Depts given three months to improve service delivery thru IT

LAHORE: Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, on Monday, gave a deadline of three months to all departments, commissioners and deputy commissioners to complete the task to improve governance and service delivery through use of Information Technology (IT) in the province.

Presiding over a meeting of all administrative secretaries, the CS also sought details of the services being provided to the general public and suggestions to ensure their easy online access. The additional chief secretary, administrative secretaries and directors general of all departments attended the meeting held at the Civil Secretariat while all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through a video link.

Speaking at the meeting, the chief secretary said that the public service delivery would be made easier through use of IT, and the online access to the services would save the citizens from visiting the offices. He mentioned that E-Filing and Office Automation System (E-FOAS) and e-procurement regime are being successfully implemented and paperless working has brought transparency and innovation in the working.

The chief secretary said that the use of technology was inevitable to improve the efficiency of the departments, adding that elimination of the traditional file system would save billions of rupees and help end corruption in departments. He urged the officers to perform their duties sincerely to address people’s grievances. The CS issued instructions to the departments for early disposal of the pending pension cases and departmental inquiries.

The participants offered Fateha for the late former chief secretary Javed Mehmood. He remarked that late Javed Mahmood was an able and hardworking officer, and his services would long be remembered.

Ombudsman condoles death of Javed Mehmood

Ombudsman Maj (r) Azam Suleman Khan has expressed condolence on the death of former chief secretary and provincial ombudsman Javed Mehmood.

In a statement issued here Monday, he honored late Javed Mehmood’s distinguished career in the civil service and his contributions as the Punjab ombudsman. Throughout his career, late Javed Mehmood had undertaken commendable efforts for public welfare. His services shall forever remain a testament to his dedication and commitment, he added.

Ombudsman Azam Suleman prayed for Allah’s mercy upon Javed Mehmood and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family, wishing them strength and fortitude during this challenging period of loss.