LAHORE: MCC Collector of Customs (Preventive) Mukaram Jah has warned officers and staff against political pressure in office matters including transfers, postings and deputation on lucrative positions in the collectorate.
In a circular issued here on the Wednesday, the collector of customs preventive said that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has strictly prohibited the officers and all other staff from pulling string in office matters including undue pressure for transfers, postings and deputation according to their suitability.
Most officials have been violating these instructions issued by the Board, he said, warning that in future if any office or staff is ground involved in influencing is transfers and postings, the collectorte will initiate departmental disciplinary proceedings against such officials.
It is pertinent to mention here, the FBR in this regard has already issued instruction order to dismantle influence as well as political pressure exerted on authorities by some tax officials in transfers/postings/deputation on lucrative positions.
According to the FBR instructions issued on June 5, 2014 the FBR said it has been observed with great concern that some officials attempt to use extraneous influence, including political pressure, in respect of service matters such as transfers, postings, deputation and other related issues which is not only breach of rule 19 and 29 of Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 but also constitutes “Misconduct” in terms of rule 2(4) of the Government Servants (E & D) Rules, 1973.
The FBR quoted Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 “19 which read approach to member of the Assemblies, etc: – No Government servant shall directly or indirectly, approach any Member of the National Assembly or a Provincial Assembly or any other non-official person to intervene on his behalf in any matter.” “29. Use of political or other influence: No Government servant shall bring or attempt to bring political or other outside political influence, directly or indirectly to bear on the government or any government servant in support of any claim arising in connection with his employment as such”.
The Board also quoted Government Servants (E&D) Rules, 1973 that read “Misconduct” means conduct prejudicial to good order or service discipline or country to Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, I 964 or unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman and includes any act on the part of a Government servant to bring or attempt to bring political or other outside influence directly or indirectly to bear on the Government or any Government officer in respect of any matter relating to the appointment, promotion, transfer, punishment, retirement or other conditions of service of a Government servant.
The FBR had said the administration has taken serious view of such acts on the part of governments officials. All concerned are, therefore, advised in their own interest to abide by the rules and avoid such conduct in future, failing which, stern action will be taken against those found involved, the FBR added.
