LAHORE: A review meeting on Punjab Government’s Annual Development Plan 2021-22, chaired by the Chairman P&D Board Mr. Abdullah Khan Sumbal, was held at Planning and Development Complex, Lahore. The meeting was in light of reviewing division wise Punjab Development profile & status of ADP 2021-22 in perspective of allocated budget, releases, and its utilization.
Chairman P&D Board reviewed the current status of division wise development portfolio of Punjab. Releases of all divisions of Punjab were briefed to the Chair, in which approval of new schemes and progress of on-going schemes were discussed. Also, releases and utilization of division wise schemes were briefed to the Chair. Chairman P&D Board directed that to ensure fast track implementation of ADP 2021-22, the guidelines and timelines should be followed in letter and spirit. For this purpose, a proactive approach is required to kick start implementation of the ADP with a robust monitoring mechanism at all levels.
Chairman P&D Board said that regular ADP review meetings by commissioners with field staff should be held. To accelerate the pace of expenditure, 100% utilization of allocated funds must be ensured. Pending award of work against approved schemes needs to be expedited, he added. He also said that financially sound & reputed Firms / Contractors may be hired for quality assurance and speedy execution. Third-Party Monitoring Validation needs to be engaged to ensure transparency and quality of work. Chair also emphasised that Data updation on Smart Monitoring of Development Projects (SMDP) dashboard should be guaranteed.
For implementation of above-said guidelines, robust quality control mechanism to be put in place by Administrative Departments to ensure quality work as per the vision of Chief Minister Punjab. The government will be focusing on streamlining the procedures to fast track the implementation. The meeting was attended by senior officers of concerned departments.