The Council of Common Interests (CCI) has decided to resolve the issue of payment to the sugarcane growers at the announced rate, while directed Ministry of Planning and Power Division to expedite energy projects in Balochistan under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The meeting of the CCI, presided over by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and attended by the chief ministers of three provinces and Finance Minister of Punjab on Monday, deliberated on the issue of problems being faced by the sugarcane growers in timely payments at prescribed rates. An official said the meeting was concerned over non-payment to the growers by the provincial authorities and sugar mill owners. The Prime Minister was of the view that provinces need to ensure purchase of sugarcane at the notified rates, sources said.
Abbasi also directed that Ministry of National Food Security will work with provinces for early resolution of the payment to the growers. The meeting also discussed gas and electricity management by the provinces including generation, transmission and distribution. On a proposal of Board of Investment (BOI) for development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under the CPEC, the CCI asked the provinces to submit bankable proposals/ documents for establishment of priority SEZs for early implementation. The meeting also directed Planning Commission and the Power Division to expedite energy projects in the province.
The CCI also decided that the federal government will devise a National Policy Framework for the well being of the senior citizens in consultation with the provincial governments and relevant federal ministries. The meeting noted that the document will serve as a guideline for all the governments for having their own respective policy and legal instrument by meeting the broad parameters set forth in the policy framework.
The meeting also discussed allocation of additional water supply for Karachi City (K4 Project) and decided to take up the matter following a detailed presentation by the Ministry of Water Resources on the availability and distribution of water under Indus River System Authority (IRSA) accord.
The CCI considered and assented to place draft bill for the establishment of National Metrology Institute of Pakistan (NMIP) before the Parliament. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) presented its Annual Report 2014-15 & State of Industry Report 2015 and Annual Report 2015-16 & State of Industry Report, 2016 before the CCI.
The CCI also revised the status of implementation of the last meeting's decision and got a briefing on matters pertaining to higher education and other similar bodies in post-eighteenth amendment scenario by the Minister for Federal Education & Professional Training. The CCI noted that as per the Constitution, formulation of standards in institutions for higher education and research, scientific and technical institution is the responsibility of the federal government. The meeting agreed that both the federal and provincial governments will undertake monitoring, evaluation and accreditation of such institutes. The CCI also directed the federal ministry of education to work on a proposal in consultation with all stakeholders for establishment of a national level testing body for unified assessment standards across the country.
The meeting decided that among the seven members (prominent educationists) being appointed by the Prime Minister, representation of all the provinces will be ensured to enhance representation of provinces in the HEC.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak, Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and Punjab Finance Minister Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha attended the meeting. Senior officials from federal and provincial governments were also present.
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