Rs4.4bn annual power allowance for Punjab judges, govt officials

Published September 5, 2023
Traders set electricity bills on fire during a protest against the surge in electricity prices along a street in Karachi on August 30. — AFP
Traders set electricity bills on fire during a protest against the surge in electricity prices along a street in Karachi on August 30. — AFP

LAHORE: The Punjab government is paying a whopping Rs4.4 billion per annum under the head of electricity utility allowance to the higher and subordinate judiciary as well as the chief minister’s office, Governor House and civil secretariat employees.

Sources in the Punjab government told Dawn that the higher and subordinate judiciary alone are causing a burden of Rs3.1 billion to the Punjab government’s kitty.

Explaining the electricity utility allowance formula for a judge, sources say if a judge gets Rs100,000 power bill, he will pay half the bill and the remaining amount will be adjusted under the electricity utility allowance.

The Punjab chief minister’s house/office as well as the Governor House are getting electricity utility allowance to the tune of Rs80 million and Rs33.3m, respectively.

The remaining Rs1.1bn allowance is being utilised by the Punjab civil secretariat employees.

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court has demanded a supplementary grant of Rs3.3bn for the procurement of new vehicles for the judges. The Punjab government has yet not taken any decision on the supplementary grant request so far.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....