CM transfers DCOs over ‘violation of rules’

LAHORE

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif took stern action over violation of rules and regulations in process to procure equipment in Layyah Education Department and ordered transfer of former and present DCOs of Layyah and Rajanpur as OSD and suspension of two former and present EDOs, Education and EDO, Finance and Planning of Layyah.

The chief minister addressed a meeting at Civil Secretariat which was also attended by the Layyah DCO and other officers at DCO Office, Layyah, through video link on Saturday. 

The Chief Minister’s Inspection Team (CMIT) chairman presented inquiry report regarding deviation from rules and regulations in the purchase of furniture and equipment for IT lab in  Layyah Education Department in the financial year 2014-15. The CMIT chairman informed that the items had also been purchased in violation of rules from the same firm in Rajanpur in the financial year 2014-15 but the DCO of that time  took no step to blacklist the firm.

Taking stern action over violation of rules and regulations in the procurement process, the chief minister ordered transfer of former and present DCOs of Layyah and Rajanpur as OSD and suspension of two former and present  EDOs, Education and EDO, Finance and Planning of Layyah.

The chief minister directed that those responsible for violating rules in the procurement process be identified and departmental action be taken against them. He directed that complete forensic investigation of purchase of furniture and other items by the Education Department during financial years 2014-15 and 2015-16 be conducted. He said that disregard to rules and regulations in the purchase of furniture and other items was criminal negligence and those involved in it would be held accountable.

He said that the departments concerned should have performed their responsibilities efficiently. He directed that a centralised system be adopted in future with regard to procurement of furniture and other items for schools. He said that centralised system would help ensure more transparency in procurement process. 

Provincial Minister for Schools Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad, chief secretary and other officers attended the meeting at Civil Secretariat while  Layyah DCO and officers concerned participated in it through video link from Layyah.