KARACHI: The Input Output Coefficient Organization (IOCO) has been facing shortage of staff since the last couple of years, Customs Today has learnt.
The IOCO was assigned the task to determine, fix, rationalise duty drawback rates, wastages and finalisation of application under the DTRE Scheme, proper scrutiny of documents, examination or audit of commercial record by the sector specialist/director IOCO etc. However, the IOCO is working with just few officers and staff against the proposed strength of at least 50 officials, sources told Customs Today.
Presently, there are some 15 officers at all to run the IOCO that included director general, director headquarters, director-south, director-north, deputy director-headquarters, superintendent, assistants, clerk, junior clerk, they said, adding that it was proposed to the higher authorities that the strength be enhanced with at least 50 officials.
“A few years ago, it was proposed that at least 50 people be inducted into the IOCO, including six assistant directors who could do field surveys, qualified sector specialists, assistants and clerks,” sources added.
Ironically, at present the job of qualified sector specialist is being done by the Inland Revenue officials of the Regional Tax Office. However, the rules clearly state that there should be customs officer in case of non-availability of the qualified sector specialist.
