950826

Cash-strapped Tamir-e-Sindh Plan

Uplift schemes may

not come on stream

in Sindh

ANWAR RAJANI

KARACHI: All development projects in Sindh which were to be completed during the current financial year (1995-96) may not come on stream due to paucity of funds being faced by the provincial government, it is reliably learnt.

According to informed sources, the Federal Government had promised to the provincial government a sum of Rs 2.5 billion during the current year for the implementation of what is called Tamir-e-Sindh Programme. The provincial government was to receive the first instalment of Rs 750 million upto July 31 last, but so far no payment has been made by the centre, despite a request from Karachi.

According to informed sources, the federal government itself is facing a tight budgetary position and therefore, it is unable to release funds. The provincial government may be informed accordingly soon.

Sources said that no supplementary grants may be provided to the provincial governments during the current financial year. Therefore, all the four provinces will have to generate their own funds if they can, to meet their financial requirements.

Sources said that the paucity of funds will not only affect the development projects in the four provinces, but the projects launched by various ministries and divisions will also be affected adversely.

It is reported that a number of projects undertaken by the KMC, KDA and the provincial government in the interior of Sindh have been affected due to shortage of the funds.

Sindh Government sources are, however, confident that the prime minister will come to their rescue very soon and provide funds to meet their needs.

A direct approach to the prime minister will shortly be made by the provincial government for the release of the funds at the earliest, the sources said.