ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has sought a comprehensive briefing on civil service reforms on Thursday that may lead to creation of three new professional cadres, increase in age limit for entry into the service and introduction of a system of promotions and remuneration raises based on key performance indicators (KPIs) instead of seniority.

According to sources, the prime minister has taken the decision after his recent visit to the Planning Commission. He was informed about the Public Sector Development Programme and challenges in its implementation in a cost-effective manner, resulting in cost overruns and project delays.

The sources said the commission would give a presentation on the consultative process in finalisation of civil service reforms, along with the objective behind each proposal. It would defend increase in the age limit of 28 to 30 years for entry into the civil service.

The proposal had previously been rejected by the PM Office.

The proposed reforms envisage conversion of the Establishment Division into Human Resource Development and Management Division to change its nature from an institution taking decisions only about transfers and postings of officers to an organisation that could develop skills and training modules.

An official said the commission had suggested creation of three specialised groups — engineering, energy and legal — to be filled with officials having a professional background with relevant experience because these areas were turning out to be key challenges for economic growth and development.

He said an earlier proposal for a national executive service had faced resistance from the powerful Pakistan Administrative Group, previously known as DMG. The Planning Commission and major stakeholders, like the Federal Public Service Commission and the private sector, contend that an officer of general background cannot be expected to steer key professional services and areas on the strength of his political exposure only.

The commission says it has prepared a scheme after months of deliberation with stakeholders. Under the scheme the system of civil service entrance examination will be reformed.

According to it, the change in the age limit is all the more needed because of another proposal that the minimum requirement for civil service examination be raised to 16 years of education from 14.

These reforms, according to the commission, are necessary for ensuring modernisation of the public sector and improving the delivery system. This would be achieved through performance analysis on the basis of deliverable key performance indicators every year. The Ministry of Human Resource Development would keep building profiles of officers on the basis of the KPIs and performance targets.

According to the commission, this will not only lead to promotions but also sanctioning of special allowances. It has proposed induction of senior executives of professional background for key areas of governance and service delivery.

The first phase of the reform process is to be completed in three years and then it will move on to the next stage on the basis of lessons learnt and outcomes in service delivery.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2016