Double-cabin vehicles not luxury cars, says Sindh govt

The Sindh government has received a lot of flak over its decision to allocate Rs2 billion to purchase 138 double-cabin vehicles for assistant commissioners (ACs). The provincial administration issued a rebuttal on Thursday, saying that the criticism not only lacks context but also misrepresents the necessity and rationale behind the decision.

“Firstly, it is imperative to understand that ACs are the backbone of the provincial administration. Tasked with enforcing government policies and decisions, ACs play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, price control, polio eradication, flood management, inspection of schools and hospitals, land administration, election duties, and various other essential functions. These officers work tirelessly, often around the clock and in remote areas, to ensure the smooth functioning of the government machinery.

“The last substantive procurement of vehicles for ACs was made in 2010 and 2012, when Suzuki Cultus cars were purchased. The average lifespan of a Suzuki Cultus is approximately 7-8 years. Currently, most of these vehicles have far exceeded their useful life, with many having run nearly 0.8 million kilometres.

“The odometers of several vehicles have become dysfunctional due to excessive usage. Some of the officers even have vehicles as old as the 2005 model. “Consequently, the ACs have been compelled to use their private vehicles for official duties, which is both impractical and unfair. But the worst part is that many of these officers do not even have their personal vehicles and are thus forced to hire private vehicles to do official duties and attend to emergencies.

“Furthermore, the Sindh government has identified significant savings by reducing the substantial public funds currently spent on the repair and maintenance of older vehicles. These expenditures, which run into millions, will be significantly minimised with the acquisition of new, dependable

vehicles.

“It is also important to note that the double-cabin vehicles the government has decided to procure for the ACs are never categorised as luxury vehicles. These are operational vehicles, and the government will procure the most basic variant to ensure cost-effectiveness.

“In addition, the government is also actively inspecting and condemning unroadworthy and irreparable vehicles through motor vehicle inspectors, paving the way for an open auction of these condemned assets.

“Efforts are also under way for the retrieval of government vehicles that are currently in unauthorised possession. This initiative has already resulted in the recovery of more than 50 per cent of such vehicles, which have been reassigned to the appropriate departments and field offices.

“It is also noteworthy that the decision to purchase operational vehicles for ACs is not unique to the Sindh government. Sister provinces have similarly equipped their administrative officers with reliable transportation.

“For instance, only last October the Punjab government procured double-cabin 4x4 Toyota Revo-G M/T vehicles for ACs to facilitate their duties efficiently. The total allocation amounting to Rs2.3 billion also included the purchase of Toyota Yaris and Toyota Altis for additional deputy commissioners of each district and additional commissioners of each division. This reflects a broader recognition of the necessity for dependable vehicles to ensure effective governance and quick response times in various administrative functions.

“The Sindh government’s decision to allocate funds for new vehicles is a practical measure to ensure that field officers can perform their duties efficiently and effectively. It is essential to provide these officers with reliable transportation to reach far-flung areas and respond promptly to emergencies and administrative

responsibilities.

“The portrayal of this decision as a ‘royal’ extravagance is misleading. Ensuring that field officers are equipped with functional and reliable vehicles is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the provincial administration.

“The government’s commitment to addressing the needs of flood victims and other pressing issues remains unwavering. However, the operational efficiency of our administrative officers can’t be compromised.

“In conclusion, the intended expenditure for purchasing vehicles for field officers is a justified and necessary decision aimed at enhancing the administrative capabilities of our officers and for the dispensation of better public service.

“It is high time we recognise the critical role played by these officers, and support the measures that enable them to serve the public more effectively.”