Punjab CS directs field officers to resolve citizens’ problems

Says deputy commissioners of all districts should perform their duties in accordance with law

LAHORE: All the deputy commissioners (DC) must perform their duties honestly and in accordance with the law, said Punjab Chief Secretary (CS) Azam Suleman Khan. He issued these directives while presiding over a meeting of deputy commissioners at the Civil Secretariat on Saturday.

The CS maintained that the DCs of all districts are free from all kinds of pressures so that they can perform their duties in accordance with merit. He asserted that field officers should leave the office premises and devote themselves to the welfare and facilitation of the people.

The CS said that negligence and poor performance would not be tolerated in any case.

He directed that work on development projects be expedited in districts with a focus on uplift schemes of health and education sectors.

He added that special arrangements must be made to protect school children from severe cold. He also issued instructions regarding early completion of process of auction of vehicles and pending tenders.

He further said that officers should perform their duties diligently to bring about a ‘visible positive change’. “It is the priority of the government to address problems of the common man and no compromise could be made on this important matter.”

He highlighted, “Under the Clean and Green Pakistan Campaign, special attention should be paid to cleanliness in cities.” The deputy commissioners were also told to step up the anti-encroachment drive and achieve targets of revenue collection.

He ordered that the availability of daily-use commodities, especially edibles, be ensured at the prices fixed by the government. “Stern action will be taken against profiteers, hoarders and adulterators.”

Apart from monitoring prices of daily-use items, a strict check must be kept on rates of wheat flour so that relief could be provided to common man in real sense, he stressed.

The chief secretary further directed that raids for enforcement of law should be conducted in an organised manner, taking on board departments concerned so that required results could be achieved.

He also asked the officers to maintain good relations with the journalist community as it would help them obtain latest information.

The meeting was attended by Senior Member Board of Revenue Babar Hayat Tarar, Planning and Development Chairman Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh, Additional Chief Secretary Shaukat Ali, Additional Chief Secretary Home Momin Agha and deputy commissioners of all districts.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2020.