Expressing displeasure over non-implementation of open door policy and delay in holding meetings of parliamentarians by deputy commissioners in some districts, the Chief Secretary Punjab Azam Suleman Khan has directed that guidelines about improving governance and public service delivery be implemented in letter and spirit.

He was presiding over a video-link meeting of all commissioners and deputy commisssioners at Civil Secretariat. The Chief Secretary said that officers should perform their duties honestly and diligently so that desired targets could be achieved. It is priority of the government to address problems of the common man and no compromise could be made on this important matter, he asserted.

Asking the officers to ensure punctuality and accessibility, the Chief Secretary said that open door policy must be followed strictly and the common man should be given due respect in government offices.

He mentioned that in democratic system, elected representatives play an important role, adding that officers must be courteous with parliamentarians and get their feedback for resolving peoples' problems.

He said that officers would be given 'full authority' but they would be held accountable. He said that performance would be reviewed monthly and the officers who fail to deliver would be removed from their posts. Administrative secretaries have been asked to devolve their powers to commissioners and deputy commissioners, he added.

He ordered that availability of daily-use commodities, especially edibles, be ensured at the prices fixed by the government. Stern action be taken against profiteers, hoarders and adulterators, he said.

He asked deputy commissioners and districts police officers to visit wholesale fruit and vegetable markets twice a week, besides holding joint open courts.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019