KARACHI – National Assembly’s Standing Committee unanimously approved Civil Servants Amendment Bill 2024, which introduces a golden handshake scheme for surplus government employees.
A golden handshake remans a lucrative financial package offered to employees who voluntarily retire or leave their job early. It’s often used to reduce staff without layoffs. The package usually includes big cash payment, possible pension benefits and some other incentives like health coverage.
Civil Servants Amendment Bill 2024 is designed to address issue of overstaffing in public sector institutions that became inactive or redundant after 18th Constitutional Amendment. With approval, surplus employees will now be given option to voluntarily retire with financial benefits under golden handshake program, rather than being retained without clear roles or responsibilities.
Golden ShakeHand Update
This move is expected to cut administrative burden on government, improve departmental efficiency, and pave way for rationalization of the civil service. It also includes provisions for dissolving non-functional departments that have remained in limbo since the devolution of powers to provinces.
The committee also approved two other bills the National School of Public Policy Amendment Bill 2025, which replaces the term “Federal Government” with “Competent Authority” in official usage, and Ease of Doing Business Bill 2025 which aimed at streamlining regulations for businesses.
Golden handshake provision remains most notable aspect of legislative session, marking potential turning point in Pakistan’s approach to public sector reform and workforce management. The bill will now move to the full National Assembly for further debate and final passage.
Good news about additional salary for Punjab Police officials
