CM for ensuring transparency in development programme

Staff Report QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti emphasized for the need to ensure transparency in development projects, saying that the public sector development programme should be devised according to the public needs and besides eliminating the menace of corruption and taking commission in the scheme. Bugti stressed the introduction of modern technology to enhance transparency in development projects and pledged strict oversight at every stage of the PSDP to ensure the quality of works and its timely completion to facilitate the local people. Chairing a meeting to review the progress of development programme in the province here Tuesday, the CM directed Planning and Development department no to include any development scheme based on commission or personal interest in the list of PSDP. He said the practices implemented in the past, of getting commission and putting new schemes in PSDP on the interest of few people should be eliminated aimed at removing of backwardness and uplifting the living standard in the remote areas. The Department of Development and Planning provided a briefing on the allocated resources and estimated cost for various development projects. The CM expressed strong dissatisfaction with the delays in education and health projects and instructed officials to expedite the pace of work. The meeting agreed to devise a five-year development plan with a comprehensive strategy for the uplifting of Washuk District. The CM ordered for rectifying last year’s shortcomings in PSDP which should be corrected and improved to provide directly beneficial to people in the areas of Balochistan. He strongly instructed all officers to show full transparency, accountability and sense of responsibility in the entire process of PSDP and should give priority to the public welfare schemes amid at providing maximum relief to the marginalize class of the country. He declared that any scheme initiated for their personal interest and commission-based project would not be tolerated, warning that strict action would be taken against any officials involved in irregularities. He said that the provincial government was striving hard to solve basic issues of people through development, adding that the integrated development schemes included construction of roads, infrastructure rehabilitation, education, health, irrigation, agriculture and drinking water facilities. Speaking at a ceremony celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Bugti announced 100 percent increase in educational scholarships for people with disabilities, full sponsorship will be provided. He said that the “assistance program” will be expanded to help the disabled, the doors of Chief Minister’s House are open for the disabled at all times and will ensure the participation of the disabled in the government policies, he said, directing social welfare department to finalize the laws for welfare of disabled persons in twenty days, otherwise action will be taken against the responsible persons. CM ordered that the unnecessary speed breakers should be removed from the highways for the convenience of disabled persons and that all possible facilities should be provided to them. Bugti said that disabled persons should not be left alone. Speaking at a review meeting of development projects, he said that every stage of PSDP should be closely monitored. No scheme based on commission or personal interest will be part of the development program. He said that the fruits of development projects should reach the common man. If anyone is found involved in any illegal action, strict action will be taken. Bugti directed that modern technology should be introduced to review PSDP.