KP govt approves legislation to fight corruption

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet on Wednesday approved the Whistleblowers Act 2015 to pinpoint corruption of ministers and officers in government departments.It also approved the Tourism Policy and amendments to the Right to Information law.
The cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pervez Khattak also decided to establish Vigilance Commission for the protection of those who pinpoint corruption of the cabinet members and government officers under the Whistleblowers Act 2015. It was also decided to keep names of the informers secret.
Briefing newsmen about the details of the cabinet meeting, Information Minister Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani said the Vigilance Commission would comprise of chairman and three members.He said the proposed commission could initiate inquiry against any person and get documentary proofs and assistance from anyone.
The cabinet, he said, also decided to protect those who would give information against corrupt cabinet members and provide cash prizes to those giving correct details.The minister said action would also be taken against those giving wrong and baseless information intentionally.
The cabinet, he said, also approved the Tourism Policy 2015 to provide facilities and improve the infrastructure such as roads, railway tracks, hotels, tourists spots and youth hostels for the benefit of tourists.
The tourism sites, he said, would be properly advertised. He said the government had already approved projects under tourism worth Rs100 million. “A Tourism Promotion Cell would also be established,” he added.
Mushtaq Ghani said the cabinet approved amendments to the Right to Information Bill 2013. He said under Section 24, the Information Commission would comprise of one chief commissioner and three other commissioners.
Under the same section, the appointment procedure for two commissioners had been formulated, he added. He said all decisions would be taken by the commission. He said two members of the commission or one member and the chairman could take the decision.
The minister said under Section 26(3) (B), the commission was empowered to fine any government official. He said earlier a person could not file appeal against the decision of the commission. “Now an appeal can be filed against the commission’s decision in the court of district and sessions judge,” he added.
Mushtaq Ghani said the cabinet extended financial powers of the Parents Teachers Association and allowed it to spend Rs3 million. “Previously, it could spend Rs1 million annually. This was done to ensure the community’s participation in the construction of schools,” he maintained.The cabinet also gave approval to the introduction of solar system in all the educational institutions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.