news details |
|
|
| Pampered PROs with ministers 'misusing the office'? | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, June 3: Looking for an easy entry into the echelons of power in the civil secretariat? Must 'eye' the posts of PROs with Ministers and 'grab' the opportunity as and when it comes , no matter the salaries are less. For the post, even though for a period that lasts the term of the government or the innings of the concerned minister, is loaded with privileges and cozy comforts which not even a permanent officer enjoys throughout the service career.
Public Relations Officers, fondly called PROs in the modern political and administrative parlance are most "privileged and pampered " lot in the hierarchy of officers and officials our ministers have the privilege of keeping in their staff. The salaries they draw may be less but the privileges they accrue have no limits, no matter authorized or unauthorized as per the own set of rules of the government.
Its is pertinent to mention that PROs draw a salary of Rs 10,000 while APROs get Rs 8000/ month in addition to its travel allowances.
In the present set up of the 'governance', the trend of which has in fact started from previous two coalition regimes, the Chief Ministers have the privilege of keeping four PROs to deal with a host of issues routine or specific to certain assignments. The cabinet ministers and ministers too have this privilege and the general rule for the is keeping two- one PRO and one Assistant PRO, which is more often than not followed in breach. There is no bar on age nor do these PROs need to have any 'requisite' qualifications to possess this post.
With not a single binding or restriction on any account, PROS have been generally blue eyed boys, choicest ones ministers choose to have in their immediate circle of employees. Since they remain privy to almost all the affairs of the ministers and always 'attached' with them, they too enjoy the benefits of vehicles, fuel, phones etc. even if they are not entitled to all such 'luxuries'. For apparent reasons, no one can dare to raise objections in the hierarchy of officials, not even the seniors who do not enjoy such privileges.
What is even more surprising is the fact that most of them 'utilise' the tag of being PROs and having served in their personal staff of ministers not only for personal works but also 'misuse' this position for doing the works they are not meant to do in their role of PRO. Though this role lasts for only the period their boss or mentor, the minister is in power, there are some who have managed 'adjustments' once again on the basis of their strong political connections.
One such person who was in the Personal staff with ex Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has 'reclaimed' this position, however this time with Deputy Chief Minister. Azad has gone, this PRO is reportedly still calling shots, trying to influence concerned quarters by using 'appendages' of his association with the ex Chief Minister on separate letter heads. Though he is now a PRO in new dispensation with a new minister, apart from enjoying this position, sources said he has been reportedly using the letter heads with specific mention of having been Personal Assistant of ex Chief Minister of the state. Like some other PROs, he enjoys the privilege of having a separate vehicle, manages fuel from different departments , something which PROs are not entitled to under the government rules. But as it is, there is no one to check this 'extravagance' and alleged misuse of the official position by such officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
