LAHORE: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has admonished the bureaucracy for delaying various welfare projects and even went on to ask them, “If I have to do all the work, what are you doing?”

Mr Buzdar, who is usually censured by his political opponents for appearing docile, sprung into action against, what many called, ‘a powerful bureaucracy’ and warned them to shun their go-slow policy or go home.

The chief minister was chairing a marathon meeting on Friday at the Civil Secretariat to review the progress on various development schemes for remote and backward areas of the province. Administrative secretaries briefed the chief minister about the progress made so far.

Mr Buzdar also stamped his authority by declaring in the meeting that only the bureaucrats who performed would be given respect and honour. “You better perform practically instead of engaging in lip service.”

He directed that work should be carried out speedily to develop the backward and far-flung areas, saying that he would not tolerate any delay. “I need performance and the officials delaying the welfare schemes will be held accountable,” he warned and asserted that the bureaucracy should realise what problems were being faced by the public.

CM takes public servants to task for delaying welfare projects

The chief minister directed that schools in remote areas should be urgently switched to solar power. Former chief minister Shahbaz Sharif had announced distributing some 17,000 solar sets to power public schools in remote areas of the province; the energy department was assigned the task but the project could not take off and the schools remained without electricity.

Considering the hardships faced by public servants in hilly areas of Dera Ghazi Khan, the chief minister decided to double their ‘hill allowance’ from Rs500 to Rs1,000.

Mr Buzdar also directed to expedite work on welfare schemes and improve cleanliness arrangements in big cities. He stressed that healthcare, education and clean drinking water schemes in remote areas should be completed on priority, and reported to him. He also called for arranging latest means of transport for people in under-developed areas.

OPEN COURT: The chief minister later met hundreds of people from several districts at the secretariat’s Darbar Hall.

He spoke to every visitor, who apprised him about their difficulties and presented applications to him. Mr Buzdar issued orders on the spot for solution to the problems. He also directed to provide the best treatment to sick children.

Speaking to the visitors, the chief minister said solving problems of the people was his prime responsibility.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2019