Govt to Offer Voluntary Separation Scheme to Utility Stores Employees

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has been informed that Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) for Utility Stores Corporation (USC) will be announced soon. The committee met today under the chairmanship of Junaid Akbar to deliberate on the future of the USC and the fate of thousands of its employees. During the meeting, the Secretary of Industries briefed the committee, recalling that the USC was originally established to provide essential commodities at subsidized rates. Until last year, the network had expanded to around 5,000 outlets employing nearly 11,000 staff. However, widespread cases of misappropriation of subsidies prompted the government to shift to direct cash transfers through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). The Secretary further informed that a Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) for USC employees will be announced by Friday. PAC members, however, voiced strong reservations over the handling of the matter. Chairman Junaid Akbar highlighted the plight of staff who had been serving on contract for up to 17 years, questioning why their salaries were withheld while the Managing Director continued to draw his pay. He also alleged that five official vehicles were stationed at the MD’s residence. Several members expressed dismay at what they termed as injustice toward the employees. Khawaja Shiraz stated that poor workers were being subjected to cruelty, while Naveed Qamar argued that despite financial losses, the USC had provided significant relief to the public. Qamar also warned that the government might eventually sell the corporation after laying off its workforce. “It is unacceptable that repeated assurances were given in Parliament that the Utility Stores would not be closed, yet employees’ salaries have been stopped even before a final decision on their future,” said Qamar. PAC members stressed that corruption cannot be addressed merely by shutting down institutions, urging the government to explore reforms instead of dismantlement.