The government has framed new guidelines for the provinces for the current Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) implementation, directing them to rationalise the need-based projects for people''s welfare.
Sources said that the new strategy is meant to ensure utilisation of PSDP funds in a most prudent manner to prioritise the people-centric projects. The strategy is focused on saving of the resources without hurting or slowing down the projects. It says that the new projects will not be included in the PSDP 2007-08.
Budgeted projects not yet started would remain on hold during the second half of the current fiscal year. Expenditure to be incurred during May-June, 2008 on slow moving projects may be delayed till July -August, 2008. It says that fast moving projects and those to be completed by June 2008 would not be disturbed and the required amount will be made available--like Mangla raising project, Chashma nuclear project (C2), etc.
It says that the provincial governments have also been taken on board to rationalise their development programmes in the light of this strategy.
It rules out any possibility of cut in PSDP for the current fiscal year. It notes that announcement of cut in percentage term in the PSDP will further adversely affect the already fragile financial market. However, the financial position of the government would be steadied in line with the new strategy.
The new guidelines highlight the importance of different key sectors and stress the need of doing more in these areas. They say that modern infrastructure is not only necessary for the development but is also required to attract foreign investment. Recent increase in FDI, in addition to the friendly policies, is due to modern infrastructure being developed.
The strategy says that a modern network of rail and roads is being developed. During 2007-08, Rs 166.6 billion, or 50 percent of the total development budget outlay, will be spent on development of infrastructure including water storage and its conservation.
The government has not neglected social sector. Development of social sector is also necessary to improve the quality of the life of the people, to reduce poverty, make available qualified human resources for speedy development etc. Rs 156.0 billion, or 47 percent of total development outlay, is being spent on social sector.
It wants special focus on less developed areas and terms it as a government''s priory. In a reference, it says that the share of Balochistan in the PSDP would increase from 2.7 percent in 1999-00 to 14 percent in 2007-08.
Special allocation has been made to develop less developed districts ie Thar, Dera Bugti and Kohlu, and additional funds have been provided to the provinces under the new NFC award. It maintains that the provinces are being encouraged to initiate and execute need-based projects for the benefits of the people.