A Rs 14 billion Khushhal Pakistan Programme (KPP) is being worked out for 2006-07, against Rs 7.5 billion of the current fiscal year, it was learnt here on Wednesday.
Sources said that almost 100 percent-enhanced KPP over the last fiscal year would be presented before the Annual Plan Co-ordination Committee (APCC), scheduled to meet here on May 22, with Planning Commission deputy chairman Dr Akram Shaikh in the chair. The government is increasing KPP allocations substantially for the next fiscal year to ensure adequate funds for the on-going schemes undertaken in less-developed areas and to launch the new projects in other areas.
The sources said that KPP's bulk allocation for 2006-07, will be finalised in the said APCC meeting, however, the schemes can be undertaken at any time in next fiscal year.
KPP's funds provide additional resources to the government to undertake development projects and schemes of public importance when and where needed in the specific time-frame.
Its allocations are also utilised for the development projects and schemes, announced by President or Prime Minister, during their visit to different parts of the country.
In 2005-06, Balochistan had been the KPP's major beneficiary. The federal government undertook various uplift projects in different districts of the province.
The sources added that the APCC meeting will also review the progress report of Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2005-06, besides approving allocations for 2006-07. The government is mulling Rs 342 billion PSDP for the next fiscal year.
The next year PSDP will provide the provinces additional financial resources under 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) award. The provinces' shares in the last year's PSDP stood at Rs 68 billion. However, under the new NFC their share in PSDP for upcoming year will be over Rs 100 billion.
APCC's recommendations will be presented before the National Economic Council (NEC), meeting to be held on May 31, presided over by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.