Cantt boards told to trim staff, slash spending

Authorities concerned have decided to reduce non-development expenditure across 44 cantonment boards (CBs) nationwide, including Rawalpindi and Chaklala, by gradually phasing out surplus staff, enforcing newly approved staffing limits, introducing a paperless administrative system, and establishing a food quality control regime based on hygiene standards.

According to information obtained by this correspondent from cantonment sources, the competent authority has issued clear directives to all cantonment boards to increase their revenue streams, improve recovery mechanisms, and progressively curtail the substantial portion of budgets consumed by salaries and other non-development expenses.

To this end, overstaffing is to be eliminated by reassessing and fixing the sanctioned strength in each board strictly on the basis of actual operational requirements, followed by the phased reduction of excess personnel.

The resulting savings are to be redirected towards development projects. Under this vision, the reduction in overstaffing is also expected to lessen the long-term burden of salaries and pensions on cantonment boards.

Sources further indicate that the competent authority has expressed concern over the disproportionately high allocation to non-development expenditure compared to development spending in many cantonments.

Steps have also been initiated to transition office operations towards a paperless system, enabling greater transparency, efficiency, and governance through automation, while ensuring secure record-keeping.

Additionally, cantonment boards have been directed to modernise and activate their food departments to ensure the provision of food items in accordance with prescribed hygiene standards.