Finance minister, CS satisfied with pace of ADP 2021-22 implementation
Staff Reporter
The Planning and Development Board arranged a review meeting on Punjab Government’s Annual Development Plan 2021-22, with Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht and Chief Secretary Jawwad Rafique Malik in the chair here on Friday.
The meeting was held to review Punjab Development profile & status of ADP 2021-22 in perspective of allocated budget, releases, and its utilization.
Both the Finance Minister and Chief Secretary 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.
They applauded the efforts of Planning and Development Board for playing an essential role in streamlining the procedures.
Secretary P&D, Mujahid Sherdil briefed the participants 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 ongoing schemes by the Finance Department. Against the total ADP size of Rs560 billion, release at spending level stand at Rs150 billion.
Division wise approval status of schemes was also discussed in detail during the meeting. The Finance Minister 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 the purpose, a proactive approach is required to kick start implementation of the ADP with a robust monitoring mechanism at all levels.
The Chief Secretary said that the departments need to ensure speedy submission of project timeliness and prioritisation 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&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&D Board, Mr. 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 utilisation and spending level should be bridged speedily.
The government will be focusing on streamlining the procedures to fast track the implementation. said Chairman P&D Board Mr. Abdullah Khan Sumbal.
The meeting was attended by the Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, Members of P&D Board and other senior officers of concerned departments.
Meanwhile, a review meeting on School Cricket Championship 2021 was held at Planning and Development Board under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Secretary Jawwad Rafique Malik.
The objective of the meeting was to implement the framework, approved by Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding revival of domestic sports with a special focus on School Cricket.
The presentation was given by the CEO, Central Punjab Cricket Association (CPCA) Khurram Niazi.
School Cricket Championship is going to be organised after a hiatus of almost 20 years by the Punjab Government in collaboration with Central Punjab Cricket Association.
During the session, the chief secretary appreciated the tireless efforts of the team who are burning midnight oil to revive the game at the grass-root level.
CPCA CEO Khurram Niazi briefed the CS about the tournament plan to be held in 18 districts of Central Punjab.
The tournament is beginning from 15th September, 2021 with 164 teams from Govt. & Private Schools participating in it.
The focus of the Association is to provide sports platform for the youth. Chairman CPCA, Mr. Abdullah Khan Sumbal remarked that this initiative will pave ways for revitalization of cricket in Punjab particularly at grassroot level.
Secretary Sports, Secretary Schools, Additional Secretary Local Govt. all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of Central Punjab also attended the meeting.
