LAHORE: Planning and Development Board arranged a review meeting on Punjab Government’s Annual Development Plan 2021-22, chaired by the Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht and Chief Secretary Punjab, Jawwad Rafique Malik at P and D Complex, Lahore.
The meeting was in light of reviewing Punjab Development profile and status of ADP 2021-22 in perspective of allocated budget, releases, and its utilization. Both Finance Minister and Chief Secretary Punjab expressed their satisfaction on the current status of development portfolio and urged the departments to continue the pace of developments projects to ensure proper utilization of public funds. He applauded the efforts of Planning and Development Board for playing an essential role in streamlining the procedures.
Secretary P and D, Mujahid Sherdil briefed the Chair that against 4,686 un-approved schemes as on 1st July 2021, 4,206 schemes have been approved. It was also informed that 100% funds have been released for approved on-going schemes by the Finance Department. Against the ADP size of Rs. 560 billion, releases at spending level stand at Rs. 150 billion. Division wise approval status of schemes was also discussed in detail. Minister for Finance directed that to ensure fast track implementation of ADP 2021-22, the guidelines and timelines notified by the CM Punjab should be followed in letter and spirit. For this purpose, a proactive approach is required to kick start implementation of the ADP with a robust monitoring mechanism at all levels.
Chief Secretary said that Departments need to ensure speedy submission of project timeliness and prioritization in light of discussions. It is pertinent to mention that so far two review meetings have already been held by the Chief Secretary while two separate meetings were convened by the Chairman P and D Board. For implementation of above-said guidelines, robust quality control mechanism to be put in place by Administrative Departments to ensure quality work as per the vision of Chief Minister Punjab.
Chairman P and D Board, Abdullah Khan Sumbal added that development funds have been utilized in an optimal manner on new and ongoing schemes and across all sectors. He also added that gap between utilization and spending level should be bridged speedily. The government will be focusing on streamlining the procedures to fast track the implementation. Said Chairman P and D Board Abdullah Khan Sumbal. The meeting was attended by the Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, Members of P and D Board and other senior officers of concerned departments.
