New appointments in MoCIT spark criticism

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MoCIT) has hired nine individuals in violation of the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Services Commission (IARCSC)’s employment procedure against huge salaries, Pajhwok has learnt.

The salary of each appointee is equal to salaries of 30 low grade teachers and the move has sparked criticism as well.

According to documents, the MoCIT on September 25, through a formal recommendation letter to the Presidential Palace, has demanded creation of some new posts and appointment of nine persons against salaries from 150,000 to 240,000 afghanis.

The letter maintains that in order to change Afghanistan, promote the use of innovative technology, economic development and empowerment of technology sector need highly professional, qualified and creative personalities.

Javid Baktash, who holds honor doctorate degree in engineering science , has been appointed in first grad as acting head of the Emerging Science and Innovation Department.

Mohammad HanifGharanai, who holds a master’s degree in information system, is appointed as the Digital Information Department head and Aziz Taqwa, with master degree in information technology and administration, is appointed as the head of IT Skills Development Department. Each newly appointee gets monthly salary of 240,000 afghanis.

Navid Rahman, who has master degree in Computer Science, has been appointed as acting head of the ICT Industry Development Department, Hayatullah Ibrahimi, who has master degree in artificial intelligence, has been appointed as the acting head of Renovation and Emerging Technology Department. Each gets salary of 150,000 afghanis.

Shafiullah Sarwar, a bachelor in computer science, has been appointed as acting head of the IT Department, Fazal Jalali, who has a master degree in Cyber Security, has been appointed as acting head of the Information Security Department Head.

Selab Waziri, an English literature graduate, has been appointed as acting head of the Administrative Services Department. Each appointee gets salary of 150,000 afghanis.

Acting Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Mohammad Fahim Hashami had signed the appointments and the president approved the recommendations on September 31.

Unjust move

Some people and public representatives strongly criticised the move and termed as unjust the approval of massive salaries in current economic situation of the country.

Lawmaker Ramzan Bashardost slammed the approval of huge salaries and expressed concern that massive salaries were a normal practice in all ministries.

Ahmad Khalid, a resident of Kabul City, said: “A common civil servant gets job passing through difficult processes and gets low salary but some people who have connections violate the IARCSC procedure and get appointed to key posts directly against high salaries.”

Demand of the administration

Sher Shaha Nawabi, MoCIT spokesperson, said that the nine officials had been appointed based on need and the ministry’s name will be changed and its area or work expanded in future.

He said new steps were being taken for this purpose and the new nine individuals had been appointed on the basis of their qualification and talent, not on the basis of reference or power.

He said the new appointees were acting officials and their appointments will be finalized by the year end and but they had now started work.

Appointments out of IARCSC criteria

Abdul Farid Ahmad, spokesperson for IARCSC, regarding the appointment of the nine individuals in MoCIT, said: “The appointments and recommendation for the new nine persons in MoCIT had not taken place on our behalf.”

He said in line with IARCSC law, appointments for first and second grades were offered by them and individuals were appointed to posts through a free and fair procedure.

Pajhwok tried to talk to the Presidential Palace regarding the appointment of the new persons in MoCIT but no contact could be established.

Nh/ma