Provincial Finance Commission formed
PHOTO: FILE
After years of extensive discussions and persistent demands from diverse stakeholders, the Sindh cabinet has, at last, greenlit the establishment of the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC). This decision comes in the wake of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which devolved powers to the provinces, prompting political parties and stakeholders to advocate for the establishment of the PFC.
The primary goal of the PFC is to recommend the judicious distribution of financial resources between the provincial government and local bodies. This will be accomplished through the creation of the Provincial Finance Commission Award, which will allocate resources from the provincial consolidated fund into a provincial retained amount and a provincial allocable amount.
Leading the charge for the PFC will be none other than Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who also serves as the province’s finance minister. Local Government Minister Nasir Shah will act as the co-chairman, alongside two members of the provincial assembly, the mayors of Karachi, Sukkur, Tando Mohammad Khan, Umarkot, and the chairman of Korangi Town - forming a team to ensure comprehensive representation and fair resource distribution.
During a recent cabinet meeting, CM Shah directed the chief secretary to notify the PFC body. The objective was to ensure its establishment before the incumbent government’s tenure concludes, thus laying the foundation for a more prosperous, inclusive, and balanced Sindh.
In addition to the PFC approval, the cabinet addressed a host of other crucial matters, each aimed at uplifting the lives of the people of Sindh. Among these pressing issues was the establishment of Larkana General University, a significant step towards empowering the youth through education.
Tackling the ongoing wheat crisis and stabilising flour prices remained a paramount concern for the government. The Food Department reported a shortfall of 500,000 metric tonnes of wheat against the procurement target of 1.4 million tonnes. To alleviate the burden, CM Shah directed the Food Department to extend invitations to the private sector for the importation of the remaining 500,000 metric tonnes, while assuring the people of Sindh that the provincial government stands ready to step in, if necessary.
The cabinet also sought to enhance public transport services, focusing on the well-being of the commuters. Minister for Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon expressed concerns about the operational losses incurred by the People Bus Service Project due to increased fuel prices. To provide much-needed respite to the public and to support the project’s efficiency, the cabinet approved a subsidy of Rs657.8 million, ensuring that fares remain affordable and accessible for the next six months.
Furthermore, the cabinet made commendable strides towards modernisation, directing the Excise & Taxation Department to replace traditional registration books with state-of-the-art Motor Vehicles Registration (MVR) cards. The move ensures greater security and convenience for vehicle owners, as these cards are designed to be tamper-proof and easy to carry.
On the education front, the cabinet explored innovative solutions to address the challenge of out-of-school children in the province. Partnering with the Teach The World Foundation (TTWF), the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) took a pioneering step towards implementing technology-based accelerated learning methods. This pilot project aims to benefit 10,000 out-of-school children aged seven and above and an additional 2,625 students in the existing SEF Assisted Schools, setting the stage for transformative changes in the education landscape of Sindh.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 20th, 2023.