Unjustified concessions

LAHORE: Up until now, the policies of the provincial and federal governments look directionless. Decisions, even though some make sense, are being taken on whims, lacking legal cover. Those at the helm of the affairs think of themselves as kings.

Take, for instance, the decision of the chief minister of KPK to withdraw all perks and facilities, including security cover, from the former chief ministers of KPK.

It is a good step, but the former CMs get these unjustified facilities based on rules formulated by the state.

The CM of KPK has a two-third majority in the provincial assembly. He should have made the withdrawal of facilities legal by getting it approved from the provincial legislature.

Similarly, the Punjab chief minister has announced a 15 percent quota of women in jobs filled through Punjab Public Service Commission.

This is a good decision, but what authority does the CM have to increase the women quota arbitrarily? She should have gone through a proper forum or the Punjab assembly for this approval.

Then, how could she waive the transfer fee on land transferred to women? If decisions could be taken in such a way, then there is no check on the authority of the chief minister.

She should not have the power to waive the transfer fee or any other monetary benefit without the approval of the legislature. Again, she also enjoys a two-third majority and could get bills passed through the assembly. The measures that she is taking do not even need approval from a two-third majority.

At the federal level, the prime minister has announced to cut the rates of ghee at Utility Stores by Rs30 per kg.

This concession is over and above the concessions on daily use items already granted for Ramazan. People should be facilitated with low priced supplies, but there should be a proper way. If Rs30 per kg is a federal subsidy, then the prime minister should have got it approved from the assembly or at least from the federal cabinet that has not yet been formed.

These gestures are meant to show the power that they enjoy. They should avoid this show off at a time when we are struggling to survive economically. All decisions must be taken after taking all coalition partners into confidence and after taking into account the availability of funds, which everyone knows are scarce.

The actions or concessions provided in Punjab would be replicated in other provinces in the same way by their chief ministers. It is high time that our rulers realize that they are neither kings nor dictators and they are answerable to the provincial or federal legislatures.

This type of governance would be disastrous for the country. Instead of spending state money, the rulers must contribute some amount from their own pocket. All of them are rich, which is revealed by their lifestyle. When out of power, they arrange for their security.

While in office, they should bear the expenses of the security personnel deputed for their security and make this public. Then, no one would grumble on their lavish security.