New policy for government accommodation allotment issued

Islamabad:      Ministry of Housing and Works has taken back the powers of government accommodation allotment from estate officers and delegated these to ministry’s senior officials. The ministry has notified the new policy with the approval of the Federal Minister.

The allotment of offices and Minister Enclave, concession of gap periods, and all policy matters and legal affairs would be approved by Secretary Ministry of Housing and Works under the new policy. While issues related to restoration of seniority in the general waiting list, allotment and appeal of Category-I (H&I type) houses, technical affairs with regards to Naya Pakistan Housing Authority and Federal Government Employees & Housing Foundation, and all matters concerning NHA and PWD would be under the portfolio of the Additional Secretary of the ministry. Likewise, allotment and appeal of Category-II to IV houses, Gulshan e Jinnah Islamabad, and Federal Lodges and Hostel would be catered to by Joint Secretary Housing.

Currently, under Accommodation Allocation Rules 2002, all the powers related to government accommodation allotment, change and seniority and others rest with the Estate Officer. Now, without amending the existing rules, change in the administrative procedures and portfolios stands as an objectionable act. Any such amendment in the rules can be sanctioned only by the Prime Minister.