Public sector reforms: ‘Self-accountability will improve performance’

The chief minister wants a system to punish, reward govt officials.

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Wednesday internal accountability would be encouraged to improve the performance of government departments.

Addressing a meeting on public sector management reforms, he said the performance of government departments would be regularly monitored.

“A spirit of public service and determination is must to come up to the people’s expectations,” he said.

He said the departments would be set goals and their performance monitored.

The chief minister ordered formation of special committees at all departments to keep a check on their performance. He emphasised the need for a system to punish or reward government officials for their performance.



“A mechanism will be evolved to review the performance of government departments and officers. Honest officials would be rewarded and those showing poor performance held accountable.”

“All departments must improve their performance to provide best available services to people,” he said.

Sharif said efforts should be made to provide potable water, education and better health facilities to people. He said it was time to benefit from the information technology. He said he favoured promotion of e-governance in government institutions.

“We must provide the best service delivery system possible to people. This will help resolve their problems immediately.”

Sharif said there was need to work as a team. This would help make the society prosperous, developed and peaceful. He said the Punjab was rich in resources but these should be utilised effectively.

“There is need to move forward and adopt solid measures for the welfare of people,” he said. Earlier, the additional chief secretary briefed the chief minister about reforms to be introduced at government institutors.

Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, Education Minister Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Azamul Haq, Punjab Assembly member Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, the chief secretary and the Planning and Development board chairman were also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2014.