'File 11/1 III Muscat Administration Reports and related correspondence' [‎44r] (87/100)

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shape could he giren to the various veil considered schemes sanc
tioned by the Government unless the necessary staff was first
recruited. But recruitment of staff was unfortunately delayed
inspite of continuous efforts due to unsettled conditions then
prevailing in India.
[Conservation of | Q ^ ^ ^
|fool supplies | 8 * 10 m * 9t witJa tJae si^a^Ion reailting from
the universal shortage of essential commodities and to improve the
rationing system, a Control Committee consisting of 11 members from
the officials, gentry and merchant community was formed in the
begining of the year under report. Main finction of the Committee '
is to ensure by devising such workable means according to the local
conditions, as would result in equitable distribution of essential'
commodities to the public on rates fixed by the committee. Allowing
margin for unavoidable pilferage and profiteering, the system devise
under guidance of the Administrator had been working satisfactorily
on the whole. A detailed report in this connection had already been
made vide D.O.Ho.9/9-47, dated the 2oth. January, 1948, to the
address of the Secretary to the Sultan of Muscat and Oman. Copies
of the proceedings of meetings held were also furnished to the
Secretary from time to time.
I j
, niclpalityj ^ x© improve sanitation, street-lifting and other
important affairs connected with the civic life, the municipality
which existed already in a miniature form was expanded by forming
a committee of six nominated members from the Baluchis, Aghakhanis
and Hindu communities with a ratio of 3-2-1 respectively on the
lines and principle of the municipality in Muscat. But due to un-
forseen circumstances the committee could not function properly as
it should have done. Demise of Kauda Abdulla, one of the leading
members of the committee, whose substitute is still in Karachi
settling bussiness affairs of his deceased father and long absence
of two other leading members from the Aghakhanis i.e. Seth Hahmat-
ull&-3ashir and Seth Badeali-Ahmad who are also in Karachi settling
their bussiness affairs a arising from the evacuation of Hindu
merchants of that place are the main causes for the above explained
position. However, efforts are being made either to replace these
members by those who reside better part of the year in Guadur or
msk® some such suitable arrangement as would facilitate proper
function of the committee. The matter has already be.n referred to
the agha&hani Council at Guadur. Assurance has bejn given that the
question will be discussed and settled by the Council as soon as
its quorum is complete, from the information received, it is believ
the committee will be able to strait its function properly by the
end of March or at the latest begining of April 1948.
1o. The post of Sanitary Inspector remained vacant during
the whole year. Although sanitation, as far as was possible, has
been improved, yet there still remain much to be done in this
respect The sanitary staff of t*n sweepers only is inadequate