Ministry of Science, Technology to get over Rs three billion: 146 projects proposed for 2008-09

The Ministry of Science and Technology would get about Rs 3, 015 million allocation for 146 projects proposed for 2008-09 against the previous allocation of Rs 3, 600.693 million. This was informed to the Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology at a presentation given by the ministry at a committee meeting held with its chairman Rozina Alam Khan in the chair here on Tuesday.
According to the presentation, Rs 14, 338.286 million of the previous budgetary allocation was spent till April and the expected expenditure up to end of the June 2008 would be Rs 24, 10.592 million.
The Chairperson, Senator Razina Alam Khan and members of the Committee observed that the funds utilisation capacity of the Ministry and organisations under its administrative control must be increased. They said their linkages with the industrial and agricultural sectors along with the respective Chambers of Commerce are absolutely vital for overall economic development.
The Committee opined that the nation is pinning great hopes on the Ministry of Science and Technology, adding that it has the potential to change the fate of an average Pakistani by helping in areas vital to our survival like energy and agriculture.
The Committee stressed the need for development of indigenous technologies and asked the ministry not to sign any agreement in future without ensuring transfer of technology. It also called for greater co-ordination among research institutes, which should try to generate funds on their own. It urged an integrated approach and broader futuristic vision to hasten our transition to economic prosperity.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Senators Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Dr Muhammad Said and Rehana Yahya Baloch besides senior officials of the Ministry of Science & Technology.