The ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has completed 16,995 schemes under the Khushal Pakistan Programme (KPP) in the country, benefiting around 12,000 villages in areas of provision of electricity, water and other facilities.
The completed schemes account for 73 percent of total schemes planned for implementation in all parts of the country, Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Abdul Razzaq Thahim said. The schemes also included construction of roads, extension of telephone facility, provision of education and health facilities.
Referring to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, he said that government has issued instructions for providing needed funds to FATA for various projects. The National Assembly Standing Committee for local government and rural development reviewed the development schemes during a meeting here on Monday.
Representatives of the Ministry of Water and Power told the meeting that total 11,4886 villages were electrified 65,191 in Punjab, 20,433 in Sindh, 22,711 in NWFP and 6,551 in Balochistan.
The meeting was informed that under KPP, members of National Assembly were given a total of 19,864 schemes. KPP is focussed on meeting people's basic needs through involvement of elected representatives at all tiers in the planning and execution of projects. Launched in 2003, the programme earlier named as Tameer-e-Pakistan, covers schemes related to gas, electricity, roads, telecommunication, education, health, sanitation and water supply. The federal government has allocated Rs 4.42 billion for the programme for the financial year 2006-2007.
Under this Programme, as of 15 May 2007 Rs 11,905.805 million have been disbursed to executing agencies in the federal, provincial and district governments for executing 23,475 schemes in approved sectors. So far 16,995 schemes have been completed. Schemes are identified by the public representatives keeping in view the needs of the communities while executing agency is also designated.
Proposed schemes have been forwarded to the executing agencies for proper feasibility report, cost estimates and administrative approval. On receipt of administrative approval, financial sanction will be issued by the ministry of local government and rural development after endorsement by finance division.