ECC concerned over delays in implementation of its decisions

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Wednesday was informed that it took 133 decisions out of which 115 decisions were implemented while 18 decisions were still pending and at the implementing stage.

The ECC had directed the Finance Division to furnish a detailed report on the Pension Scheme Amendment, which was approved on June 13, 2024. The Finance Ministry informed the ECC that different stakeholders would be consulted and the report would be submitted accordingly.

The ECC took up non-implementation of its decision related to the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) and directed the Ministry of Industries to present a holistic approach to wind up it within due course of action under the right sizing plan of the government.

However, implementation status on stock position of procured goods of USC was being taken into account and detailed plan will be required for laying off its workforce.

The official press statement preferred to keep mum on the details of pension decision of ECC and implementation status. On the USC, the meeting reaffirmed its decision to shut down it, however, the concerned ministry was asked about the procured stocks of goods and how the workforce would be dealt, including laying off and placement of them into a surplus pool.

There were several pending decisions taken by the ECC and the federal cabinet sought details on the implementation status related to USC, Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), sugar export of 0.5 million tons and reviewed the stock position after kick-starting of crushing season for the current season.

The ECC also took up maintenance of buildings from the Ministry of Housing and Ministry of Interior during the special meeting.

According to an official announcement made by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a special meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet held at the Finance Division.

The meeting reviewed the implementation status of various earlier policy decisions of the ECC concerning matters related to finance, interior, industries and production, inter-provincial coordination, housing and works, food security and research, power, national health services regulation and coordination.

The ECC was briefed on the overall implementation status of its past decisions followed by separate presentations by the relevant ministries on the current status of issues pending with them and steps taken and required to get a closure on them.

The ECC noted with concern the delays in the implementation of its decisions and directed the concerned ministries to improve their coordination and work with stakeholder ministries and divisions proactively through a proper escalation mechanism to ensure timely compliance and completion of the tasks and responsibilities assigned to them.