Public Service Commission rules to be amended

Two sets of draft regulations have been drawn up with the aim of updating and replacing the Public Service Commission Regulations of 1960, the commission`s annual report, tabled in parliament yesterday, shows.

The PSC said that last year it had extensive discussions with the Office of the Prime Minister on the draft regulations. The talks led to a revision of the draft regulations and their re-submission for further consideration of the Prime Minister, whose consent was required in terms of the Constitution.

The proposed regulations, the report indicated, would, among other things, enable the further delegation of authority to heads of department in the filling of vacancies and in the making of appointments.

In 2001, the PSC issued 277 calls for applications for the filling of vacancies in the public sector. It set up 317 selection boards and made 653 recommendations to the Prime Minister relating to appointments. These recommendations covered 2,284 appointments.

The PSC considered 27 petitions submitted by applicants/ candidates in respect of appointments.

In the period under review, the commission also considered 19 cases of criminal proceedings against public officers and two other disciplinary cases. It also recommended to the Prime Minister the removal from office of three police officers.