National development outlay of Rs2,113 bn finalised

ISLAMABAD: With insertion of Rs95 billion bloc allocations for new initiative under the federal development programme and attaining of sustainable development goals (SDGs), expected to be utilised largely through parliamentarians, the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) on Wednesday finalised national development outlay of Rs2,113 billion for upcoming 2017-18budget.

 The APCC, which met under chairmanship of Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal in the chair here at the P Block, has recommended to the National Economic Council (NEC) for approving size of federal PSDP at Rs1,001 billion and Rs1,112 billion for all provinces, totaling the overall outlay of development to the tune of Rs2,113 billion first time in the country’s history. The government has recommended Rs27 billion allocation for special provision for completion of CPEC projects as this amount will be utilised for ensuring foolproof security.

 With last moment jacking up the size of federal PSDP from Rs855 billion to Rs1,001 billion, the working paper for the APCC proposed Rs45 billion for new initiative under the federal development programme (FDP) for the next budget. For attainment of SDGs, the proposed funding increased from Rs25 billion to Rs45 billion for next budget which will be utilised in collaboration with parliamentarians and on the 50:50 percent cost sharing with the federal and provincial governments sharing formula.

 The working paper states that the government proposed Rs288 billion for ministries/divisions including Rs273 billion as rupee component and Rs15 billion as foreign aid, Rs384 billion for corporations, including National Highway Authority (NHA), Wapda and Power, Rs65 billion for special areas, Rs45 billion for Pak SDGs Development Program, Rs 50 billion for Federal Development Programme, Rs 27 billion for special provision for completion of CPEC projects, and Rs07 billion for Erra. The total amount for all ministries/division proposed at Rs866 billion, including Rs698 billion as rupee component.