PESHAWAR (Muhammad Ijaz Afridi): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has issued a notification outlining the powers and responsibilities associated with the position of Additional Chief Secretary (General) of the Establishment and Administration Department.
This announcement was made by the Establishment Department and marks the creation of this position for the first time in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the announcement, the Additional Chief Secretary (General) will oversee the Establishment and Administration Department and be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the provincial government’s reform agenda and policies. This role includes supervising ongoing reforms across various departments.
The Additional Chief Secretary (General) will address matters related to promotions for the PMS cadre from Scale 16 to Grade 17 and for non-PMS officers from Grade 17 to Grade 18 as the Chairman of Provincial Selection Board II. As a permanent member of Provincial Selection Board I, he will also be involved in the promotion of PMS officers in Grade 17 and above, along with officers from other cadres in Grade 18 and above.
The notification specifies that the Additional Chief Secretary (General) will have the authority to appoint inquiry officers or committees as delegated by the Chief Secretary. He will also be responsible for signing charge sheets and statements of allegations under the E&D Rules 2011. Additionally, he will have the power to transfer and post officers according to Schedule III of the Rules of Business, 1985.
Furthermore, the Additional Chief Secretary (General) will serve as the Chairman or Member of several important boards and committees, including the Benevolent Fund Management Board, Retirement Death and Compensation Board, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Housing Foundation for Government Servants, and Placement Committees for the appointment and transfer of Deputy Commissioners and Divisional Commissioners. He will also be involved as a member or Chairman of Search and Security Committees for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forensic Science Agency, the Commission for the Protection Against Harassment of Women, MTI Boards, and other institutions.
In addition, the Additional Chief Secretary (General) will have the authority to approve cases related to seniority, age relaxation, and loans. He will maintain regular contact with provincial departments and field offices and represent the Chief Secretary in various forums. The responsibilities also include monitoring PMRU and IT initiatives, issuing general circulars and instructions, exercising the financial powers of the Administrative Secretary, and managing aviation-related matters. The notification further clarifies that any additional administrative responsibilities assigned by the Chief Secretary will also be fulfilled by the Additional Chief Secretary (General).
