ADP 2014-15: Sindh government decides to enhance allocations for DDP to Rs 40 billion

In a move to lessen the burden on Planning and Development (P&D) department, Sindh Government has decided to enhance allocations for District Development Programme (DDP) in provincial Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2014-15. In outgoing fiscal year's ADP, the government had allocated Rs 20 billion for DDP and in upcoming budget the provincial government will allocate Rs 40 billion for DDP as major chunk of MPA Priority Programme's funds would be included in DDP.
Officials, who are the part of budget making process, told Business Recorder that it was an old request of P&D officials that the department was suffering from shortage of staff so that MPA Priority Programme or other development schemes directly related to union councils, tehsils and districts should be included in DDP. They said that the P&D officials reiterated their request during preparation of upcoming budget, upon which the MPA Priority Programme was included in DDP.
Now the members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) would deal with concerned district administrations for their development schemes. All MPAs have been asked to submit their development schemes to Deputy Commissioner Offices of their districts, they said. There are 168 members of Sindh Assembly and every lawmaker is entitled to development schemes costing maximum Rs 40 million every year. Sources said that Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MPAs have positively responded to the move to include MPA Priority Schemes in DDP.
Earlier, after the budget approval, the lawmakers had to visit various offices of P&D, Finance department and AG Sindh for the release of funds and other matters, which was quite hectic practice for the MPAs, the sources added. Now, the MPAs will get their schemes approved easily as most of the DCs have been posted on the recommendations of the MNAs and MPAs.