The delay in the release of funds for parliamentarians' proposed development schemes provoked a strong reaction on Monday by the National Assembly Committee on Housing. A four-member sub-committee hence, was constituted to streamline the procedure and resolve the issue once for all.
The sub-committee under the convenor-ship of MNA Mian Mumtaz Ahmed Matyana will woo Finance Division for an early and timely release of funds for parliamentarians' proposed development projects in their respective constituencies.
A source present in the meeting told Business Recorder that almost all the members of the committee, irrespective of their party affiliation, were equally critical of Finance Division for alleged delay. Some of them even used harsh language, the source added.
During the past few months, even some ruling coalition MNAs and Senators have been criticising the government for 'intentionally' delaying the release of funds for their development schemes.
On many occasions, the ruling coalition members raised the issue both in the National Assembly and the Senate, and the government time and again assured that the process would be expedited.
But, no development was witnessed as many parliamentarians still claim they were yet to receive funds for their development schemes allocated for fiscal 2003-04, which the government had assured will not lapse. None was known to have received these funds for the current financial year.
The source said that some of committee members from the ruling party did not hesitate in even criticising Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, as they thought the premier's casual response to their repeated calls in this connection was the main reason behind this delay.
"How can we believe the government claim of having established good governance, if it cannot make possible the release of even parliamentarians' funds. It can give a fair idea," an opposition member commented on the situation.
The committee unanimously called upon the government for enhancement of developmental grants from Rs 5 million to Rs 10 million for the schemes proposed by the parliamentarians.
The sub-committee had also been mandated to look into the matter of out-of-turn allotments of official houses and present its recommendations for a permanent solution.
On the onset, the chairman termed the Estate Office, a den of corruption. He said that due to few black sheep, the government employees were facing difficulties in allotment of government accommodation.
He directed the Housing Ministry Secretary to streamline the procedures at Estate Office Islamabad and take stern action against all those involved in corruption.