Govt abolishes 30,968 posts under rightsizing plan to improve efficiency

The federal government has decided to abolish 30,968 posts across various departments as part of its rightsizing initiative aimed at improving efficiency. 

According to media reports, the Cabinet Division Secretary briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, sharing details of the abolished and “dying” posts. According to the plan, 7,724 posts have been declared as dying posts, meaning they will be phased out in the future.

The majority of the abolished positions—7,305—fall under Scale-I, with only a small number of high-grade positions impacted. Two positions in Grades 21-22 will be removed, while 36 posts in Grade-20 and 99 in Grade-19 will also be eliminated.

The Cabinet Secretary explained that the rightsizing plan is designed to streamline government functions, focusing on essential responsibilities and transferring other duties to provincial governments. 

Additionally, a review of government-run commercial activities will be undertaken to assess their necessity and efficiency.

While regulatory bodies will not be affected by the rightsizing process, they have been asked to provide data on staff numbers, salaries, and consultants. The government is also reviewing the effects of the rightsizing plan on autonomous institutions.

Senator Sherry Rehman raised concerns about the contradiction in the government’s reform approach, noting that while it seeks to cut costs, the size of the federal cabinet has been increased. She also questioned the potential hardship faced by employees who may be forced into early retirement due to the plan.

In response, the Cabinet Secretary emphasised that the rightsizing decision would result in significant savings for the government. He also highlighted that eliminating redundant posts had already led to notable cost reductions and was expected to enhance the operational efficiency of government departments.

The committee also discussed the finalisation of the Private Member’s Bill on income tax amendments, introduced by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada. The bill’s classification as a money bill was debated, and it was agreed that the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue would be summoned to the next meeting for further clarification.