We all talk of our problems and pitch big solutions on public forums and through public rallies. Let me give a few immediate steps with which we can overcome at least half of our problems. The other half will follow suit.
1. Let the power generation and distribution be given to provinces. Let them develop hydro electricity, solar energy, windmill energy or thermal energy to fulfil the shortage. I am sure all provinces can do it in different format of small generation projects to meet the shortfall within 1 year.
2. Let the Auditor General Office be strengthened properly. Let us recruit new blood, train them and give them constitutional immunity to perform not only financial audit but also performance audit. Performance audit is to verify justification of public expenditure. The staff of AG Office must be properly trained, evaluated and upgraded from time to time. No one should have immunity whether it be the president or a clerk.
3. Let the federal ministries be merged. There is a lot of overlap in the functions of some of the ministries which can be eliminated. Each minister will have to attend NA daily and roll call is taken. Each ministry will have a minister of state. These will be selected from amongst technocrats through a proper procedure of recruitment (that system must be devised)
4. All government functionaries will have an annually allocated budget. The AG office should be authorised to ensure accountability, if deviations are found. The perquisites of all functionaries must be defined, no matter the office he or she holds. The AG office should determine the declared perqs and ghost perqs and hold the functionaries responsible and accountable through transparent procedures.
We can go on miles more to correct this ailing country. But these measures can be a start. They are practical and implementable, if someone is sincere to this land.
AMJAD H MIRZA
Lahore
