KARACHI, March 22: The Sindh Cabinet on Wednesday unanimously decided to defer the composite examination system in view of its unsuitability. It also decided to hold examinations of 9th and 10th classes separately as was the practice currently in vogue in the province, to facilitate students.
The cabinet requested the governor to recommend to the federal government to exempt the province from enforcement of the composite examination system this year so that the issue could be reconsidered afresh at the federal level before its implementation.
This decision was taken by the cabinet, which met on Wednesday at the New Sindh Secretariat with Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim in the chair.
Briefing journalists at the Chief Minister’s House about the decisions, after the cabinet meeting, Secretary Information Fasihuddin Ahmad said the cabinet had fixed a target of 0.6 million tons for wheat procurement in the province for the year. Procurement had already started, he said.
“This year’s target is 0.1 million tons more from last year’s 0.5 million tons,” he pointed out, and said that, as suggested by the food department, the cabinet had also decided to recommend to the federal government to reduce wheat imports to avoid its negative impact on wheat growers, and so that local wheat could be utilized from the stocks.
The cabinet also adopted the draft of freedom of information ordinance as moved by the information department. The draft will now be sent to the law department for its vetting.
According to the main features of the proposed ordinance, it would help in good governance through transparency and accountability by facilitating the common man to have access to information except if it is classified or is of national interest, details of which have been mentioned in the draft ordinance.
After the ordinance’s enforcement, the government will designate an official for the purpose of one window operation, and any citizen can apply to get access to information.
If he fails to get the required information within 21 days, he can approach the head of the department for it. If his request is still rejected, he can then approach the ombudsman where officials concerned will have to justify the concerned department’s action for not providing information to the said person.
The cabinet also gave approval to amendment to the Coastal Development Authority Act, 1994 by changing it from Sindh Coastal Development Authority and restructuring it accordance to the devolving pattern.
By another decision, the cabinet allowed to replace senior minister from adviser to the chief minister on finance to head the Sindh Privatisation Committee.
In reply to a question, the secretary information said no matter pertaining to law and order or sugar crisis was raised in the meeting for discussion.
