QUETTA, Feb 9: Balochistan Ombudsman Malik Sikander Khan directed the local government department to prepare a comprehensive summary regarding outstanding amount of Census campaign of 1998, said a press release of PO secretariat here Saturday.

He said this while disposing of two identical applications submitted by Shamsullah and Mohammed Younas of Anar Gul Petroleum, Pishin Versus deputy commissioner Pishin regarding payment of outstanding dues on account of hire of vehicles and POL.

He further directed the department to place the summary before Balochistan Governor, seeking assistance for grant of permission by federal government to clear the outstanding amount on account of hire charges of vehicles and POL.

The Ombudsman observed that the federal government provided enough fund to respective provincial governments for the campaign. He said the balance from the said fund was also available with the LG department, but due to carelessness and lack of attention of the functionaries towards their obligation, the applicants were running from pillar to post for their outstanding amount.

However, he said it was the duty of district administration to have claimed the amount in time for payment to vehicle owners. He further opined that Secretary LG department was also duty bound to watch the affairs of subordinates to maintain the writ of administration, but no one took pain regarding official responsibility.

He recommended constituting an inquiry committee to find out the negligence on the part of functionaries and also to pinpoint those officers who failed to perform their duties accordingly and damaged the functioning of administrative system.—APP