NHP issue set for resolution

Jhagra vows Centre, provinces will address arrears via AGN Kazi formula

PESHAWAR: The provincial and federal governments will soon settle arrears under the head of the net hydel profit (NHP) as per the AGN-Kazi formula once and for all.

This was stated by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Finance Minister Taimur Jhagra on Tuesday while defending the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2020-21 in the K-P Assembly.

Speaking during the post-budget session to debate the provincial finance bill, Jhagra said that for the first time in the history of the province, the issue of net hydel profits (NHP) has been reflected in the budget.

The issue has existed since 1991 but has never been pursued as is is being done now, he said. On settling the matter once and for all, he said that Peshawar is negotiating with Islamabad on a mutually agreed upon amount.

Responding to questions from the opposition benches, Jhagra said that the Annual Development Programme (ADP) spent by K-P in the ongoing financial year was more than that by Sindh and Punjab.

Noting that the merged districts are still in the process of an administrative transition, despite hat they spent their highest ever allocation of ADP in the region, he added.

All districts will be provided their share of the ADP, Jhagra assured.

Responding to question regarding the exclusion of the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), the finance minister said that once it is approved, it will become part of the PSDP.

Fielding a question from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Nighat Orakzai, Jhagra mentioned a list of projects included in the ADP for women.

He also complained that no female MPA has ever approached him with a project proposal for women for inclusion in the ADP.

Responding to criticisms on the education budget, he said that several new innovations in the sector were being introduced, including 500 new community schools, development of new schools in partnership with the private sector, improving low-performing schools and introducing second shifts in schools of the province.

Regarding the local government elections, the minister assured that the elections will be held soon. The government would hold elections immediately, but the issue of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is creating problems.

On the issue of oild and gas royalties in Karak and Kohat, the minister said that the province will ensure that the rights of the indigenous people are protected.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2020.