Govt vows to ensure merit in recruitment

Approves new land policy for foreign investment

QUETTA: On the second day of the provincial cabinet meeting, the Balochistan government approved new recruitments in all departments.

In the meeting presided over by Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan, the cabinet on Friday directed all government departments to start recruiting people on ‘merit’ with impartiality. The youth have been urged to apply for the jobs while keeping trust on the provincial government.

Provincial ministers, advisers, secretaries and other senior officials attended the meeting.

During the 11-hour meeting, the issue of unnecessary appointments made during the interim government also came under discussion.

The cabinet approved the Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA) amendment bill 2018 with an aim to increase its potential. Finance.



Secretary Noorul Ameen Mengal said the province expected economic growth of Rs400 billion in coming years through trade activities at Gawadar Port.

“The provincial government and departments can deliver for the people of Balochistan if we make efforts,” the CM said while addressing the cabinet.

A new land lease policy for foreign investors seeking business opportunities in Balochistan was also approved. The cabinet was told that opportunities for foreign investment were present in the province but the existing land lease policy did not meet the demands of international companies.

Under the new policy, the foreign companies will be able to obtain land on a rent or lease basis. A land allotment committee will be formed for the purpose.

The cabinet discussed amendments to the structure of the Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC) and decided to set the number of its members at 12, including the chairperson.

To boost the fisheries sector, the government approved establishment of landing sites for fishermen and directed the departments concerned to submit a report regarding necessary facilities in the sector. The government also decided to open a new fish market in Balochistan’s coastal strip.

The cabinet decided to impart safety training for mining workers and directed the department to hold a meeting with mine owners to discuss social development, compensation and health facilities for the labourers. Moreover, CM Kamal directed the mining secretary to collect the data of labourers working in the mining sector of Balochistan.



 

Agreeing upon implementation of the Balochistan Building Code, the cabinet members unanimously approved some amendments and asked the departments concerned to submit a new draft. The government decided to launch action against construction of illegal buildings in Quetta.

The cabinet approved the release of water supply dues for Gwadar, Pasni, Jiwani and other areas and allowed the provincial government to sign an agreement with the Frontier Works Organisation for making functional the Karwat desalination plant.

The local government secretary was ordered to submit the final report on an amendment bill in view of recommendations of cabinet members.

The cabinet decided to declare Sanjavi Union Council as a municipal committee but the change in the status of Kechi Baig and Saryab was postponed.

“With the implementation of cabinet decisions, the province can be taken forward on the track of development,” Kamal said.