LG secy gets show-cause notice for not complying with SHC order

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has taken exception to non-compliance with a court order for establishing a separate directorate in the local government department for libraries, and issued a show-cause notice to the secretary and the additional chief secretary of local government to explain why contempt of court proceedings may not be initiated against them for disobeying the order.

Hearing a petition with regard to a lack of libraries in the province, a single bench headed by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar observed that it appears that local government department is reluctant to establish such a mechanism for a separate directorate for libraries like the one with the cultural department.

The court directed the secretary of local government to appear in person and explain non-compliance with the order. Regarding the mutation of all libraries falling under the purview of the culture, tourism, antiquities and archives department and the local government, it observed that it is incumbent upon the deputy commissioners throughout Sindh to ensure the execution of mutations subsequent to soliciting the pertinent details from the concerned department and to ascertain the reflection of such mutations in the record of rights.

The SHC observed that the establishment of libraries plays a pivotal role in fostering cultural enrichment and educational advancement. It directed the secretary culture to formulate a comprehensive proposal which outlines the budgetary requirements necessary for the establishment, maintenance, and enhancement of libraries across the province.

The high court further observed that proposals include infrastructure cost, acquisition of recourses, personnel expenses, technological investment and community engagement programmes.

The court said the proposal shall be presented to the Sindh government for review and approval, and the secretary must ensure that the proposal is comprehensive, well-researched and aligned with cultural and educational objectives.

It directed the secretary finance to amplify the existing budget allocation earmarked for library development and ring-fence the enhanced budget specifically for library- related expenditure. The court was informed that the cultural department has yet to assume control of the libraries in Sukkur; however, the officials asserted that they have assumed control of these libraries and committed to operationalizing them along with others, including the KN Shah library.

The court directed the deputy commissioner of Hyderabad to engage in dialogue with representatives of the industries department to explore the possibility of relinquishing the building adjacent to Allama Daudpota Library for its utilisation as library purpose. It also directed secretary finance to approve SNEs of the cultural department after completing the necessary formalities. It observed that the finance department shall ensure release of an amount under the head of maintenance and repair enabling the culture department to establish libraries in existing buildings in different parts of Sindh, and reports shall be filed.

The court also directed the secretaries of culture and energy departments to shift libraries from electric to solar energy, and the chief secretary was directed to coordinate with both departments. It told the chief secretary to ensure compliance with the court order already issued on December 18, 2023.