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The Correctional Services Department has achieved a saving of $25.82 million, which is one per cent of the annual recurrent expenditure, in the Economic Enhanced Productivity Programme study for 2000-01, set out by the Government in 1998.

The Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Pang Sung-yuen said the Department was able to achieve the required savings without any staff redundancy and deterioration in quality of service.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Pang said the one per cent saving was made possible because the EPP team focused on two main areas.

"The first area was to conduct a re-engineering at out Staff Training Institute by downsizing its establishment from 115 posts to 77 posts through reassessing the training needs and focusing only on core-competence and specific job training, instead of comprehensive ones.

"Reducing the number of basic recruit and development training classes, as less intakes are anticipated in the coming three to five years.

"More outsourcing and patronising of services of the Civil Service Training and Development Institute," said Mr Pang.

He said the second area was to identify savings from Headquarters, Industries Section and other non-operational posts.

"Also, in terms of other expenses, we will critically review and control the requirement and replacement of uniform, furniture and equipment, and will encourage staff to be more environmentally aware in their daily work," Mr Pang added.

End/Monday, March 6, 2000

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