Electricity distribution system Senate Body for removal of direct appointees

Tuesday, August 07, 2012 - Islamabad—The Senate Standing Committee on Water and Power on Monday recommended the removal of all officers directly appointed in all the electric distribution companies (discos) or those, who have got extension of tenure after retirement.

The committee, which met here with Zahid Khan in chair, observed that such appointments were not only in the violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling but also breached the right of promotion of the regular employees of the organization.

During a briefing, the committee was apprised that as many as 28 officers had been awarded extensions since 2008 out of those contracts of 18 officers had been terminated on completion of tenure while rest ten were yet in service.

The committee members were of the view that the direct appointment on only a highly technical post was justifiable, otherwise such practice would create bad blood among the employees, besides demoralizing them. They said it was difficult for the government to hold the contract officers accountable for their performance, adding that such officers spent most of their tenure in uncertainty.

Secretary Water and Power Zafar Mehmood endorsed the committee members’ views and said that such appointments could be made sparingly and on need-based criteria. The committee expressed concern over the absence of Water and Power Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar.