Cabinet lifts ban on government recruitment

Committee will be formed, as per the instructions of the premier, to overlook recruitment, says information miniser


Web Desk September 22, 2014

ISLAMABAD: A federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif decided to lift the ban on government recruitment, directing all government departments to begin the process of filling their vacancies, Express News reports. 

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said the government had come up with four important decisions during the cabinet meeting.

One of the main decisions Rashid spoke of was that of the cabinet directing government departments to begin filling the vacant spots -- a step Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved.

The information minister said a committee would be formed, as per the instructions of the premier, to overlook the recruitment of the people for the vacant positions.

"Even the people giving speeches at the the ongoing dharnas have not raised any objections to recruitment in Punjab," said the minister, adding that jobs will solely be given based on merit.

Further, Rashid said the government had decided to make adjustments for those receiving high bills. He said people who were being billed for the usage of less than 200 units would also be provided with relief.

The cabinet said there was massive pressure on both, the government and the masses, in regard to the increase in the price of electricity, after which they suggested that an investigation take place in this regard.

Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali, addressing the same press conference, said, "the prime minister has directed for the formation of a committee to look into the case of the increase in the rates of electricity."

Ali further said the premier showed his "resentment" in regard to the massive increase in the electricity bills being sent to the public. He said three independent companies will audit the electricity situation, and have been directed to present their findings in three weeks to the cabinet.

In terms of accountability, the minister for water and power said, "anyone involved in this, from the top or bottom, will not be spared," adding that corruption cases against the thieves will be pursued rigorously.

Further, the cabinet also took decisions regarding flood victims.

"Families affected by the floods will be given Rs25,000 by Eid," Rashid said, adding that half of that amount will be provided by the federal government and the other half by the provincial government.

He said the funds will be provided in a transparent manner, as was done during the 2010 floods.

Rashid also said that a survey is underway to assess the amount of damage caused in the wake of the floods, after which the government will provide relief and funding for rebuilding of the damaged caused.

Moreover, the matter of minimum wage for labourers was also addressed in the meeting.

"A minimum wage of Rs12,000 was announced during the budget. However, there have been complaints of the government solely announcing this, but today we have decided that this will be implemented as a law," said Rashid, adding that those who do not implement the new minimum wage will be dealt with according to the law.

The premier, during the meeting, also informed the cabinet of his departure for New York, where he will attend the UN General Assembly session.

COMMENTS (4)

GS@Y | 9 years ago | Reply

@Asif Jamal: You want the government to reduce expenditure AS WELL AS lower taxes and subsidize prices? In what world is all that possible? It's not the government's fault that you haven't chosen to educate yourself about how basic math works.

Nazir | 9 years ago | Reply

Go Nawaz Go

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