ISLAMABAD: Federal government, as per available fiscal space in Public Sector Development Programme 2016-17, is financing recommended development projects in Balochistan which cover almost all sectors of economy.
The projects recommended by government of Balochistan are being financed in sectors such as highway networks, water storage, energy generation and distribution, agricultural research, higher education, industrial development etc. and would play positive role in poverty alleviation in the province.
Official sources at Planning and Development Division on Monday said development programmes and projects in consultation with provincial governments are identified by line Federal Ministries/ Divisions as per sectoral priorities and to achieve development targets set under Vision 2025 and 11th Five Year Plan (2013-18). The sources said these programmes/projects are discussed in Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) meeting. The Provincial governments are represented at the Minister and Chief Minister level respectively in these meetings.
However, it may be added that after 18th amendment, responsibility for poverty alleviation falls on provincial governments to address basic poverty related sectors and share enhanced under NFC Award were given for these sectors. The sources said despite this, federal government is also financing vertical programmes of health and population welfare through PSDP as per decision of Council of Common Interests (CCI). All these programs/projects help reduce poverty.
