Cabinet lifts ban on govt jobs; will adjust inflated power bills
23 September, 2014
ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to lift the ban on recruitments in its departments, the cabinet was informed on Monday.
The federal cabinet met on Monday with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the chair to review overall political situation and losses caused by the recent floods in the country.
The meeting was briefed on flood situation and damages caused by the calamity across the country, including Azad Kashmir, Punjab and Sindh. The cabinet reviewed current political situation and flood losses and decided to pay Rs 25,000 to every flood-hit family. It also approved a summary submitted by the Ministry of Water and Power and directed all government departments to begin the process of filling their vacancies.
The information minister told the meeting that a decision has been taken by the government to compensate the losses incurred to crops and livestock during the recent floods in the country. He said customers using less than 200 units of electricity would receive support in their next bills. The issue of over-billing and demand and supply gap of electricity was also discussed during the meeting. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was informed about the steps being taken to improve the load shedding situation.
Taking strict notice of over-billing across the country the prime minister stated, "We realise over-billing has taken place." He ordered an audit over the issue "as early as possible" and reimbursements in the next bills. The prime minister said that three "reputable companies" would audit into over-billing.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Water and Energy, Dr Musadiq Malik, said that the incumbent government had produced five to six percent additional electricity which led to an increase in consumption and hence the inflated bills. He also assured the premier that the issue of over-billing would be resolved soon.
The Ministry of Water and Power, through a summary, sought permission to fill the vacant posts in electricity distribution companies (DISCOs). Prime Minister Nawaz approved the request and also granted permission to all other government departments to fill their vacant posts.
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