PAC calls for inbuilt mechanism to check embezzlements

ISLAMABAD—A Public Accounts Committee (PAC)’s sub-committee on Tuesday asked Ministry of Food,Agriculture and Livestock to build an ‘inbuilt mechanism’ to check wrong-doings in its working.
While examining the relevant audit reports for the year 1995-96, the committee also advised the Ministry to take immediate steps for implementing the decisions of Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC).
The meeting presided over by Riaz Fatiana was attended by MNA Safdar Shakir. It also examined audit reports of Ministry of Science and Technology.
While going through a Performance Audit Report about the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the committee advised its Secretary Ismail Qureshi to hold monthly meetings to monitor implementation of DAC decisions about various audit paras. Raiz Fatiana also advised the Ministry to expedite research work for increasing per acre yield of various crops in the country.He also said that the farmers in the far-flung areas of the country should be educated about use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Ismail Qureshi told the PAC sub-committee that the government was already trying to approach the farmers through the electronic media. While examining a Performance Audit Report about Pakistan Science Foundation,Ministry of Science and Technology,the sub- committee directed that special allowances should be given to the scientist employed in the ministry and its attached departments.
The PAC body also suggested that the S&T Ministry and Education Ministry should jointly work for filling all vacant posts of science teachers in schools throughout the country. Secretary Science and Technology Pervez Butt told committee that on the instructions of the President and Prime Minister,efforts were being made to improve the performance of the ministry.