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Go-ahead given for completion of on-going schemes

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Saturday gave a 'go-ahead signal' for carrying out development schemes, costing less than Rs one million, where more than 25 percent work has been done.

The decision to this effect was announced here by Federal Minister for Environment, Local Government and Rural Development, Umar Asghar Khan at a news conference.

Necessary instructions are being issued to all deputy commissioners, heads of executing agencies, in compliance with Cabinet decisions, to complete 953 on-going such schemes, amounting to Rs. 577 million throughout the country.

The schemes were undertaken by the previous government under 'Tameer-e-Watan' Programme, by allocating Rs. 3 billion for the financial year.

The present government, the Minister said, has decided to carry on these schemes under its Poverty Elimination Programme.

It was also decided that schemes, costing more than Rs. 1 million and those where less than 25 percent of the allocated amount has been spent, will be reviewed by the Ministry of Local Government, or the District Advisory boards, to be constituted by January 31.

The review exercise will be completed by January 15, and army monitoring teams will assist the Ministry in this exercise, the Minister added.

To a question, Umar Asghar said there are about 1500 not-yet started schemes which were to be undertaken which budgetary allocation of Rs. 739 million. These schemes, he added will also be reviewed, and if these are found feasible in public interest, would also be undertaken as early as possible.

Out of 953 development schemes costing Rs. 577 million, 687 schemes have already been completed, with an amount of Rs. 335 million.

In pursuance of the Cabinet's decisions, the Minister said it has also been decided to constitute Voluntary District Municipal Advisory Board by January 31.

Each Board would have two chairpersons, one to be respective Deputy Commissioner while the other would be elected among the non-official representatives.

The each board will have one-third women participation, the Minister said.

It was also decided, the Minister further said different groups and associations of citizens including deprived and vulnerable groups be given balanced representation so that the poor have an effective voice in the District Advisory Boards.

He assured wherever, possible representative will also be given to minorities. APP