Engineer Bilal, Humaira Awais Shahid Warris Kalu, Rana Muhammad Arshad, Mujtaba Gilani, Rana Afzal, Dr Samia Amjad and Ijaz Ahmad Khan also took part in the discussion.
The discussion will continue on Thursday (today) when the Assembly will meet for the third day of the 20th session at 10am.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)