Severe restrictions on PC chairpersons' perks, allowances

The President’s Office has imposed restrictions on Provincial Council chairperson's perks, including fuel allowances, after revelations that the facilities were being misused.

The President’s Office in a circular has limited the fuel allowance to 150 litres a month and allowed only two drivers.

This is in contrast to the existing scheme where the chairpersons could have a private staff of up to 13 members. They included a personal Secretary, a coordinating Secretary, a Public Relations officer, a Personal Assistant, a clerk, a typist, a Management Assistant, an Office Assistant and two drivers.

According to the Constitution, though the provincial councils term has ended, the Chairperson's position remains until the next council is elected. However it does not mention about the staff.

Accordingly, all nine council chairpersons continue to hold office.

The councils spend more than Rs four million for payments for the staff a month.