Concern about disproportionately high allocations for non-development expenditure compared to development expenditure
RAWALPINDI:
The authorities concerned have decided to reduce non-development expenditure across 44 Cantonment Boards (CBs) nationwide, including Rawalpindi and Chaklala, by phasing out excess staff, enforcing newly approved staffing limits, introducing a paperless administrative system and establishing a food quality control scheme based on hygiene standards.
According to information obtained by this correspondent from cantonment sources, the competent authority has issued clear directives to all cantonment boards to increase their revenue streams, improve recovery mechanisms and gradually curb the significant portion of budgets consumed by salaries and other non-developmental expenses.
To this end, over-staffing shall be eliminated by reassessing and fixing the sanctioned strength in each table strictly on the basis of actual operational requirements, followed by gradual reduction of excess personnel.
The resulting savings must be redirected to development projects. According to this vision, the reduction in overstaffing is also expected to reduce the long-term burden of salaries and pensions in cantonal administrations.
Sources further indicate that the competent authority has expressed concern over the disproportionately high allocation for non-development expenditure compared to development expenditure in many cantons.
Steps have also been taken to move office operations to a paperless system, enabling greater transparency, efficiency and governance through automation, while ensuring secure records.
Furthermore, the cantonal councils have been directed to modernize and activate their food departments to ensure provision of food in accordance with prescribed hygiene standards.
