The second meeting of Oversight Committee on Federal Funded Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) Projects in Balochistan was held under the chairmanship of Khalid Hussain Magsi in Islamabad on Friday.
Secretary Planning Mathar Niaz Rana, along with senior officials of Planning Commission, reviewed the progress on Federally Funded PSDP projects and highlighted the necessary interventions and development of Balochistan through Federal PSDP.
Secretary Planning Mathar Niaz Rana briefed the meeting that an amount of Rs 82.1 billion has been allocated for 184 projects, including Rs 26 billion for 46 new projects in PSDP 2020-21. Secretary Planning shared with the meeting that Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (M/o PD&SI) has made upfront authorisation of 80% of rupee allocation of PSDP 2020-21 in favor of the concerned Ministries/Divisions/Agencies. The agencies have been empowered to release project-wise funds as per requirement for maximum utilization of funds. Furthermore, ways and means clearance and endorsement from Finance Division has also been waived off during CFY.
The meeting reviewed in detail Ministry-wise physical and financial progress of projects located in Balochistan. The agencies were urged to fast track utilisation of PSDP funds and ensure timely completion of projects in order to achieve envisaged development objectives. M/o PD&SI ensured the forum to facilitate the agencies to meet the additional funds by allowing re-appropriation wherever required.
The Convener of the Committee appreciated the efforts of M/o PD&SI and said this is the first time the representatives from Balochistan have been given opportunity to review the development portfolio related to the Province issues. He also emphasised upon the concerned agencies to expedite utilization of funds for uplift of the area.
The meeting was attended by the members of oversight committee MNA Nawabzada Shazain Bugti, MNA Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, MNA Mr. Salahuddin Ayubi, MNA Mr. Mohammad Aslam Bhootani, Senator Dr. Jehanzeb Jamaldini, Senator Mr. Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar and representatives of Federal Ministries/Divisions/Agencies and ACS (Dev.) and Government of Balochistan.