Budget request: NA panel approves 15% rise in allocation

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly secretariat has proposed an allocation of Rs2.1 billion in the next year’s budget, a 15% rise compared to its allocation of Rs1.8 billion for the ongoing fiscal year.

The finance committee of the National Assembly, headed by Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza approved the proposed budget of the NA secretariat, amounting to Rs2.1 billion, on Tuesday, according to a press statement issued by the media office of the speaker. The proposed budget will be sent to the finance ministry for inclusion in the next year’s budget.

The committee also approved the continuation of 113 temporary posts in different cadres for the year 2012-13.

During the ongoing fiscal year, of the total allocation of Rs1.8 billion, Rs749 million were charged as expenditures approved by parliament without any voting process while Rs1.053 billion was approved through voting.

Of the allocation, Rs771 million was reserved for members of national assembly - Rs539 million earmarked for travel and transportation allowances, and Rs82 million for salaries.

The Senate secretariat, meanwhile, has its separate budget. It was allocated Rs1.04 billion for the ongoing year.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2012.