Chief Secretary orders action against illegal checkposts and overpricing

QUETTA: A conference of commissioners and deputy commissioners was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan. It reviewed ongoing development projects in the province, administrative matters, public facilities, Price Control, improvement in municipal services and various government measures.

The conference reviewed a progress report on the monitoring and evaluation of completed development schemes. It was told that the tendering process for third-phase development projects under the BSDI had begun. The Chief Secretary directed officers to monitor the quality, pace and public benefit of projects on a regular basis and to review the results of completed schemes effectively.

Illegal migrants and illegal checkposts

The meeting also reviewed progress on the repatriation of illegal foreigners. It was told that more than 1.1 million illegal migrants had been sent back. The elimination of illegal checkposts was discussed in detail. The Chief Secretary directed the district administrations to take effective action against illegal checkposts and not to allow unnecessary hurdles to the movement of citizens, business activity and transport.

Reviewing the monthly progress report on open courts (khuli kachehris), the Chief Secretary said they were an effective means of direct contact between the public and the administration. He said they should be held regularly and the resolution of complaints should not be limited to paperwork. The conference stressed that welfare projects and government policies cannot achieve the desired results without effective coordination between the district administrations and departments.

Price Control, revenue and municipal services

The conference considered a comparative review of the prices of essential items, price lists and the method of fixing prices in the Districts. The Chief Secretary directed that essential items be sold at official rates and that there be no negligence in acting against profiteering, hoarding and overpricing. He said deputy commissioners should visit markets regularly and make Price Control magistrates active.

He also directed deputy commissioners to use resources effectively to increase provincial revenue, widen the tax net and ensure transparency in revenue collection. The relevant officials were directed to complete, on time and without compromising on quality, the construction of residences for government officers and staff posted in remote areas. They were also told to ensure that officers were posted to necessary positions to fill administrative gaps.

The Chief Secretary said urban bodies must take immediate and coordinated steps to improve municipal services and the sanitation system. He said cities could be kept clean through timely collection and disposal of garbage, better sewerage and drainage, accountability of staff and public awareness. He made clear that the main measure of the district administrations’ performance is the facilities provided to the public and the timely resolution of their problems.

Photo: courtesy DG PR Balochistan