Latest news with #RulesofBusiness
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ad hoc relief: Ministries/Divisions yet to submit list of ‘beneficiaries'
ISLAMABAD: A number of ministries/Divisions have yet to provide list of autonomous/semi-autonomous bodies and corporations, etc under their administrative control, along with details of their pay structure and whether they have sought concurrence of Finance Division for grant of ad hoc and other allowances. This was revealed in official document of the Finance Division. The division notified grant of ad hoc relief allowance-2025 to the executive/supervisory staff of autonomous/semi-autonomous bodies, corporations etc. Federal govt employees: MoF notifies 10pc ad hoc relief, 30pc DRA The notification stated that consequent upon grant of Adhoc Relief Allowance-2025 @ 10 percent of running basic pay to the civil servants w.e.f. 01-07-2025 vide Finance Division's OM No F.1(1)Imp/2025 dated 04-07-2025 , it has, inter-alia, been decided that the grant of adhoc relief allowance-2025 subject to existing conditions will also be applicable to the employees of autonomous/semi-autonomous bodies and corporations, which have adopted the federal government's basic pay scales scheme in totality. The above orders will, however, not be applicable to those public sector corporations and autonomous/semi-autonomous bodies which have adopted different pay scales/allowances. In case of such organisations, the grant of Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2025 @ 10 per cent of basic pay subject to existing conditions will be allowed with the concurrence of Standing Committee of Finance Division on the recommendations of the respective Board of Directors/Governors. The grant of Ad hoc Relief Allowance 2025 will invariably be tagged with the financial position of the organisation. It is also clarified that Autonomous/Semi-Autonomous Bodies and Corporations, etc will forward the cases of executive/supervisory staff (only) with the recommendations of their respective boards for concurrence of Finance Division to the grant of Ad hoc relief Allowance-2025 @ 10 per cent of basic pay subject to existing conditions w.e.f. 01-07-2025 and subsequently, on the same analogy, this benefit will be allowed to the non–executive/nonsupervisory staff of the autonomous/semi-autonomous bodies and corporations with the approval of their board of director/governors. Furthermore, it is pertinent to point out that paragraph (h) of sub-rule (1) of rule 12 of the Rules of Business, 1973, provides that no division shall without previous consultation with the Finance Division, authorise the issue of any orders which will involve a change in the terms and conditions of service of government servants, on their statutory rights and privileges, which have financial implications. In addition to above, the Supreme Court of Pakistan in its judgment in Civil Appeals No1428 to 1436 of 2016 concluded that 'The Rules of Business, 1973 are binding on the Government and a failure to follow them would lead to an order lacking any legal validity.' In view of this position, it is binding upon all the administrative ministries/divisions of semi-autonomous, autonomous bodies/corporations to ensure that any changes in the pay, allowances and privileges of executive/supervisory staff of the semiautonomous, autonomous bodies/corporations working under their administrative control, are processed in accordance with the Finance Division's OM NoF.1(1)Imp/94, dated 26-6-1999. In the last financial year, all ministries/divisions were requested to provide a list of autonomous/semi-autonomous bodies and corporations, etc under their administrative control, along with details of their pay structure and whether they have sought concurrence of Finance Division for grant of ad hoc and other allowances, and their pay scales on the given format but the requisite information is still awaited from a number of ministries/divisions. In case the approval has not been sought, the case should be initiated and forwarded for consideration of the Standing Committee of Finance Division, and final approval by the secretary Finance Division. All ministries/divisions were requested to comply with these instructions and submit a report by 30-07-2025, and convey these instructions to autonomous/semi-autonomous bodies and corporations under their administrative control for taking further necessary action within the current fiscal year 2025-26. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Disqualification of a member: Speaker's role is limited and clearly defined: PA Speaker
LAHORE: Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, while speaking with journalists, stated that in recent days, an impression is being created that the Speaker is eager to send references. However, the fact is that under the Rules of Business and constitutional provisions, the Speaker's role is both limited and clearly defined. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasized that there is no ambiguity in Article 63(2) of the Constitution. It clearly states that if a question arises regarding the disqualification of a member, it is the Speaker who decides whether such a question has indeed arisen. If the Speaker does not make a decision within thirty days, the matter is automatically referred to the Election Commission. He informed that he has received three applications from Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Ahmad Iqbal, and Iftikhar Chhachhar. He clarified that these are not references, but constitutional applications that must be decided strictly in accordance with the Constitution. Referring to a key incident from the past, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan recalled that in 2017, twenty-two MNAs of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf approached then Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, demanding action under Article 63(2) of the Constitution based on a statement by Mian Nawaz Sharif. Even at that time, when the matter was not resolved within thirty days, the Supreme Court took suo motu notice, which was constitutionally controversial since the apex court does not possess suo motu powers over another system of governance. He mentioned that he has encouraged both the government and the opposition to resolve matters through dialogue. Discussions were held on five key points, with both sides agreeing that foul language, sloganeering, and violations of human rights would be unacceptable in the House, and that Article 223 of the Constitution must be fully respected. The Speaker also noted that there has never been chaos in the House during a Chief Minister's speech. While the opposition has the constitutional right to protest, it is equally important to uphold parliamentary norms and the sanctity of the House. He reiterated that he does not believe in character assassination or humiliation of any member, nor will he prevent anyone from speaking. However, mob behaviour, aggressive conduct, and acts such as throwing books are completely unacceptable. Speaker shared that the Speaker of KP Assembly has sent him letter regarding the suspension of opposition members, to which detailed responses along with constitutional interpretations are being sent. In conclusion, the Speaker asserted that his goal is not to undermine anyone but to protect the sanctity of the House while remaining within the constitutional framework. He said that a decision will be made soon, and whatever is decided will be documented and agreed upon by both the government and the opposition to ensure more conducive atmosphere in the House moving forward. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rules amended, non-IAS officer gets power to issue govt order
1 2 3 4 T'puram: The latest amendment to Kerala's Rules of Business has triggered alarm bells within the state's administrative circles, with senior bureaucrats warning of its far-reaching implications for the structure and integrity of govt functioning. At the heart of the unease is the formal recognition and empowerment of non-IAS officers — including retirees — as ex-officio secretaries with full authority to issue govt orders. Although Kerala recently permitted a couple of hand-picked individuals heading statutory or quasi-govt bodies to be merely called ex-officio secretaries, the latest changes — now embedded in the constitutional Rules of Business — go a step further by codifying this power and placing them on par with regular IAS secretaries. Senior officials privately state that the amendment could have been avoided altogether. "The Kerala Secretariat Manual, not the Rules of Business, should have been the place to define the procedural authority of ex-officio secretaries. Instead, the govt invoked Article 166(3) to amend the very rules that define executive power in the state. That's a line rarely crossed," said one senior officer. The move amends two crucial provisions. Rule 2 now explicitly includes ex-officio secretaries in the definition of a 'Secretary to Govt'. More significantly, Rule 12 has been rewritten to allow them to authenticate govt orders — essentially granting them signing power. These powers were traditionally restricted to those appointed under the IAS cadre or promoted through established bureaucratic channels. Critics argue the amendment could be a slippery slope. "If the only requirement is that someone heads a statutory body, then what's to stop a future govt from appointing any private individual to that role and thereby making them secretary to govt?" said another official. "There is no clear appointment framework or eligibility yardstick now." The govt's justification, as outlined in the notification's explanatory note, leans on the Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure, which allows ex-officio secretaries to issue govt orders. However, critics argue that even if the central manual allows something, Kerala does not need to make a constitutional-level change (ie, amend its Rules of Business under Article 166 of Constitution) just to reflect that practice. "Instead, a simpler method (like issuing a govt order [GO] or updating Kerala Secretariat Manual, which is a procedural guide — not a constitutional rulebook) could have sufficed. Why go to the extent of amending a foundational governance rule, when a procedural clarification would have been enough?" a source asked. Beyond legal semantics, the concern is deeply structural. Observers note that until now, three guardrails protected against the arbitrary expansion of secretary-level authority: Rule 2 (definition of secretary), Rule 12 (who may issue orders), and the IAS cadre strength regulations. With two of these guardrails now redefined, institutional checks on political appointments to top bureaucratic positions may weaken. In departments like planning, science & technology and finance (infrastructure) — where several non-IAS heads currently operate — this change could translate into a parallel power structure, bypassing traditional scrutiny mechanisms. For instance, a pay revision ordered by the KIIFB CEO acting as ex-officio secretary may no longer require vetting by the finance department. "This isn't just about turf. It's about protocol, accountability and democratic checks. A single GO in the Secretariat Manual could have clarified the issue. Instead, we've formalised a backdoor route that may prove difficult to reverse," said another senior officer. A section of the bureaucracy believes the development marks a turning point in the role and relevance of IAS in Kerala. "This is not a case of exclusion by political pressure. This is a self-engineered exit from crucial policy and financial command centres. The service must seriously introspect," the officer said. Calling for a broader dialogue, a senior official suggested that the IAS Association in Kerala should meet and deliberate on the issue. "This affects the very idea of institutional governance and violated the cadre rules as well. It can't be left unchallenged."
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kerala amends rules to empower non-IAS officers as ex-officio secretaries
1 2 T'puram: The latest amendment to Kerala's Rules of Business has triggered alarm bells within the state's administrative circles, with senior bureaucrats warning of its far-reaching implications for the structure and integrity of govt functioning. At the heart of the unease is the formal recognition and empowerment of non-IAS officers — including retirees — as ex-officio secretaries with full authority to issue govt orders. Although Kerala recently permitted a couple of hand-picked individuals heading statutory or quasi-govt bodies to be merely called ex-officio secretaries, the latest changes — now embedded in the constitutional Rules of Business — go a step further by codifying this power and placing them on par with regular IAS secretaries. Senior officials privately state that the amendment could have been avoided altogether. "The Kerala Secretariat Manual, not the Rules of Business, should have been the place to define the procedural authority of ex-officio secretaries. Instead, the govt invoked Article 166(3) to amend the very rules that define executive power in the state. That's a line rarely crossed," said one senior officer. The move amends two crucial provisions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Pelajari Undo Rule 2 now explicitly includes ex-officio secretaries in the definition of a 'Secretary to Govt'. More significantly, Rule 12 has been rewritten to allow them to authenticate govt orders — essentially granting them signing power. These powers were traditionally restricted to those appointed under the IAS cadre or promoted through established bureaucratic channels. Critics argue the amendment could be a slippery slope. "If the only requirement is that someone heads a statutory body, then what's to stop a future govt from appointing any private individual to that role and thereby making them secretary to govt?" said another official. "There is no clear appointment framework or eligibility yardstick now." The govt's justification, as outlined in the notification's explanatory note, leans on the Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure, which allows ex-officio secretaries to issue govt orders. However, critics argue that even if the central manual allows something, Kerala does not need to make a constitutional-level change (ie, amend its Rules of Business under Article 166 of Constitution) just to reflect that practice. "Instead, a simpler method (like issuing a govt order [GO] or updating Kerala Secretariat Manual, which is a procedural guide — not a constitutional rulebook) could have sufficed. Why go to the extent of amending a foundational governance rule, when a procedural clarification would have been enough?" a source asked. Beyond legal semantics, the concern is deeply structural. Observers note that until now, three guardrails protected against the arbitrary expansion of secretary-level authority: Rule 2 (definition of secretary), Rule 12 (who may issue orders), and the IAS cadre strength regulations. With two of these guardrails now redefined, institutional checks on political appointments to top bureaucratic positions may weaken. In departments like planning, science & technology and finance (infrastructure) — where several non-IAS heads currently operate — this change could translate into a parallel power structure, bypassing traditional scrutiny mechanisms. For instance, a pay revision ordered by the KIIFB CEO acting as ex-officio secretary may no longer require vetting by the finance department. "This isn't just about turf. It's about protocol, accountability and democratic checks. A single GO in the Secretariat Manual could have clarified the issue. Instead, we've formalised a backdoor route that may prove difficult to reverse," said another senior officer. A section of the bureaucracy believes the development marks a turning point in the role and relevance of IAS in Kerala. "This is not a case of exclusion by political pressure. This is a self-engineered exit from crucial policy and financial command centres. The service must seriously introspect," the officer said. Calling for a broader dialogue, a senior official suggested that the IAS Association in Kerala should meet and deliberate on the issue. "This affects the very idea of institutional governance and violated the cadre rules as well. It can't be left unchallenged."
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt plan to curb ‘bureaucratic overreach' in cabinet meetings
1 2 Bhubaneswar: The BJP govt under chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has moved to restore ministerial authority in cabinet proceedings by implementing stricter protocols that limit bureaucratic involvement in the decision-making process. In a significant departure from previous practices, the parliamentary affairs department has issued directives mandating that the cabinet agenda be shared with ministers at least two working days before meetings, with meeting notices to be circulated five days in advance. Under the new guidelines, circulated by Surendra Kumar, additional chief secretary of the parliamentary affairs department, ministers will lead discussions on their departmental agenda items, followed by deliberations by cabinet members. Department secretaries will no longer be permitted to sit in the cabinet room and will only participate when specifically called upon for their expertise. The secretaries will not take part in discussions except when asked for their opinion. Only the chief minister, ministers, and secretary to the cabinet (chief secretary) will be inside the cabinet room. Prior permission of the CM will be necessary to bring any agenda in the cabinet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The move aligns with the Odisha govt Rules of Business, Part III, which explicitly states that ministers should provide observations on their departmental matters in cabinet meetings. The new administration claims this change will correct what they term as ' bureaucratic overreach ' that had allegedly developed under the previous govt. Explaining the decision, revenue minister Suresh Pujari said on Tuesday that the govt move is meant to "restore" the system. "Under the previous BJD administration, the roles of political leadership were undermined. Ministers were not privy to many things even in their departments. The govt will only re-implement the existing rules so that everyone performs their defined roles," Pujari said. The minister said in the past, rules were violated in the cabinet. Secretaries of all departments whose agenda were to be discussed in the cabinet, sat through the entire duration. Now, officers of one department will not be part of the discussion of another. The same has already been implemented in the last cabinet meeting held on May 14. Pujari said under the previous govt, the principal secretary of a department would present the agenda and not the minister. Now, ministers are initiating the discussion. The same will be more strictly implemented, the minister added. Countering Pujari, BJD MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said a govt's efficiency is never judged by the process but by the action on the ground. "The BJP govt should stop indulging in gimmicks and work so that the people of Odisha get the benefits," Deo said.
