Hashim ensures release of 100pc uplift funds

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht Wednesday said that the 100 percent funds for ongoing development schemes would be released in the first week of the next fiscal year 2021-22 starting from July 1 (today) while Rs300 billion development funds were utilised out of Rs337 billon during fiscal year 2020-21.

During a review meeting at the Planning and Development Department regarding the implementation of the Annual Development Programme he said timely release of development funds will ensure completion of development schemes in the next fiscal year.

The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the action plan for implementation of the Annual Development Programme. The minister said that effective mechanism is being devised to monitor and evaluate the works while the third-party services will be ensured for transparency in the valuation system. District Commissioners will be mobilised for the success of the District Development Programme, he added. In addition to the Chief Minister Punjab, Chief Secretary Punjab, the heads of the concerned departments will review the progress of the projects on a monthly basis so that the confronting issues could be resolved on time.

Hashim said that a timeline has been fixed by the Department of Finance and Planning and Development Board for each phase of the proposed plan for speedy and efficient implementation of the development programme for the financial year 2021-22. He instructed the departments for ensuring the timeline compliance.

Finance Secretary Iftikhar Ali Sahoo and Secretary Planning and Development Imran Sikandar briefed the meeting on the details of the proposed timelines and monitoring system. Stressing on the need to select quality contractors for development works, the Chief Secretary Punjab directed the departments to ensure the commencement of development activities with the provision of funds.

The Secretary Finance informed the meeting that a notification of MRS rates will also be issued alongside 100% release of funds for development schemes. The Secretary Planning and Development informed the meeting that pre-qualification of consultants has been initiated under the Planning and Development Board. The pre-qualification list will be notified in the first quarter of the financial year.