LAHORE: In a bid to improve governance, ensure transparency, discourage corruption at all levels and provide relief to the public, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) on Wednesday transferred 123 of ficers of Grade 17 and above posted in various directorates and wings since long.

The transfer of over 600 more officials below Grade 16 is expected within the next couple of days in two phases.

`We have started overhaulingthe LDA by transferring all those officials sticking to their posts for two years. This is being done after a meeting with the chief minister/ LDA governing body chairman, who directed us to go to any extent to provide relief to the public, LDA Director General Sumair Ahmad Syed told Dawn.

`At least 797 officials have been planned to be transferred. In the hrst phase, transfer orders of 123 of ficials have been issued, followed by 674 in two phases in the coming days. Transfer of inefficient officers, including various directors, will also be made soon,` he added.

Mr Syed said the officers sidelined in the past on the pretext of baseless allegations would also be posted as directors in various directorates. Similarly, senior officials in LDA`s engineering wing and other directorates would also be transferred soon.

`There is a green signal from CM Usman Buzdar, who wants LDA to become an excellent public service organisation,` he added.

`Under a new policy, nobody (even the DG) can stay on a post for more than two years.

According to a notification, the 123 officers, which were transferred, included 42 of general cadre, six town planning, four law, 32 engineering, 10 information technology and 27 accounts directorates.

`Transfer orders of of ficials in grade 11 to 16 willbe issued on March 5 (today), followed by others grade 1 to 10 on March 6 (tomorrow),` said an official source in the LDA.

PR DISCOUNT: The Pakistan Railways on Wednesday announced 10 to 25 per cent discount on AC/business class tickets from March 9 to May 8.

`The passengers seeking tickets (going and coming back) for their trip would be given 25 per cent and those desiring oneway ticket will be given 10 per cent discount,` a press release stated.