Senate Food Security Committee Seeks Early Resolution of PARC Recruitment Inquiry
The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security & Research, chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, met on Tuesday to address several critical issues.
PARC Recruitment Inquiry and Policy Reviews
The committee discussed irregularities in the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) recruitment process and National Wheat Policy. They also reviewed the National Oilseed Policy, tobacco cultivation, and bogus VRI vaccination claims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Key Outcomes:
- The committee expressed concern over the delayed submission of written replies and relevant records regarding PARC’s recruitment inquiry. They directed for the inquiry to be concluded promptly and a comprehensive report to be submitted.
- Overage candidates applying for PARC vacancies were recommended to be accommodated in future recruitment drives to protect their interests.
- The committee insisted on implementing the provincial quota for all posts, including lower-grade positions.
- Consultations on the National Wheat Policy are ongoing among provinces, and a detailed briefing was requested at the next meeting.
- The Federal Government aims to boost domestic oilseed production, with a focus on olive cultivation, to reduce the edible oil import bill.
Senator Syed Mansoor Ahsan’s Concern:
Senator Ahsan expressed concern over the challenges facing domestic edible oil production and called for practical measures to promote local production.
