Chief Secretary orders annual KPIs for every department, makes internal auditors mandatory

QUETTA: Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan has said the provincial government is taking important steps to ensure the best provision of basic facilities to the public. The aim is to give citizens timely access to basic services, make official procedures easier and bring change to the welfare of the common man. He was presiding over a meeting of the Secretaries Committee.

The Chief Secretary said these steps, taken in view of public expectations, would give citizens considerable ease and confidence in daily life. He said transparent service delivery would strengthen the relationship between the government and the people. The meeting reviewed important development projects across the province, the tendering process, the internal administration of departments and the provision of public facilities, among other matters.

Tenders, KPIs and internal audit

The Chief Secretary directed that a roadmap be prepared to improve the speed and transparency of tenders. He said that in the case of single bidders, a policy of promoting open competition should be adopted at once so that public funds are put to better use.

The meeting was told that every department would set its own annual KPIs and that their implementation would be measured through regular audits. Meeting KPIs will be linked to performance so that those responsible are held accountable. Every department was required to carry out regular internal audits, and the appointment of an internal auditor was made mandatory.

The Chief Secretary directed departments to begin promotion cases and to complete merit-based recruitment to vacant posts as soon as possible, so that the capacity and performance of institutions improve. He directed all secretaries to ensure the attendance of their subordinate officers and staff in the Districts so that service delivery is not disrupted and the public receives timely facilities.

Training of employees

He said all departments should hold structured training courses, in line with modern requirements, to build the capacity of employees. This, he said, would clearly improve their professional skills, technical knowledge and the standard of service delivery. The courses should include practical training and modern software and digital skills.

Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan said the foremost duty of the provincial government is to provide quality and timely facilities to the public. He said progress is not possible without transparency, merit and accountability.

Photo: courtesy DG PR Balochistan