Forced to serve: Agriculture secretariat’s CPO serves sans perks and privileges
As one calls it a ‘thankless’ job, others say they were overlooked.
“I was forced to work at this post, but I didn’t use any influence to get a promotion. It is the government’s duty to promote a person who fulfils the requirements”, officer said. PHOTO: FILE
PESHAWAR:
Ahmad Saeed is a BPS-17 officer serving as the chief planning officer (CPO) in the agriculture secretariat, a BPS-19 post.
Saeed says he was “dragged to serve” at the post two years ago because of his experience and technical expertise. He adds it is a “thankless and dry job” with no recognition for his services.
“I was forced to work at this post, but I didn’t use any influence to get a promotion. It is the government’s duty to promote a person who fulfils the requirements.”
Saeed said he had refused the job at the time because he was not getting any extra salary or other perks and privileges.
Even though Saeed was given the job because of his extensive 27-year experience of working with the World Bank and national organisations, it is against the rules to appoint a junior officer for a senior post. Other senior officials complain they were overlooked.
A source in the agriculture department said Saeed was appointed by former agriculture secretary Afsar Khan. He said, interestingly, no one challenged the move, adding the authorities should have looked for senior officials from livestock, agriculture extension, agriculture research and water management departments.
“Why was a senior official meeting all the requirements from these four departments not considered?” he questioned, saying he found it impossible to believe that only one person from the entire province was capable for the position. He also said Saeed was appointed without following any official procedure, including a screening test.
An official, wishing not be named, said former agriculture secretary Ataullah Khan, who was serving before Afsar took charge, told other senior officials awaiting promotions that they did not fit the criteria. “My promotion was due but I was refused,” he complained.
Afsar Khan, who is now serving as the Malakand Commissioner, told The Express Tribune Saeed’s appointment was made purely on merit. “Saeed is an efficient official and anybody can be promoted, regardless of their grade. You can ask anyone about the CPO’s performance, even the minister and senior officers will praise him.”
Minister for Agriculture Sardar Ikramullah Gandapur said he has taken charge a few days earlier and will enquire about the matter from the agriculture secretary soon.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2014.
Ahmad Saeed is a BPS-17 officer serving as the chief planning officer (CPO) in the agriculture secretariat, a BPS-19 post.
Saeed says he was “dragged to serve” at the post two years ago because of his experience and technical expertise. He adds it is a “thankless and dry job” with no recognition for his services.
“I was forced to work at this post, but I didn’t use any influence to get a promotion. It is the government’s duty to promote a person who fulfils the requirements.”
Saeed said he had refused the job at the time because he was not getting any extra salary or other perks and privileges.
Even though Saeed was given the job because of his extensive 27-year experience of working with the World Bank and national organisations, it is against the rules to appoint a junior officer for a senior post. Other senior officials complain they were overlooked.
A source in the agriculture department said Saeed was appointed by former agriculture secretary Afsar Khan. He said, interestingly, no one challenged the move, adding the authorities should have looked for senior officials from livestock, agriculture extension, agriculture research and water management departments.
“Why was a senior official meeting all the requirements from these four departments not considered?” he questioned, saying he found it impossible to believe that only one person from the entire province was capable for the position. He also said Saeed was appointed without following any official procedure, including a screening test.
An official, wishing not be named, said former agriculture secretary Ataullah Khan, who was serving before Afsar took charge, told other senior officials awaiting promotions that they did not fit the criteria. “My promotion was due but I was refused,” he complained.
Afsar Khan, who is now serving as the Malakand Commissioner, told The Express Tribune Saeed’s appointment was made purely on merit. “Saeed is an efficient official and anybody can be promoted, regardless of their grade. You can ask anyone about the CPO’s performance, even the minister and senior officers will praise him.”
Minister for Agriculture Sardar Ikramullah Gandapur said he has taken charge a few days earlier and will enquire about the matter from the agriculture secretary soon.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2014.