LARKANA, March 2: Around 2,000 applicants are awaiting issuance of permanent residence certificates, which has been delayed since Dec 14, 2002, since when post of the EDO, revenue, Larkana, is lying vacant.

This was learnt by this correspondent through sources in office of the district Nazim.

The EDO, revenue, under the devolution of power plan, is the only authorized officer to issue the PRCs in the shape of form-C (for education) and form-D (for employment).

Gul Hassan Channa, former, EDO, finance, who also held the charge of EDO, revenue, used to issue the PRCs before his transfer to Shikarpur on Dec 14.

The absence of the EDO is also creating other problems for the residents of Larkana district.

Around 150 appeals in land matters, referred from the deputy district officers of seven talukas of the district, are also lying unattended for the powers of hearing and deciding revenue appeals only lie with the EDO, revenue, under the new system.

Not only the post of EDO, revenue, but also those of the district officer, revenue, Larkana; and deputy district officer, revenue, Warah; are lying vacant.

Time and again the district Nazim, Larkana, had urged the authorities to appoint officials on the vacant posts but to no avail, sources said.

Due to delay in the issuance of the PRCs, students seeking admissions to institutes of higher education and youth seeking employment are suffering.

Other people, whose appeals are pending at the revenue office, are also worried.

The situation is also affecting working of the district government.

STRIKE: Shops remained shut and transport was suspended after a strike was observed in Dokri, Badah and Garilo towns to protest against the rise in bus fares.