ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: The government has reverted to its previous policy of allotting 30 per cent government houses on out-of-turn basis, going back on its own decision to allot government accommodation on merit.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has approved a new housing policy under which 30 per cent accommodation, for each category, would be allotted on out-of-turn basis.

According to a notification of the ministry of housing and works, issued on Friday, the remaining 70 per cent government accommodation would be allotted from the General Waiting List (GWL).

The GWL carries the names of those government employees who have been waiting for government accommodation. It has swelled over 25,000 and out-of-turn allotment of 30 per cent government houses would be done at their cost.

The prime minister recently withdrew special powers of the minister of housing and works, Syed Safwan Ullah, for out-of turn allotment of government houses.

A committee, headed by secretary of housing and works, would make recommendations to the housing minister in this regard.

The other members of the committee include additional secretary (Establishment) or his nominee, a BS-20 of above officer and financial advisor (works). The estate officer would work as secretary to the committee.

The out-of-turn allotments to federal government servants would be made keeping in view his transfer into or out of the city and would have to vacate accommodation provided by the government at the previous place of posting.

Exceptions could be made when the employee is certified disabled by a medical superintendent or a civil surgeon, under Disabled (Employment and Rehabilitation) Ordinance-1981; when the employee is above the age of 45 and has completed more than 20 years of continuous service and is seriously ill; or when he is facing any other genuine hardship.

A government servant desirous to get priority would have to apply to the concerned estate office on the prescribed form and would be informed of the committee’s decision on request.

Any government employee or interested person would be able to access the list of allottees on the estate office website (www.estate.office.gov.pk).

It has also been decided that the first 50 names of each category on the GWL, would be displayed for general information on notice boards in the ministry of housing and works and the estate office, Islamabad.