ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (DNA):Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development Muhammad Awn Saqlain told the National Assembly on Friday that the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) had 12 employees working on deputation, 251 regular employees and 90 vacant posts.

Responding to a question, he said all 12 employees had been appointed on deputation in accordance with the prescribed rules and criteria after scrutiny by a committee working under the guidance of the relevant minister.

He said the committee had examined the cases of employees on deputation, including officers below Grade 20, and ensured that they met the required criteria before their placement in the department.

Regarding official vehicles, the minister said 22 vehicles were being used by Grade 20 officers of the WWF. He added that a 50 per cent cut had been imposed under the prime minister’s austerity policy.

Sharing details of the fund’s expenditure over the past five years, he said administrative expenditure stood at Rs753 million, while operational expenditure amounted to Rs300 million.

He said the department had further reduced its expenditure during the current financial year.

The minister added that details of the department’s employees, deputation appointments, salaries and expenditure had been provided in the relevant documents.

He offered to arrange a detailed briefing for National Assembly members at the WWF office to answer further questions and clarify the department’s administrative matters.

The minister reiterated that no employee had been appointed on deputation in violation of the prescribed rules and criteria.