The computerization of LDA’s houses schemes and all range of processes specially plot allotments, plot exemptions, mutation and ownership deeds are still a mirage despite initiation of work in 2009. Johar Town has been selected first to computerize all record of housing schemes in LDA controlled areas.
LDA appointed project director (IT) Mansoor Butt on deputation, a favourite of Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif on hefty salary of Rs 90,000 for supervising the computerization of Johar Town Scheme with effect from August 22, 2009 for three years.
However, so far visible progress is not at sight.
No progress in sight: “Only scanning is in-process. Meanwhile other procedures are yet to be taken up. However, the LDA website declares that 80 percent computerization of Johar Town has been completed,” LDA senior official told Pakistan Today.
He said that CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif also ordered the computerization of all LDA branch records within three months on June 9, 2011 in the light of Chief Minister Inspection Team (CMIT) inquiry report. “One month has passed and not action has been taken so far,” he added.
LDA Administration Branch officials said that Project Director (IT) Mansoor Butt was overburdened with lot of tasks on his shoulders. “He is member of the allocation committee and also head of the security feature cell, constituted to issue security papers carrying all relevant documents transfer letters, exemption letters, allotment letters, completion certificates to check forgery,” he added.
He revealed that computerization process was started to detect bogus exemption files in Johar Town. “Three teams comprising officials of Directorate of Land Development were constituted in this regard. LDA also signed a deal with private company AOS which is getting Rs 700 for scanning a page. LDA has also dedicated its major infrastructure for the computerization work. However, things are only inching forward,” he disclosed.
Missing out on modernization aims:
According to data available with Pakistan Today, LDA declared that it shall help make Lahore the most livable mega city of the South Asian region by 2010 and one of the thirty leading educational cultural, commercial, industrial and information technology centers of the world by 2020. Unfortunately for the last 35 years, LDA is unable to achieve modern standards especially in the field of IT (Information Technology). LDA is striving hard to achieve its targets. LDA has started the project LRMS (Land Record Management System) to computerize all of its existing land records and to automate its business processes. However, LDA Project Director (IT) Mansoor Butt, brought in LDA to complete the computerization project, is not living up to the expectations causing a disquiet among the LDA big wigs, an LDA Johar Town office source revealed.
Mocking the regularization policy for contractual employees, Lahore Development Authority (LDA) submitted a summary to CM secretariat to change the status of Project Director (IT) Mansoor Butt working on a BS-18 grade contract, from contract mode into regular mode. The move was initiated to regularize the officer by former LDA DG Umer Rasool on the special direction on Shahbaz Sharif.
Mansoor Butt who has additional charge of grade 19 was also taking all the perks and privileges of the higher designation, sources said.
Details of summary to regularize Mansoor Butt: Recently a summary was moved which said that LDA and its successful implementation requires development of in-house facilities and provision of a pool of talented, competent and dedicated human resource, led by competent team leader like the present PD (IT) Mansoor Butt. The post of Project Director (IT) is a limited time post and the contract of Butt is going to expire on August 21, 2012. His departure would create a massive void in LDA , as none among the present hierarchy of computer services directorate possess the skill and ability to keep LDA’s process of overhauling on track.
The summary said that all projects and software, which were developed and implemented by Mansoor Butt were never part of the role assigned to him as PD (IT).“In fact, he is working extra hours and is going out of the way to further the process of reformation of LDA. Chief Minister is requested to allow in the appointment of Mansoor Butt form contract mode to regular mode at earliest.
The summary said that he had completed the commissioning of state of art compurterized one window cell, suit management system for directorate of law, redesigning and updating the new enhanced LDA website, establishing of LDA call center, wireless and wired networking of all LDA officers, task and stock management for C & I directorate, security feature paper printing system, employee lot allotment management system, payroll system for directorate of finance and HR management system for directorate of administration. Sources said that the LDA had already made a failed attempt to grant the CM’s blued eyed boy a two-year extension with effect from August 22, 2012.
However, LDA chairman Ahad Cheema turned down the summary the two year extension for the services of Mansoor Butt in a governing body meeting until he fulfils the terms of his current three-year term.
