"A lot of influential persons and their cronies are vary (sic) of my Facebook presence," says Sajad Hottiana. PHOTO: FILE
A press release issued from the CM Secretariat on Monday night maintained government officials waste time on their laptops using facebook. “Irresponsible attitudes will not be tolerated anymore,” it added.
Many say the note indirectly refers to G-B Chief Secretary Sajad Hottiana, who after acquiring the position of chief secretary started updating his status vigorously. The posts were meant to inform his national and international fans of his efforts.
“Please help me,” reads one of Hottiana’s recent wall posts, “A lot of influential persons and their cronies are vary (sic) of my Facebook presence. I thought I might help people and be more accessible. To be honest, it puts tremendous challenges and increases my job manifold. Am I ahead of the time and G-B not ready for it yet? Should I quit and make life easy for myself?”
In an earlier post Hottiana said: “I love my people and I want to be available to them every time.”
As his network on social media continued to expand, he was approached by many who brought issues to his knowledge.
Upon a request from a German woman, Hottiana ordered an inquiry into the alleged illegal construction at the base camp of Nanga Parbat by a foreigner. Similarly, he went for inspection of the water supply system on the hills of Gilgit and Hunza after being told by another informant on his page that the towns are suffering from dire scarcity of water.
But while his posts may not be ‘liked’ by his peers, Hottiana’s fans expressed support, praising him on the steps he has taken.
“Quitting is not an option sir. The criticism is far lesser than the amount of appreciation being showered on you,” commented Noor Pamiri under one of Hottiana’s post.
Some also criticised the chief minister, claiming Mehdi and other politicians are not educated enough to use these facilities and are thus jealous of Hottiana. “The proactive approach and the rising popularity of Hottiana make the politicians envious,” claimed a lawmaker requesting anonymity.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2013.
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Most of people in Gilgit-Baltistan know that CM and his cabinet people/ Ministers have Facebook account. And they frequently post news clips related to their any activity. For instant, Ms. Sadia Danish is quite active on FB. We appreciate her frequent posts on FB, even if she is in a meeting, a post pops up on her FB, which shows on her behalf someone is using her account. The truth is neither CM nor ministers personally use FB, they have assigned their personals to work as proxy on their accounts, while Chief Sectary enjoys direct connection with grassroots level, which makes public representatives embarrass for taking away their job.
If they are embarrassed, then they should be pro-active instead of reactive.
Its fine, one should avoid using FB during office hours, but one can not hold on it to avoid using it. Chief Secretary can and must use this interactive strategy in off times, which will bear great results.
One of the major constrains in our part of the world was lack of access and communication of young people with government officials. But thanks to the technology that has helped most young people to communicate with top officials in GB. In my view CS of GB is one of the exceptional top officials in the country who uses the technology to communicate with educated people which is most needed and is desirable. I wish all the top high officials of GB have the willingness and competency to use Facebook, emails and other tools which helps improved communication which is a missing link!
I don't think CM does not want his staff to use this technology for good. But I guess the need is to introduce an IT policy that helps train government officials, ensure best use of these wonderful technologies to improve communication, share information and knowledge and compliment effective design and delivery of program/s that improves well being of people up in the mountains in GB.