Funds' lapse due to non-provision of information: senate body orders to conduct probe

Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges Saturday ordered a probe into non-provision of requisite information/papers by the provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
The committee met under the Chairmanship of Senator Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi to consider the privilege motion moved by Senator Shahid Hassan Bugti in the sitting of the Senate held on 16th October, 2009 on the lapse of funds at the end of financial year 2009 due to non-provision of required information/papers by Sindh and Balochistan to Ministry of LG&RD.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction over the replies submitted by the Irrigation & Power Department, Sindh, Finance Division, Local Government Department, Sindh, Local Government & Rural Development Department, Balochistan and Ministry of LG&RD Islamabad. It directed that a probe be conducted into the matter and action taken against those found responsible.
Provincial Ministers for LG & RD and for Irrigation & Power assured that an inquiry shall be held and the responsible person for delay in provision of requisite information/papers shall be punished. Senator Abdul Razak A. Thahim, Minister for LG & RD and Provincial Minister for Irrigation & Power, Sindh assured the committee that all the funds relating to the projects identified by the Mover shall be released immediately.
They assured that all possible support be extended to all the Parliamentarians. Secretary, Local Government, Balochistan also, assured the committee that steps to expedite the release of funds, pertaining to the projects identified by the mover, shall be taken and no further delay shall be made in future.