LHC Order
LAHORE: The Punjab government has amended the posting rules to legalize the appointments of junior officers to senior positions. This action follows the Lahore High Court’s declaration last month that such appointments were “alien to law and violative of the Punjab Civil Servants Act 1974.”
The Lahore High Court had observed that the practice of OPS (own pay and scale) appointments violated the PCS Act and its rules, with the Punjab government disregarding the law by assigning junior officers to positions intended for senior officers.
The court ordered the chief secretary to review the appointments of 183 officers placed in higher-grade positions within the province within 30 days, with a deadline of September 15.
A report submitted by the chief secretary revealed that several BS-18 officers were serving in BS-20 positions, and at least three BS-19 officers were occupying BS-21 posts.
Analyzing the postings for administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners, it showed that BS-19 officers took on the roles of administrative secretary and 11 special secretaries.
Moreover, the government assigned BS-20 officers to serve as commissioners in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad, despite the initial designation of these roles for BS-21 officers.
Innovative Strategy
In a proactive move, the Punjab government enacted a PCS (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 to legalize the appointment of junior officers to higher-grade positions.
The ordinance amended Section 9 of Act VIII of 1974, introducing the phrase “equivalent or higher,” thereby permitting junior officers to assume higher-grade roles.
Senior civil officers, expressed the need for a review and rationalization of the current post grading structure.
They pointed out that while the posts of commissioners in the four divisions were designated for BS-21 officers, such senior officers rarely opted for or were assigned to Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad commissioner positions.
Furthermore, they noted that both administrative secretaries and special secretaries held BS-20 posts, but administrative powers primarily resided with the administrative secretaries, leaving special secretaries with limited authority.
Furthermore, the federal government assigned BS-21 officers to the BS-22 positions of Punjab chief secretary and IGP, even though BS-22 officers were available.
In conclusion, Punjab government amends posting rules, circumventing LHC order to legitimize junior officers’ appointments to senior positions.
