PRESS RELEASE

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has spent Rs17.86 billion out of the Rs140.23 billion allocation under the umbrella of Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2014-15.

According to data provided by the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), the first half of the current fiscal year has been rather sluggish for the K-P government. As of January 2, 2015, the provincial government has released a total of only Rs64 billion under the ADP.

Education

The CGPA analysis reveals only 6.7% of the elementary and secondary education development funds have been utilised in the first six months. Out of Rs19.9 billion, only Rs1.34 billion has been utilised to expedite the ‘education emergency’ imposed by the government.

According to the education department’s Annual Statistical Report 2013-14, around 2.5 million children were out of school in the province in the given period. While public-private partnership projects like Tameer-e-School are in full swing, the government is yet to open its own treasure chest.

SOURCE: CENTRE FOR GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

Infrastructure

Around Rs17.25 billion was allocated for roads and only Rs2.53 billion has been used so far. Of the regional development allocation, only 14.15% has been disbursed so far. The regional development allocation also covers discretionary funds.

Fund utilisation is zero from the district ADP and relief and rehabilitation department.

CGPA manager Malik Masood underlined the importance of fluid disbursement of funds for development to actually take place and urged the government to improve ADP spending.

In the latter half of the fiscal year, the government should start planning ahead for 2015-16, he maintained. Masood said local government polls are vital for the devolution of the promised 35% of the ADP.