Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has approved setting up Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of the parliamentary system.
Business Recorder learnt on Saturday that the National Assembly had sent a proposal for establishing the institute to the Prime Minister Secretariat for its approval this was okayed in principle by the Premier.
The parliamentary service institutes exist in almost all the democratic countries in the world as an instrument to strengthen democracy. The USAID, in collaboration with the Parliament, has launched a project namely "Pakistan Legislative Strengthening Project (PLSP) for strengthening institutional capacity of the Parliament and provincial assemblies in carrying out their respective legislative functions. The USAID has agreed to provide Rs 480 million for the project including construction of building except cost of land.
The Legislative Development Steering Committees of both the houses of the Parliament headed by Deputy Speaker had decided to establish PIPS to maintain parliamentary database, undertake research assignments/programs, provide technical assistance, arrange training programs including seminars and maintain resource centres in Pakistan.
A complete infrastructure on permanent basis is therefore required for the establishing of PIPS, which include separate building for conducting training/research, administration and providing board and lodging facilities. The proposed institute would be established in Sector F-5 over 1.4 acre of land costing around Rs 500 million, the sources maintained.
Following its approval from the CDWP, the Capital Development Authority would prepare PC-I of the project whereas funds would also be allocated by the Planning Commission from within the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
The construction cost of the institute will be borne by the USAID since the scheme is not budgeted for the fiscal 2006-07, therefore, a special grant amounting to Rs 78 million will be provided to meet the cost of land. The sources said that the land would be leased for 33 years extendable for two subsequent terms for 33 years subject to be the approval by the Prime Minister.
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