CIADP project
controversy takes new turn
Chitral --Under pressure from rule violators and to save
jobs the Accountant of GADO has withdrawn his objections
to the controversial project saying that he has been
used by this reporter to settle scores against the LSO.
However work on the project has not been resumed so far.
All concerned are upset over the revelation that
government servants are strictly barred from being
associated with NGOs and political parties. For private
business and self funded social work they have to seek
prior permission of their departments. The Prime
Minister Secretariat has also taken note of the
situation and has directed Secretary Education
Department Khyber Pakhtunkhaw vide u.o No.
76-EM/DS(1A-2)/10 dated 25-10-2010 to take action in the
matter and intimate the results to the P.M Sectt.
This reporter was about to file his earlier report about
the violation of the MOU signed between CIADP and GADO
when he came across the information that Accountant of
GADO has also raised this issue, which was quoted in the
report as supportive material in objective journalistic
spirit and there was no question of one using the other.
As 90% government employees particularly in the
Education Department are involved in politics and NGO
business one way or the other, the Accountant could not
resist the pressure and took back his objections. But
the matter would not rest there because the issue
involved is not just the violation of one MOU, rather it
is the question of upholding of rule of law and public
interest.
The builders of our youth i.e teachers, should not be
allowed to abandon their primary responsibilities just
to make some extra bucks and get away with their
increments by engineering good results through
encouraging cheating in exams and detaining students.
The culture of impunity should never be allowed in the
noble profession of teaching
--Islamuddin, Garam Chashma,13
Dec 2010
CIADP project runs into trouble
Chitral -A CIADP project, involving construction of a protective
wall, to save market area around Garam Chashma has run
into trouble, following serious objections raised by the
Accounts Department of Garam Chashma Area Development
Organization (GADO). According to information received
by this reporter, the Accounts Department has written a
letter to the Managing Director of CIADP informing him
about the unilateral change in the MOU by the Chairman,
GADO which had been signed between CIADP and the LSO.
The MOU stipulated that the LSO shall provide unskilled
labor and the cost of cement and skilled labor shall be
met by CIADP. The LSO failed to deliver on its promise
but instead of returning the money it has contracted out
the work, in violation of the MOU. Insiders told this
scribe that the change would undermine quality of work,
because the depth of foundation and concrete- cement
ratio have been reduced to provide for hired labor and
contractor commission.
In his letter, obtained by this reporter, the Accountant
has expressed his inability to send financial report to
CIADP about the project saying that he has been kept out
of the loop and all transactions are being carried out
by the Chairman and his friends. Members of the LSO are
unhappy over this situation and hold the Chairman
responsible for compromising long term interests of the
area involving millions of rupees for a small project.
They believe that the money should have been returned or
MOU re-negotiated in view of the failure of the LSO to
mobilize the people for free of cost labor.
Some members even questioned the moral authority of the
Chairman, saying that being a defaulter of Rs.4500/
obtained through members of a women organization, and
after having been voted out from his cluster he was
ineligible to become Chairman. As no contestant had the
courage to challenge his candidature the election
authority had no choice except to accept his nomination
papers. After his election the first thing he did was to
disband an expert advisory and oversight committee,
comprising eminent personalities of the area including a
provincial minister, to pave way for motivated and
whimsical decision making.
The Chairman, however, pointed out that being a founder
member of GADO he is entitled to its directorship for as
long as he wishes and the EDO (Education) has allowed
him to work for AKRSP and IUCN and as such Discipline
and Conduct rules under the Civil Servants Act 1973 do
not apply in his case and the powers he is exercising in
GADO have been given to him by its Board of Directors
who lack necessary expertise in this behalf. He says
that his powers are the clearly mentioned in the rules
of the LSO duly approved by its BOD but no one has
answer to the question as to whether the BOD rules can
over-ride the MOU and Bye-laws approved by the
registering authority-Registrar Joint Stock Companies.
--From our correspondent, Garam
Chashma Chitral, 05 Dec 2010
Comment 1
Apropos your report on this topic let me tell you that
for membership in NGOs no departmental permission is
necessary because Government servants are strictly
banned from joining NGOs under the Civil Servants Act
1973. The relevant provision of the law says “The
Government of Pakistan has considered the desirability
or otherwise of serving Government servants being
associated with Private Trusts, Foundations and similar
other institutions which are not sponsored by the
Government itself, and have decided that no serving
Government employee should associate himself with any
such association or organization”.
With regard to membership in self funded social welfare
institution the Rule says Membership in such
associations are allowed provided the employee informs
his immediate superior” On the subject of working for
political parties Rule 23 of the Civil Servants Conduct
Rules Government servants are strictly prohibited” from
taking part in, or subscribe in aid of, or assisting in
any way’ any political party or movement.
In view of the above the revelation of Chairman GADO
that AKRSP or IUCN have obtained permission for him to
work in NGOs sponsored by them, makes all concerned
guilty for the breach of law and therefore liable for
action. Some of the teachers are even working for
political parties holding their conventions and
meetings, lobbying for membership, speaking in their
meetings and stage appearance. Such employees are liable
for summary dismissal under the law but so far no action
has been taken in any one case despite complaints.
This culture of lethargy and impunity has taken
its toll on the quality of governance in Chitral and
elsewhere. It is time for action before it is too late.
The NGOs, which are otherwise doing great jobs, should
guard against being caught on the wrong foot with
reference to law and mafia control within their own
organizations, who might gang up to protect each other
for mutual benefit which might undermine the fair name
of the donor NGOs which the new world order considers
effective for development oriented social mobilization.
Would it be asking for too much from the Anti-corruption
Department if we demand investigation to recover the
money stolen from these NGOs in the name of projects by
the so called development activists? This will
re-establish the moral authority of donor NGOs and rid
them of corrupt mafias and enable them to reposition
themselves to achieve their strategic goals by working
with socially and legally correct people who command
respect among the people and donor community I
congratulate the Accountant of GADO for picking up
courage, a rare commodity nowadays, to make a
difference. He might fail but the battle will go on till
victory which is inevitable because otherwise we and our
future generations are doomed.--
By Suhana chitrali, 07 Dec 2010
Comment 2
It is with reference to the press conference of
GADO high ups at Chitral Press Club yesterday, in which
they have denied violation of the MOU signed with CIADP
saying that labour is being provided free of cost. This
assertion is unabashed and brazen lie and the reporter
stands by his story. GADO action to suspend its upright
Accountant today for pointing out the irregularities
should be food for thought for all right thinking
people. The presence of CIADP officials during the
firming up meeting for this action speaks volumes for
the way things are handled. The Accountant should be
well advised to seek legal remedy. He should have been
awarded not punished.
GADO has failed to provide cost free labour and has
engaged hired labour and have probably paid them some
part of the amount after drawing advance from GADO or
CIADP funds. However after the press conference there is
a possibility that labour cost will be paid through the
community savings lying with GADO as was done in the
case of CLRC, a project donated by AKESP with identical
MOU. In this case also GADO failed to mobilize the
people for free of cost labour and diverted public
savings worth about half a million rupees to meet the
labour cost and got away with it and the CLRC still
remains partly operational and its expensive equipments
are rusting and depreciating in value. The people
reserve the right to recover this money from the
Directors of GADO, if necessary through court of law.
This reporter is under pressure to shut up or else this
money will go back and I would be responsible for this.
My assertion is that there can be no sustainable
development without transparency. So far we have spent
money for the sake of spending and not for sustainable
development which has given birth to the culture of
impunity which is harming our long term interests and
fair name.
--Report by
Islamuddin, Garam Chashma 09 Dec 2010.
Comment 3
With reference to the letter on CIADP project first of
all i would like to appreciate the learned writer Mr
Islamuddin for pin pointing the facts about the
mishandling of funds by the GADO high ups which are
given for the welfare and development of Garam chashma
valley.This is the actual way to make the general public
fight for their rights. .If these type of high
handedness by our local leaders are not disclosed,how
can we move forward . .I would request all the notables
of the area to put hands together in this regard and get
rid off these mafias from all local NGOs, in the
betterment and prosperity of the general public..
Secondly, i also appreciate the bold step taken by the
accountant for bringing into public notice the harsh
realities about the NGO. You may loose your job which is
not a big deal.You may find even better job than this
but the sacrifice you did will never be forgotten by the
people of Garam chashma.These sort of actions act as a
role model for the upcoming generation and boost up the
morale of those who think better for their area..
''Enough is enough', 'We have already suffered a lot,now.
It is the time to come together and stand against these
negative elements, existing in our community. Still we
have time,we can bring the change which is required but
nothing can be done once the water passes under the
bridge..Its not only GADO where these activities exist
but we can find these almost in all organizations
through out chitral,wether it be education,health or any
other welfare organization.These are the biggest hurdles
in the development of of our area.
Lastly i would suggest the people of Garam chashma, the
Provincial minister and the sincere members of GADO (if
there are any) to raise their voice and take firm action
against the involved group. This is the way you prove
your devotion with the area and your interest in the
development of the region --Sharif
uddin, Islamabad, 10 Dec 2010
Comment 4
I would like to respond to the letter and comments
regarding CIADP Project in Chitral.
In developing nations, NGO's are playing a vital role in
different sectors including Education, Health and Rural
Development. There is a long operating cycle between the
time when the funds are allocated by any developed
nation or its agency and it is actually disbursed or
utilised on any specific project in any specific area.
The major stakeholder in this cycle is the primary
donor, who allocates and grants the funds. Donors
normally follow a strict procedure while sub-contracting
and the agreement of Donor agency and Sub-contractor
(not the MOU) includes audit clauses, oversight clauses
and much more.
The letter and comments on your esteemed online news
site show only one side of the coin. We dont exactly
know the opinion of the other side. On the basis of my
understanding of International Donors, NGO's and other
development agencies I can easily say that things cannot
be as wrong as are told. The donors will be monitoring
the project's progress and they will eventually carry
out an independent audit and will act upon the findings,
unless a collusion occurs, where the donor agency and
the local partner commit a fraud together.
I dont know for sure, but if ego and self-interest
threat is playing a part in creating this story i will
urge to avoid that. If I may say, rules of public
service, ethics and moral will not carry strength if
uttered by a former civil servant who worked under a
Dictator who ruled for 9 years without any Law or
Constitution and even today the people of his area cry
loud that he didn't do anything for his homeland while
in power. An example of who did could be the Great PMG
of village Booni. Most of us are living in glass house
and one stone hurled on anyone else could attract
thousand stones at our own glass walls.
--Jehanzeb Ali, Peshawar, 16
Dec 2010
Comment
5
Please refer to discussion about the CIADP
project and other Donor projects in Garam Chashma area
implementing through local LSO GADO. Being a native of
the area and working with an NGO, I feel there is much
more to improve and change the working style and board’s
member of GADO.
I am not against any one or have conflict among the
board’s members and staff of GADO. What Islamauddin
wrote and what other are commenting on this issue, but I
have my own experience and expectation with GADO. GADO’s
major objective is to identify the development needs,
assessment of it, planning accordingly, implement the
project in this way the out come will visible and
measureable. The donor as well as the people of the area
will see the progress.
When I am looking back since the formation of the
GADO there is no such success and visible achievement as
compared to projects they had exercised. The reason
behind was inefficient boards members, staff, lacking of
planning, lacking of experience manpower in development
sector, politics within boards, ignorance of trained and
experience people etc.
The same thing is going on as was previously being
practiced. How can it work efficiently? When
a shop keeper or school teacher are leading the
organization. This not a school or a business oriented
organization where they require such expertised people.
Now this is the time to change the board and hand over
to such people who know the working environment of
development sector. Then it might be help the area and
satisfy the donors otherwise it damages the people's
expectations as also AKRSP's image.
--Aftab Ali Baig, Garam
Chashma, 20 Dec 2010
Comment 6
With reference to the subject, I would like to add some
points please. Identifying the misdeeds in a society and
raising voice against it is a symbol of a civilized,
educated and dutiful citizen. If someone is highlighting
such issues for the sake of the development of poor and
undeveloped society, then It should be appreciated
rather than personalize the issue. Islamuddin is an
educated and respected member of the society, so he is
doing what an educated and committed person is suppose
to do.
On the basis of past experience regarding the
fraudulence of funds by the management of LSO’s, we want
to see no space for such dishonesty again and again in
the hilly bounded atmosphere of Garumchashma. If still
there is mismanagement of funds, how the GADO’s high ups
will respond to the CO members particularly to the
mothers of the valley, who have sold onions and eggs to
establish the fund and to develop the community!
--Nisar Ahmad Shah, Garam Chashma
22 Dec 2010
Comment
7
Plato once said that people get leaders that they
deserve and they are mirrors in which people see
themselves. Going by this maxim we have nothing to be
proud of. With a few recent exceptions, our leadership
has proved to be a rotten lot. The silver lining,
however, is that public conscience is slowly rising from
deep slumber, which is borne out by the comments
appearing in these pages in response to our first
report. One of these reports,(by Jahanzaib Ali) however,
betrays common sense in as much as the writer holds me
guilty of working with military dictators. He should
have known that civil servants are supposed to implement
Govt. policies faithfully, while governments are chosen
or appointed by the people and impose them on
conscientious civil servants, who either have to fight
them or take a flight. I made my own choices. The writer
also defends the donor NGOs by saying that they have
fool proof system of accountability mechanism but he
fails to quote a single instance when this mechanism was
pressed into action. If the taste of pudding is in the
eating then the present debate should bear me out.
When the controversy of the CIADP project erupted, the
Accountant, Mr Mazhar Ali was pressurized and
intimidated to tender apology and shift the
responsibility onto this reporter, which he did only to
be removed the next day through an emergency BOD meeting
citing the letter of apology as admission of guilt. This
smacks of a conspiracy which was well planned and it
started with the voting out of Muhammad Wali as Director
of GADO by his cluster and his replacement by Itibar
Khan who won the election on the promise that he would
audit accounts of the cluster, where the people
suspected embezzlement worth more than a million rupees.
A few years back during audit in this cluster Muhammad
Wali fell sick due to mental cause and was shifted to
Karachi for treatment and the matter is pending since
then. Now the Accountant was under pressure from the
elected Director Itibar Khan to restart the audit which
he could not do without the approval of the Chairman who
happens to be Muhammad Wali. What a joke that a PTC
teacher heading a leading NGO which in time would
replace AKRSP.
Muhammad Wali gate crashed into the BOD saying that
AKRSP had promised two directorships to his cluster. He
successfully pressurized the then Chairman GADO to
administer him oath of office. He later successfully
lobbied to vote out the incumbent Chairman with the help
of the Accountant whom he promised career growth in
return for his help. The Accountant himself requested me
not to entertain objections to the candidature of
Muhammad Wali for the position of Chairman GADO. I
refused to oblige him as Chairman Election Authority
saying that the person was a Govt. employee and a
defaulter. But I had no so motto power to disqualify
him. Therefore if no one objected to his candidature, I
will have to accept his nomination. As happens in
mafiacracy no one objected to his candidature and he
entered GADO through back door as Chairman.
After election the first thing he did was to disband an
independent oversight committee. Secondly he took away
financial powers and cheque books from the Accountant
and went on a solo flight triggering the present crises.
Now he has cleverly obtained confession statement from
the Accountant before sacking him. This action preceded
visits of CIADP and AKRSP high ups to GADO giving rise
to the possibility of complicity which may not be true.
It is, therefore, not surprising that despite having
spent billions of rupees by the NGOs and Govt. agencies
sustainable and meaningful development of Chitral still
remains a distant dream. One can easily have a glimpse
of the abject poverty and culture of impunity, if one
can visit distribution points of relief goods following
the recent floods. Ironically Chairman GADO has his
hands in this pie as well and there are widespread
allegations of mismanagement, pilferage and favouritism.
The Accountant of GADO was blackmailed and trapped to
weaken his case for legal remedy. But on substantial
issues the case still remains potent and is capable of
sending many to jails with fines and even liquidation.
This is a lawless LSO which has made the rules and
operating procedures of the registering authority as
laughing stocks by using BOD as a bull dozer under the
very nose of AKRSP who has failed to inject sanity and
legality into the LSO.
If there is still time to turn things around AKRSP will
have to put its foot down, disband the BOD and appoint
administrator for clean up operations including recovery
of defaulted loans, which accordingly to some estimates
runs into Rs.5 million, locate responsibility for the
misappropriation of CIF funds given by NRSP(which
instead of going to women in micro loans as per MOU
ended up with connected people and are probably on
default)CLRC loan(lent illegally from unspendable public
savings) , non operational Gemstone and Sewing centres,
non holding of proper AGMs as per law, improper election
of Directors, non approval of audit reports by AGM and
many other irregularities. If this option is difficult,
AKRSP may stop salary support for GADO staff and let the
LSO to generate its own funds to become sustainable and
not a parasite which it has now become and by extension
has made the entire community parasite as well.
Any further sleeping over this case may lead to legal
action which might have serious consequences for every
one. Institutions should speak through their performance
and not paid press conferences. Genuine institutions
admit their mistakes but those with skeletons in their
cupboards try to cover up their mistakes and in the
process lose good opportunities to improve. We do not
need development at the cost of our self esteem, honesty
and healthy social fabric. By pushing the people to the
wall we run the risk of creating anarchic under currents
which we may not be able to control.--Islamuddin,
Garam Chashma 23 Dec 2010.
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