PACE OF DEVELOPMENT REVIEWED BY CS GB

BY: MOUNTAIN PASS
GILGIT: The Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Dr. Kazim Niaz on Saturday chaired a meeting to review the progress of the annual development program. The Chair appreciated the overall progress of the development program and emphasized that all efforts be made to ensure the pace of development.
The meeting was attended by all Administrative Secretaries as well as Commissioners, to identify bottlenecks that may hinder progress on the schemes.
In an absolute tenor the Chief Secretary made it clear to the Secretaries that it is high time to maintain transparency and ensure quality in the work, and adhere to the provisions of PPRA, PEC code. The chair also decided that all efforts be made for completion of schemes that are due for completion and no unnecessary changes in the scopes of projects be allowed that may delay completion.
A working group was formed led by commissioner Gilgit Division to resolve issues of shortage of electricity in Hunza and instructed to complete the projects of power with in stipulated span of time, to cater to the shortage of power in the region.
He particularly directed the authorities of works department and advised to go by the books of law and rules while tendering and bidding the projects. He stressed the need on field visits by the Administrative Secretaries to expedite the pace of work and remove any hindrances. Law department was directed to assist legally and extend support in removing obstacles.

In view of the irregularities that surfaced during the review inquiries into the matters were also ordered.
He emphasized on team work and said quality of work is dire need of hour. At the same time extolled the utilization of funds which was 100% in the first six months of the current financial year .All the development funds provided by the federal government have been utilized. This extraordinary effort has brought laurels for the Govt., he added.
The Chief Secretary also appreciated the process of approval of the projects as more than 90% of the schemes stand approved during the first six months as compared to about 50% last year.
The Chief Secretary warned all Secretaries that in case due diligence is not observed, long standing issues might not be resolved and targeted schemes may not be completed which will be reflected in the ACRs of the concerned.
Dr. Kazim Niaz ordered Secretary Education to notify the Board of Governors of Darel and Tangir PUBLIC SCHOOLS and staffing as well. He laid down guide lines for the education department to come up with innovative ideas to boost the education sector. Chief Secretary set goals for the department and said he was highly interested in improving enrollment in the schools and measures be taken to ensure 100% Enrollment.
He further directed the authorities of Education Department to improve early childhood education and adopt effective mechanism for monitoring and evaluation. He appreciated the efforts of Secretary Education made for improving the quality of education and imparting professional trainings.
He maintained that in order to promote extracurricular activities projects must be reflected in ADP of next financial year wherein sports grounds should be included.
Health Department of the region was told in loud and clear terms that further delay in establishment of Burn centers at divisional headquarter level would not be tolerated and emergency and trauma centers should witness improvements because this was direly needed.
Chief Secretary directed to ensure that state of the art institute of training for nurses and para medical staff be established and improve the procurement procedures as per rules in vogue.
Secretary Health was further asked to follow the projects being run under PSDP and timely completion should be ensured.

Dr. Kazim Niaz inquired about recruitment of doctors by Federal Public Service Commission and said coordinated efforts should be made so that the inductions are done early to provide services to the masses.
Chief Secretary instructed Home department to undertake measures so that the inmates are provided with recreational facilities that may include IT, Library and indoor games in the jails.
While reviewing Tourism Sector the Chief Secretary instructed to complete 10 playgrounds by the end of June 2018.
Chief Secretary, GB strictly directed all Secretaries to submit working papers for all the schemes involving land issues jointly with the Divisional Commissioners within seven days. Chief Secretary asked to submit all court cases before 22nd Feb in his office. The meeting further decided that concept paper for reflection of schemes in next year ADP would also be submitted before 28 Feb in Planning and Development Department from the line departments.
Dr. Kazim Niaz reviewed progress of all development schemes and decisions were taken.
The meeting that lasted for seven hours was conducted by Planning and Development Department which received applauds for full utilization of development funds and timely approval of projects reflected in ADP.