Number of CSS occupational groups likely to be reduced

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to reduce the current number of twelve occupational groups as part of Federal Civil Services in the country in view of the reduced domain of federal government after the 18th Amendment.
The decision has been taken in a high echelon meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday at the Prime Minister Office (PMO). The meeting that deliberated Civil Service Reforms was also attended by chairman FPSC Naveed Akram Cheema, Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM) Fawad Hasan Fawad, federal secretary for Planning Shoaib Siddiquee, JS PMO Kamran Ali Afzal and senior officials of Planning, Establishment and Finance Divisions and other important bureaucrats. Federal Minister for Interior and Planning, Development & Reform Professor Ahsan Iqbal was also present n the huddle.
A detailed briefing was given to the prime minister by the minister regarding various proposals aimed at restructuring the present formation of the civil service in order to make it more vibrant, professional and capable of bracing modern day challenges. The prime minister, during the meeting, observed that there was a need to review the methodology of induction in order to address issues resulting in low success rate in the competitive examinations. It was therefore decided to undertake an in-depth analysis of the FPSC results data for the past three years and to make comparative analysis of the recruitment process with other developing countries. On improving standards of professional training, it was decided, in principle, to upgrade and elevate National School of Public Policy to the status of National University of Public Policy and Administration. The prime minister directed that process of legislation should be initiated to give effect to the proposal. The prime minister also directed the Establishment Division to review the need of reducing the number of occupational groups as part of Federal Civil Services in view of the reduced domain of Federal Government after the 18th Amendment. It was also decided to continue the consultative process to review the incentive structure for bureaucracy which is the biggest impediment in getting a quality human resource in the civil services.
In the meanwhile a delegation of Pakistan Dairy Association called on the prime minister later in the day at the PMO. Sikandar Hayat Bosan, Minister for National Food Security was also present during the meeting. The delegation comprised Syed Yawar Ali, Chairman PDA & Nestle Pakistan Ltd, Aamir Khawas, Chief Operating Officer Fauji Foods, Sulaiman Sadiq Monoo, CEO Dairy Land Pvt. Ltd., Anjum Muhammad Saleem, CEO Shakarganj Food Products Pvt. Ltd., Jorge Montero, MD Tetra Pak Pakistan Ltd., Ali Ahmed Khan, CEO Engro Foods Ltd, Muhammad Memosh Khawja, CEO Haleeb Foods Ltd., and others. The prime minister was briefed about potential and the contribution of the sector towards national economy and meeting the nutrition requirements of the population of the country. Issues faced by the sector also came under discussion.
The delegation suggested various measures including putting in place uniform Food Standards across the country, minimum pasteurisation law and tax related incentives to further promote the growth of the sector. The prime minister assured the delegation that their suggestions would be duly considered by the government and all possible facilitation would be extended to them for ensuring growth and capitalisation of potential of the sector. The prime minister also directed that a committee of all stakeholders be constituted under the minister for food security to look into the proposal of establishing a Milk Board in the country.