ISLAMABAD, Sept 11: Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi on Monday told National Assembly that 52 employees of Wapda died and 156 suffered serious injuries while performing duties in 2004-05 and July-August 2006.

In a written reply to a question raised by MNA Yasmeen Rehman, the minister said that 30 died and 86 suffered serious injuries during July-August 2006. Likewise, 22 employees died and 70 injured in 2004-05, he added.

The minister said Rs17.6 million were paid to the bereaved families as compensation.

He said that precautionary measures were being taken to prevent such incidents, as month wise safety seminars were being held on each division/circle level.

Besides, parade of personal protective equipment with line staff is being carried out, sufficient T&P and personal protective equipment have been provided.

Different courses on safety are conducted in training centres at circle and regional level, bucket mounted vehicles have been arranged for field staff to ensure their safety.

Replying to a question raised by MNA Hizbullah Bughio, minister incharge of the establishment division Sher Afgan Khan Niazi said due to acute shortage of section officers in the federal secretariat retired federal government officers had been reemployed against the vacant posts of section officer in various ministries and divisions in 2005-06.

The reason behind the practice was discontinuation of direct appointment through CSS examination, he added.

He said next promotional examination is likely to be conducted within six months, the minister said.