LAHORE, Nov 23: The Punjab government on Saturday reduced the term of office of the members and chairman of the Punjab Public Service Commission from five to three years and allowed, for the first time ever, induction of women and experts from private sector into the commission.
The governor introduced these changes by amending the Punjab Public Service Commission Ordinance 1978. Officials said the ordinance had been amended following a similar amendment in the Federal Public Service Commission Ordinance.
The PPSC (First Amendment) Ordinance 2002 says that a member may be reappointed for another term not exceeding two years.
The government has already restricted the age limit of the PPSC chairman and members to a maximum of 65 years. The sources said those reaching the age of 65 would have to relinquish charge even before the expiry of their term in office.
The five-year term of office of the members and the chairman of PPSC had once been increased to seven years.
The amended ordinance also introduced induction of women and experts from the private sector with such qualification and experience as the provincial government may prescribe.
The ordinance says that at least half of PPSC members must have served the government in BPS-21 or above, one member must have served in the army not below the rank of major-general while another must have belonged to superior judiciary. No serving government officer shall be appointed as a member of the commission.
OATH: The ordinance also introduces an oath for chairman and other members of the PPSC.
Earlier, PPSC members used to enter their offices merely on an appointment letter.
According to the ordinance, the governor will administer oath to the chairman, who, in turn, will administer it to other members of the commission.
The oath is as follows: “I do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Pakistan, discharge my duties and perform my functions honestly, to the best of my ability and faithfully in accordance with the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the law, and always in the interest of the solidarity, integrity, well-being and prosperity of Pakistan.
“That, I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions and that in the performance of my functions, whether in the selection of persons for recruitment or appointment or in any other way, I will act without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”