Punjab Chief Minister transfers DCOs of Layyah and Rajanpur

Lahore : Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressed a meeting at Civil Secretariat, Lahore and DCO Office Layyah through video link, today.

Chairman Chief Minister’s Inspection Team presented inquiry report regarding deviation from rules and regulations in the purchase of furniture and equipment for IT lab in Education Department Layyah in the financial year 2014-15.

The Chairman CMIT informed that these items had also been purchased in violation of rules from the same firm in Rajanpur in the financial year 2014-15 but the DCO of that time took no step to blacklist the firm.

Taking stern action over violation of rules and regulations in the procurement process, the Chief Minister ordered transfer of former and present DCOs of Layyah and Rajanpur as OSD and suspension of two former and present EDOs Education and EDO Finance & Planning of Layyah.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister directed that those responsible for violating rules in the procurement process should be identified and departmental action should be taken against them. He further directed that complete forensic investigation of purchase of furniture and other items by the Education Department during financial years 2014-15 and 2015-16 be conducted.

He said that disregard to rules and regulations in the purchase of furniture and other items is criminal negligence and those involved will be held accountable. He said that the hard-earned money of the nation will not be allowed go to waste. He said that departments concerned should have performed their responsibilities efficiently. He directed that a centralized system should be adopted in future with regard to procurement of furniture and other items for schools.

He said that centralized system will help in ensuring more transparency in procurement process. Provincial Minister for Schools Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad, Chief Secretary, Chairman Chief Minister’s Inspection Team, authorities concerned attended the meeting from Civil Secretariat while DCO Layyah and officers concerned participated through video link from Layyah.