Govt has evolved the biggest Annual Development Programme : Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that that the government has evolved the biggest Annual Development Programme (ADP) in the history of the province for the current fiscal year and record funds of Rs. 345 billion have been allocated for development projects. He said that huge resources of 119 billion rupees have been earmarked for the development of various districts of South Punjab. He said that hard work and professionalism is needed for the achievement of the targets of the ADP.

He was presiding over a high level meeting regarding Annual development Programme for the year 2014-15, here today. Member National Assembly Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Mujtba Shuja ur Rehman, Member Provincial Assembly Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Finance, Chairman PITB and concerned officers were present.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that three districts and officers of three departments showing outstanding performance regarding utilization of the development budget for the last fiscal year would be encouraged and also awarded commendatory certificates while those showing poor performance would be held accountable. He directed that a comprehensive system be evolved through information technology regarding the issuance of development funds and their utilization. He said that the policy of third-party audit of development projects be strictly implemented as in case of failure action would be taken against the concerned authorities.

Shahbaz Sharif said that district development committees have been formed for the implementation of the development programme. Issuing instructions for the setting up of a cabinet committee, he said that it would review implementation of ADP on permanent basis. Shahbaz Sharif directed Chief Secretary to hold meetings twice a month to review implementation of ADP and said that he would also review it on monthly basis. He directed that immediate measures be taken for increasing revenue so that additional funds could be available for development schemes.

The Chief Minister appreciated Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Finance and his political team for the best utilization of development funds during the last year. Chairman P&D gave a detailed briefing on the outlines of ADP for 2014-15.

Meanwhile,people from different walks of life has met with CM Punjab and presented him financial aid cheques for the IDPs.