GILGIT: The government of Gilgit-Baltistan, through a letter proposed the federal government to increase Central Superior Services (CSS) quota seats for candidates from GB.

In 2020, CSS quota of GB has been reduced to 1 percent from the combined GB-Federally AdministeredTribal Areas (Fata) quota of 4pc.

GB Chief Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani sent a letter in this regard to Zahoor Ahmed, the secretary (Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Islamabad). A copy of the letter was also sent to Dr Syed Tauqir Shah, secretary to the prime minister of Pakistan, PM SecretariatIslamabad.

The letter said that GB has a comparatively small public sector in which job opportunities are very few and far between.

“In addition to this, an almost non-existent private sector and fairly high literacy rates in GB have resulted in an exceedingly large number of well-educated and talented youth finding themselves without any employment opportunities,” the letter mentioned, adding that before August 2020, GB used to share a combined quota of percent with the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) in CSS and other employments under the federal government.

However, it added that subsequent to the merger of Fata into Khyber Pakhtukhwa, the quota of employment through CSS for GB has been unfortunately reduced to just 1pc. On the other hand, Fata has been given a special dispensation to enjoy 3pc exclusive quota against CSS posts for 10 years from the date of its merger with KP.

It said that this huge reduction has negatively affected the prospects for the educated youth of GB in competing for a career in the civil services of Pakistan as GB now gets very few posts against its 1pc quota in CSS.

Moreover, in certain cadres, just one seat is allocated after a three-year cycle.

The letter saidthat the bulk of GB’s population comprises well-educated youth and districts like Hunza have almost 100pc literacy rates. There is practically no private sector in GB and owing to its special status, it has attracted little investment over the recent years. “While the people of GB possess an overwhelming affection for Pakistan and only desire their integration into the national mainstream, actions such as reduction in CCS quota, spread serious disenchantment and aggravate the sense of deprivation in the minds of the population here due to the seven decade long constitutional vacuum. As the chief secretary, I feel a duty bound to bring on record the situation and the sentiments of the youth here who consider Fata’s merger to have been realised at the cost of their future,” the letter added.

“Forgoing in view, I strongly propose that GB may also be given a special dispensation of at least 2 percent quota in the CCS with at least one post allocation each in PAS, PSP and FSP for the next 10 years to assuage the sentiment of helplessness and deprivation that the reduction in their CCS quota has triggered in the minds of the youth of GB,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) advertised 500 vacancies for school teachers in GB.

Above 500 school teachers, 67 teachers of grade 19, 40 teachers of grade 18, 93 teachers of grade 17, 10 teachers of grade 16 through FPSC exams would be appointed to remove schoolteachers shortage in the region.

Likewise, all higher secondary schools of GB have been converted into smart schools.

According to a notification issued by chief Secretary office, the smart Schools will be learning labs with smart LEDs and chromebooks.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2023