FINALLY the wrong has been undone and the executive power of the Sindh Public Service Commission has been restored to the chief minister as required under the Act as stood before it was mutilated in 1999.
It is reported that the provincial government has on its cards reorganisation of the commission which was formed by the outgoing regime without giving due regard to the fundamentals enshrined in the Sindh Public Service Commission Act 1989 and against the aspirations of the people of Sindh.
Since a fresh opportunity has arisen to reform the organisation, it is, therefore, imperative that while restructuring the present set-up the vital role the commission plays in recruiting officials from BS 11 to 22 and significance of advice given to the government relating thereto be kept in view.
To ensure transparency and merit in appointing the chairman and members, requests may be invited from the eligible candidates in accordance with the criterion set by the Act.
After shortlisting, the aspirants found most suitable should be interviewed by a high-powered selection board headed by the minster of education, two government nominees and vice chancellors of at least two public-sector universities.
The existing shape of Sindh Public Service is a derivative of the Bombay Sindh Public Service Commission which has since been modified to a larger extent to meet the needs of the province.
During the period when the commission was having jurisdiction over Sindh and Balochistan, there were two members to assist the chairman, who was either a retired judge of the high court or an ex-civil servant of upright and impeccable character.
The members, however, were invariably educationists/scholars like Dr Muhammad Ali and Dr Akram Ansari, both professors from the English department. However, at present the SPSC is composed of a chairman and 10 members but ironically with no notable educationist.
Under Section 2(3) (4) of the SPSC Act not less than one half of the members shall be persons who have held office in the service of Pakistan for not less than 20 years, including at least five years in BS 20, enjoying outstanding career and eminence in their profession.
The remaining half shall be taken from the private sector from amongst eminent persons having a minimum age of 45 years and representing liberal arts and sciences, with bachelor's degree and sufficient practical experience in the relevant field.
In view of the SPSC's functions, i.e. conducting examinations and tests for recruitment of suitable candidates for the posts of BS-11 to 22, it is crucial to include sufficient numbers of eminent educationists in the commission.
Looking at the vital role a pubic service commission plays in attainment of good governance by supplying suitable stock of officials to the government, creation of an independent, vibrant and transparent commission, an institution worthy of trust and above suspicions, will be a great service of the present regime to the province and its people.
ISHA M. KURESHI
Karachi