Senate panel reviews setting up CCI secretariat

The first meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution reviewed the issue of delay in the establishment of an independent secretariat of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) by the Cabinet Division in addition to the 18th Amendment constitutional scheme and its implementation so far.

A meeting of the Senate committee was held at the Parliament House under chairmanship of Senator Mushtaq Ahmed. Welcoming all the members, Ahmed said that the committees of parliament are of utmost importance and the members work together for the development and prosperity of the country and the nation beyond political affiliations.

“Matters are moved forward wisely to further strengthen the federation.” He said, “A briefing was sought from the Cabinet Division that in the light of the 18th amendment, how much implementation of the devolution process has been done and how much is yet to be done and also what are the problems in this regard.”

He said that the Cabinet Division said in a letter that it had nothing to do with it. In reply to the letter, as chairman of the committee, “I have given detailed information about the scope of the committee but no reply has been received yet”.

The Cabinet Division joint secretary informed the functional committee that on June 30, 2011, 17 ministries were devolved, adding that three notices were also issued in this regard and an implementation commission was set up for the purpose.

The commission secretariat is the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination which oversees the devolution process and it is not within the mandate of the Cabinet Division anymore.

Senator Musaddiq Malik said that all the ministries are subordinate to the Cabinet Division and it can summon anyone and get briefings on issues. Senator Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that the Cabinet Division officials are not prepared. “They should be given time to come with preparation.”

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The committee chairman said that a detailed briefing will be given regarding the constitutional scheme of the 18th amendment, its reasons, its impact, its role in the provinces and the Centre and the issues faced in the next meeting,

He said that it was the responsibility of the Cabinet Division to inform the functional committee in detail in this regard by accompanying the institution or getting briefing from them.
Senator Taj Haider said that the establishment of an independent secretariat of the CCI has been a major issue.

He repeatedly asked the Centre to provide land for the secretariat. “I am ready to help in getting the budget from Sindh province for the establishment of the secretariat.

“However, I am happy to know that the bridge and a floor have been provided. But, there is a problem in the organisational structure of the secretariat which needs to be rectified and a date should be fixed for its establishment.”

The IPC secretary said that the organisational structure was passed with the approval of all the members. “A decision has been taken to set up a secretariat. However, it remains to be implemented.”
He said that a letter has also been written to the finance secretary for the posts.

The budget will be provided by the finance ministry, while the staff is to be provided by the Establishment Division.

Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan said that the 18th Amendment scheme was approved by all political parties after detailed consultation and implementation should be ensured.