The federal government has authorised the use of 33% of all development funds for the first four months (July–October) of the current fiscal year in accordance with its annual Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2022–23, Out of a total allocation of Rs727 billion, the government approved the disbursement of development funds totalling Rs241.26 billion for various ongoing and brand-new social sector uplift projects of the federal ministries and divisions in the first four months (July-October) of the fiscal year 2022–23.

According to the Planning Division's distribution system, the federal budget's development funds are issued at a rate of 20% in the first quarter (July-September), 30% in each of the second and third quarters, and 20% in the fourth and final quarter (April-June) of a fiscal year.The entire amount spent on development projects during the same period, out of the total disbursed amount, was Rs98.8 billion.

The most recent information provided by the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Reform indicates that the government further disbursed Rs100 billion for the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). According to the details, corporations have received 57.133 billion rupees out of a total allocation of 160.2 billion, while the federal ministries have received 184 billion rupees out of a total allocation of 563.3 billion.

Out of a total allocation of Rs117.2 billion, the government has paid out Rs29.9 billion to the National Highway Authority (NHA), and Rs27.2 billion to National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC)/Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO). Out of a total budget of Rs87 billion, the federal government has also disbursed or authorised Rs87 billion; however, so far, only Rs0.78 billion has been spent on the development projects of the cabinet division.

According to the statistics, the Aviation Division has received Rs494 million, while the Board of Investment has received Rs161 million. Additionally, the government approved spending Rs1.9 billion for the Climate Change Division, but only Rs38 million of that amount was actually used during the time period under review.

The government has approved the release of Rs17.78 billion for the Higher Education Commission, Rs25.2 billion for the provinces and special areas, Rs435 million for the Commerce Division, Rs36 million for the Communication Division (other than NHA), and Rs445 million for the Defense Division. The government also gave the Federal Education and Professional Training Division Rs1.4 billion, the Establishment Division Rs180 million, the Housing and Works Division Rs4.3 billion, and the Finance Division Rs286 million.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk