ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Secretary for Industries and Production Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan Wednesday informed the National Assembly that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is conducting inquiry into Rs 26 billion misappropriation in General Provident and Gratuity funds of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in 2009-10.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice raised by Maulana Muhammad Gohar Shah and others regarding non-increase in the salaries of the employees of PSM and misappropriation in General Provident fund, he said under companies act 1984, respective Board of Governors (BoG) were responsible for any such wrong doing. Rao Ajmal said PSM was a national asset but unfortunately it has been closed for the last eight months.
A sum of Rs 24 billion was provided to PSM during last two years for paying salaries to the employees, he added. He said the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved to pay two months salaries of December and January to the employees. “February and March salaries will be paid in the next month,” he added.
Rao Ajmal said despite a national asset, PSM has become liability and the employees were demanding salaries for two shifts. Seeking the support of opposition for PSM revival, the Parliamentary Secretary said the Sindh government was also offered to own PSM but no answer received so far.
He said the number of employees was reduced to 13000 from 17000 and added that daily wages and other such employees were gradually being relived. Rao Ajmal also conceded that perks and privileges of deceased and retired employees could not be paid due to financial position of PSM.
