'Finance Commission' to be set up to distribute funds among Sindh, local governments

YASIR BABBAR KARACHI: Under the PLGO 2012, a Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) would be authorised to distribute resources between the Sindh government and local councils out of the proceeds of the Provincial Consolidated Fund into a Provincial Retained Amount and a Provincial Allocable Amount. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan would constitute this Provincial Finance Commission for the province "hereinafter referred to as the Finance Commission". According to Chapter XII-A of PLGO 2012: "On coming into force of this chapter, the Governor forthwith shall constitute a Provincial Finance Commission for Sindh hereinafter referred to as the Finance Commission. "The Finance Commission shall be headed by the Minister for Finance and shall comprise of such other members as may be prescribed. "The functions, duties and powers of the Finance Commission shall be to make recommendations to the Chief Minister for a formula for distribution of resources including distribution between the Government and the Local Councils out of the proceeds of the Provincial Consolidated Fund into a Provincial Retained Amount and a Provincial Allocable Amount respectively. "Provided that in no case shall the Provincial Allocable Amount be so determined that it is less than the funds transferred to local councils in the financial year 2012-2002 and the establishment charges budgeted for the functions of the Local Council in the same year, excluding transfers in lieu of Octroi and District Taxes. "Provided further that all the monies received by the Government in lieu of Octroi and District Taxes shall be added to the Provincial Allocable Amount separately. "Distribution of the Provincial Allocable Amount amongst the District Council, Taluka and Town Municipal Administration and the Union Administration as shares: "The making of grants in aid by Government to the Local Councils from the Provincial retained Amount and any other matter relating to finance for and of the Local Council referred to the Finance Commission by the Chief Minister or Government or by a Local Council. "The recommendations shall be based on the principles of fiscal need, fiscal capacity, fiscal effort and performance. Before finalisation of the recommendations under Sub-Section (1) the Finance Commission shall hold consultations with the relevant departments of government, Local Councils and, in the discretion of the Finance Commission, with any other body or persons and this process may carry on during the currency of an Order made by the Chief Minister under Sub-Section (5) of this section. "PFC shall forward the provisional recommendations prepared under Sub-Section (1) to the cabinet, which shall provide its views within two weeks failing which the finance Commission shall make its recommendations to the Chief Minister. "PFC may review the recommendations on receiving the views of the Cabinet if any, and on finalisation of its recommendations shall forward them to the Chief Minister. "As soon as may be after receiving the recommendations of the PFC, the Chief Minister shall by Order specify in accordance with the recommendations of the commission under clause (a) of Sub-Section (1), the Provincial Retained Amount and the Provincial allocable Amount, and in turn the shares inter se of the Local Councils and that share shall be paid directly to the Local Council concerned promptly in accordance with the laid down procedure. "Chief Minister may, by Order, also make grants in aid of the revenues of the Local Council in need of assistance and such grants shall be an additional charged expenditure upon the Provincial Consolidated Fund after deduction of Provincial Allocable Amount. "Certain Institutional process of the Finance Commission: (1) In every financial year, at least three months before the finalisation of the Provincial Budget the Finance Commission shall require the Finance Department to submit a statement of estimated revenues and expenditures of Government for the following financial year and shall also require a statement of the Provincial Allocable Amount and its distribution prepared in the light of the Order under Section 120-D(6). "Finance Department shall provide the PFC with a statement of Provincial Allocable Amount and its distribution, prepared in accordance with Order under Section 120-D(6), on approval of the Provincial Budget. "PFC may cause any information required for making assessments and decisions on fiscal transfers to be placed before it from any organisation or office of the Government, or Local Council. It would take all decisions by a majority of members present and voting." September 12, 2012 (Daily Business Recorder)

Sindh education department needs 25,000 more teachers

YASIR BABBAR KARACHI: In a move to fulfil the requirements of state-run schools, Sindh's Education and Literacy department has the need of 25,000 more teachers (PSTs, JSTs, HSTs) excluding the recently advertised 19,000 vacancies, Business Recorder learnt on Saturday. The Education and Literacy department is working to recruit teachers since the last many years under the Sindh Reform Program (SRP) supported by the World Bank and the European Union (EU). Under the SRP program, sources said that the education and literacy department advertised vacancies of PSTs, JSTs and HSTs in 2009. And, 5500 candidates were selected following the tests and interviews. Only, eligible candidates, about 2000, were regularised. Later, in round two of this program, the department advertised vacancies of PSTs, JSTs and HSTs in 2010. Around 8,000, candidates were selected but about 4000, were regularised on their performance basis. Sources added that the education and literacy department moved a bill in the Sindh Assembly for the regularisation of the said teachers and the bill was passed unanimously. Currently, the education and literacy department advertised 19,000, vacancies of PSTs, JSTs and HSTs in April 2012, the last date of application submission was June 20, 2012. Sources said that the Reform Support Unit (RSU) of the department is looking after this vacancy issue. The staff of this unit is compiling the data of applications submitted in this regard. More than 0.5 million applications were submitted at the concerned offices in all districts, which were forwarded to the RSU for making all records computerised, they added. In this connection, one of the officers of the RSU told Business Recorder that the data of applications has been completed almost and they would submit the report to the Senior Minister for education and literacy very soon in this regard. "After the final approval by the minister, advertisements would be issued to newspapers for the tests of candidates. It is most likely that tests would be held under the supervision of the IBA Sukkur", he added. He said that PSTs would be hired on a general basis while, JSTs and HSTs would be recruited on Science and General basis. However, adding this, Additional Secretary education and literacy department told Business Recorder that with a recruitment of 19,000 teachers, the department needs 25,000 more teachers for schools all over the province. He said that if the World Bank and the European Union continue their program, the department would announce vacancies soon after the recruitment of 19,000 teachers, if not, it would take more time, he added. September 23, 2012 (Daily Business Recorder)

Over 0.2 million houses damaged in 16 districts of Sindh: report on losses caused by rains

September 28, 2012 (Daily Business Recorder) YASIR BABBAR KARACHI: "More than 0.2 million houses have been damaged (fully/partially) in almost 16 districts of Sindh during the recent heavy rains/flood", Business Recorder learnt on Thursday. This has been mentioned in the report of Relief Department, available to Business Recorder stating that: recent heavy spell of late-monsoon rains started from September 9 broke 25 years record in six districts of province by heavy downpour. However, these rians/flood badly affected almost all 19 districts including Khairpur Mir's, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore-Kandhkot, Shahdadkot-Qambar, Dadu, Naushehroferoze, Benazirabad, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar and Umerkot. Report mentioned that 2,17,082 houses have been destroyed in all over the province. According to portion of a report regarding partially damaged houses, 32,500 (katcha) and 29,800 (pakka) houses have been damaged in only district Jacobabad, 6,192 (katcha) and 9,289 (pakka) houses damaged in district Shikarpur, 5,135 katcha houses damaged in district Larkana, 5,200 (katcha) and 5,300 (pakka) houses damaged in Kashmore-Kandhkot, 10,347 (katcha) and 2,077 (pakka) houses destroyed in district Qambar-Shahdadkot and 32,420 (katcha) and 9,526 (pakka) houses have been damaged in district Ghotki. Heavy rains caused damages of 13,380 (pakka) and 1,750 (katcha) houses in district Khairpur Mir's, 10 pakka houses damaged in district Dadu, 120 katcha houses damaged in district Matiari, 124 (katcha) and 60 (pakka) houses damaged in district Hyderabad, 1,035 (pakka) and 167 (katcha) houses damaged in district Sanghar and only 331 katcha houses have been damaged partially in district Umerkot, report stated. Regarding the fully damaged houses, report mentioned that 16,800 (katcha) and 8,350 (pakka) houses damaged in district Jacobabad, 2,654 (katcha) and 2,981 (pakka) houses damaged in district Shikarpur, 100 katcha houses damaged in district Larkana, 3,090 (katcha) and 1,560 (pakka) houses damaged in Kashmore-Kandhkot, 918 (katcha) and 177 (pakka) houses destroyed in Qambar-Shahdadkot and 9,423 (katcha) and 1,022 (pakka) houses damaged in district Ghotki. Report further added that heavy rains caused damages of 4,300 (pakka) and 270 (katcha) houses in district Khairpur Mir's, 120 katcha houses destroyed in district Matiari, 236 (katcha) houses damaged in Hyderabad, only 30 pakka houses damaged in Tando Allahyar, and 303 (katcha) and 105 (pakka) houses damaged in district Sanghar. In this connection, Haleem Adil Shaikh Advisor to CM for Relief told BR that he is in touch with all higher authorities of provincial and federal government so that government would take special efforts for the rehabilitation of all damaged houses.

Rains, floods claim 210 lives in Sindh

September 29, 2012 (Daily Business Recorder) YASIR BABBAR KARACHI: As many as 210 people have been killed in recent rains/floods in 19 districts of Sindh, a report compiled by the relief department has said. According to the report, 238,993 people were still living in relief camps. It said recent rains, which started from September 9, broke a 25-year-old record in six districts of the province. Rains/flood had badly hit as many as 19 districts, including Khairpur Mirs, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore-Kandhkot, Shahdadkot-Qambar, Dadu, Naushehro Feroze, Benazirabad, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar and Umerkot. According to the report, 19 people had been killed in district Jacobabad, 43 in Shikarpur, four in Larkana, 53 in Kashmore-Kandhkot, 14 in Qambar-Shahdadkot and 14 people had been killed or washed away during rains in Ghotki. As many as 13 people had been killed in Khairpur Mirs, one in Naushehro Feroze, 80 in Khairpur, 10 people in Benazirabad, one in Dadu, three in Matiari, seven in Hyderabad, one in TandoAllahyar, two in Badin, four in Thatta, one in Mirpurkhas, six in Sanghar and six more people had been killed in Umerkot, the report stated. Another portion of the report mentioned that 238,993 rain-hit people were living in relief camps set up in Khairpur Mirs, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore-Kandhkot and Shahdadkot-Qambar. Relief department had established 374 relief camps in these districts, the report said. Haleem Adil Shaikh, the Adviser to the Chief Minister for Relief, told Business Recorder that the relief department's report was based on findings submitted by deputy commissioners concerned. According to him, the Sindh government was planning to provide compensation to the heirs of those who had been killed in rains/floods. More than 200,000 houses had been damaged (fully/partially) in almost 16 districts of Sindh during the recent rains/flood.

Sindh reluctant to clear Rs 885 million KWSB dues

September 20, 2012 (Daily Business Recorder) YASIR BABBAR KARACHI: The Sindh seems reluctant to pay dues exceeding Rs 886 million to Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), citing serious financial crisis, Business Recorder learnt on Wednesday. The water utility has time and again launched recovery campaign. However, the desired target could never be achieved due to bureaucratic and political pressure, sources in the finance department told Business Recorder. Sources said that both the federal and the Sindh governments had to clear the departments dues of more than Rs 36 billion, adding that the Chief Minister House and Governor House were also defaulters of more than Rs 30 million. Sources said that the Governor House owed Rs 24 million while the Chief Minister House Rs 1 million. The Sindh Assembly had to pay Rs 9 million to the KWSB. Other defaulting Sindh government departments are: Transport Department Rs 1.8 million, Sindh Small Industries Corporation Rs 1.9 million, the Sindh Government Printing Press Rs 1 million, PWD Rs 130 million, Welfare Department Rs 29 million, Revenue Department Rs 19.4 million, Public Health Engineering Department Rs 193 million, Law Department Rs 40 million, Education Department Rs 288 million, Home Department Rs 304 million, Health Department Rs 132 million and Livestock Department Rs 74.7 million. Moreover, the federal government departments have never bothered to pay KWSB bills. According to sources, the Bureau of Statistics has to pay KWSB, at least, Rs 446,000, the Central Board of Revenue Rs 10.8 million, Civil Aviation Authority Rs 160.8 million, Export Promotion Bureau Rs 30.3 million, Ministry of Commerce Rs 680,000, Ministry of Culture and Tourism Rs 145 million, Ministry of Defence Rs 4.9 billion, Ministry of Education Rs 18.6 million, Ministry of Finance Rs 73.5 million, Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock Rs 49.7 million, Ministry of Health Rs 110.1 million, Ministry of Information Rs 36.8 million, Ministry of Interior Rs 5.5 million, Ministry of Ports and Shipping Rs 1.5 billion, Ministry of Production Rs 4.5 billion, Ministry of Revenue Rs 0.99 million, Ministry of Science and Technology Rs 43.7 million, Ministry of Works Rs 340.1 million, Pakistan Postal Services Rs 6.6 million, Pakistan Railways Rs 225.3 million, Pakistan Telecommunication Rs 130 million, Social Welfare Rs 4.1 million and Ushr and Zakat Rs 16.6 million.

Wasim seventh administrative head of Home Department in two years

September 21, 2012 (Daily Business Recorder) YASIR BABBAR KARACHI: In the worsening law and order situation of Karachi and other parts of Sindh, Wasim Ahmed, recently appointed on contract as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) is the seventh administrative head of the Home Department in the last two years, Business Recorder learnt on Thursday. Sindh Government appointed Wasim Ahmed, a retired officer as ACS for the Home Department on a one year contract, while he had served the Sindh government in this position earlier as well. Sources inside the department told Business Recorder that Wasim Ahmed is the seventh administrative head of Home Department in the last two years as he replaced Younis Dhaga, Secretary who was posted a few weeks back. Earlier, Younis Dhaga replaced Rizwan Memon who was posted as secretary Home Department in August 2012. Memon served as Secretary Labour for a long time. In 2010, according to sources, Arif Ahmed Khan was the Secretary Home Department. Riazudin Qureshi replaced him as he went on official training. Currently, Arif Ahmed Khan is serving as provincial Secretary Finance department. Later, Riazudin Qureshi had to leave this post as Wasim Ahmed was re-appointed as ACS Home department for one year. But, Wasim could not complete his tenure due to certain reasons and he left the Home Department, sources said. After his (Wasim Ahmed)'s removal, the Chief Minister's secretary Sohail Akbar Shah was posted as ACS Home department, later he was replaced by Rizwan Memon. Currently, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah is In-charge minister of Home Department as Manzoor Hussein Wassan has gone on long leave as Home Minister a few months back. Sources further stated that only two provincial secretaries served the Home Department during the ministership of Dr Zulifqar Ali Mirza while two secretaries also worked on this very important post during the era of Manzoor Hussein Wassan. In this connection, a senior official of the Home Department told Business Recorder that high-ups of the provincial government should re-think their policy of transfer of postings. He added that merit should be counted and postings be given on performance basis. He said that every provincial department has its own structure and culture, so the newly posted secretary needs time to understand things. If he or she is transferred within a short period, how could he or she resolve the issues and improve the performance of any department, he added. He said that the Home Department is a very important and sensitive department of any province. And in Sindh, its role is very important to improve the law and order situation. The high-ups posted should be very efficient and honest officers especially those on the seat of secretary.

Growers in Sindh face loss of billions: Kharif crops in 10 districts washed away

September 30, 2012 (Daily Business Recorder) YASIR BABBAR KARACHI: Recent heavy rains/flood has damaged billions of rupees Kharif crops of rice (paddy), cotton, banana, chillies and others standing on more than 0.8 million acres in 10 districts of Sindh, Business Recorder learnt on Saturday. It was mentioned in a report compiled by Relief Department available with Business Recorder stating that heavy spell of late-monsoon rains started from September 9 broke 25 years record in six districts of province by heavy downpour. However, these rains/flood badly affected almost all 19 districts including Khairpur Mir's, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore-Kandhkot, Shahdadkot-Qambar, Dadu, Naushehroferoze, Benazirabad, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar and Umerkot. Report mentioned that standing crops on 892,446 acres have been washed away resulting thousands of farmers of province facing great financial losses constantly from 2010. According to portion of a report regarding crops damaging, various crops standing on 178,253 acres have been washed away in district Jacobabad, crops 8,550 acres damaged in district Larkana, crops standing on 132,650 acres washed away in Kashmore-Kandhkot, crops on 599,44 acres damaged in district Qambar-Shahdadkot and crops standing on 285,487 acres washed away in district Ghotki. Heavy rains caused the fully damages of crops standing on 355,056 acres in district Khairpur Mir's, crops standing on only 212 acres damaged in district Dadu, crops standing on 37,50 acres damaged in district Hyderabad, crops standing on 22,900 acres washed away in district Sanghar and only crops standing on 50,48 acres have been damaged in district Umerkot, report stated. It may be noted here that cotton has been sown on 89 per cent of the target of 650,000 hectares. Last year's sowing was reported on 660,782 hectares, one of the senior officials of Agriculture department told. "With this great loss, farmers are once again having a hard time especially in upper Sindh where their rice crop has been badly damaged in the recent monsoon. The cotton in upper Sindh has also been affected", he told. He said that Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Qambar-Shahdadkot and Kashmore-Kandhkot districts have borne the major brunt of these damages. For last three years, farmers are facing difficult times due to successive rains and floods. Super Flood 2010 had devastated rice crop and then again 2011 rains ruined Kharif crops, he added. "Around 30 to 40 per cent of the crop is going to be hit as water is standing in rice fields and we do not see any chance of draining the water out because our area lacks drainage system," he informed. It may be noted here that at the beginning of Kharif season, growers were crying hoarse against non-availability of irrigation water because of shortage in the Indus river system. And, now they are crying for compensation and rehabilitation.

Tharparkar may have gold reserves also

April 18, 2012 (Daily Business Recorder) YASIR BABBAR KARACHI: After huge coal deposits, Tharparkar district may get the distinction of having gold reserves. A private company has completed reconnaissance and applied for gold exploration license, informed sources told Business Recorder here on Tuesday. M/s Zaver had got the license from Sindh government in 2007 to undertake reconnaissance. The company carried out work on 700 sq kms area. Later, it applied for renewal of the license for 300 sq kms, sources added. The company completed the spade work with the help of experts from Australia. It found some positive signs that there are gold reserves in shape of powder in the area, sources said. After initial work, the company had applied for the license of exploration in 265 sq kms in Taulka Nangar Parkar of district Tharparkar, sources said. The Mineral and Mines Development Department of Sindh government is the authority to issue license to companies and individuals. The department had received Rs 15,000 per square kms in head of license fees from the said company, sources said. The department has completed its formalities and exploration license would be issued to the company in next couple of days, sources said. Director General Mines and Mineral Development Department told this scribe "though, I am new here but according to my knowledge, a private company namely M/s Zaver had applied for the exploration license here. He said the company is working on gold reserves and has found some positive signs in this connection.

Registration of private ponds, fish farms: legislation in the offing

September 19, 2012 (Daily Business Recorder) YASIR BABBAR KARACHI: In a move to compensate fish-farmers in case of any disaster in future, Sindh fisheries department has prepared a draft of law for the registration of private ponds and fish-farms, Business Recorder learnt on Tuesday. Well-informed sources told Business Recorder that authorities of Fisheries department took this kind of decision in a meeting held at in the chair of Secretary Syed Abid Ali Shah a few weeks back. The officials discussed that there are thousands of private ponds and fish farms but department has not complete data of these private ponds and fish farms while department also could not regulate these farms due to non-availability of any provincial act in this regard. They principally agreed to draft a law which would be tabled in Sindh Assembly for the final approval then Fisheries department could regulate private ponds and fish farms easily, sources said. Later, Secretary Livestock and Fisheries Syed Abid Ali Shah briefed the Minister for Fisheries Zahid Bhurigri about this new decision and he got approval of him as well, they said. When contacted, Syed Abid Ali Shah told Business Recorder that Fisheries department is ready to regulate the private ponds and fish farms through a provincial act. He said that law experts of department prepared a draft law which would be moved moved to provincial Law department for the legal opinion. Later, the bill would be moved to Sindh Assembly Secretariat to table it in session of provincial assembly, he added. Abid Shah further explained that with making of proper act, Fisheries department would start the registration process of all private ponds and fish farms of province. He said that during the floods of 2010 and heavy rains of 2011, a large number of private fish farms were damaged but the department could not made proper estimates of losses and could not compensate the fish farmers just because of lack of proper information. But, when we would register all private fish farms, the department could calculate losses in case of any disaster in future and fish farmers would be compensate easily, Shah added. In this connection, sources told that approximately 368 private fish farms were damaged which were established on 16,352 acres land. Similarly, thousands of people suffered losses of about Rs 550 million on account of destruction of poultry farms. More than 900 private poultry farms were damaged and over 2.5 million birds died or were washed away on these farms due to heavy rains of 2011. But, Sindh government had not compensated the victimised fish farmers due to non-provision of law in this regard, they concluded.

Number of taxpayers touches 4,284 mark: SRB registers another 813 service providers

Wednesday, 03 October 2012 (Daily Business Recorder) YASIR BABBAR KARACHI: Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) has registered 813 more service providers in last few months in various sectors, Business Recorder learnt on Tuesday. Official sources told BR that with increase of 813, the number of SRB registered taxpayers has reached 4284. The SRB operation team registered these service providers in various sectors - hotels, caterers, franchise, cafes, courier, restaurants, shipping agents, clubs, freight forwarders, stock brokers, service providing companies and individuals in the field of contractual execution, money exchangers, developers/builders, etc, sources said. Sources said the operation team registered these new service providers from the list of Intelligence and Survey Wing. This wing of the SRB had presented a list of newly-identified taxpayers to the authorities a few months ago. The I&S wing had identified 8,685 service providing companies and individuals of various sectors in order to register them under the net of Sindh sales tax on services. According to said list available with Business Recorder 240 service providing companies and individuals had been identified in telecommunication and franchise, 213 in advertisement, 99 in courier, 16 in banks, 33 in insurance, 18 in non-banking, two in investment banks and 12 in investment advisory. The I&S wing identified only one company in foreign exchange, 46 in stock brokers, five in Modarabas, 12 in brokerage, 514 in hotels, 2,629 in restaurants and cafes, 53 in clubs, 495 in caterers, 54 in terminal operators, 1,142 in custom agents, 41 in stevedores, 337 in construction and 961 in property developers/builders. The list further mentioned that the Intelligence and Survey Wing identified 691 service providing companies and individuals in the field of contractual execution, 338 in freight forwarders, 107 in ship chandeliers, 404 shipping agents, 75 CAs and audit sector, 76 contractors, 31 guesthouses and 68 forex dealers, the list added. Sources further said the I&S wing had identified 8,685 service providing companies and individuals from the data provided by Pral, FBR, E&T and EOBI. The field team of this wing also identified a large number of companies and individuals of various sectors included in the same list, they said. Sources are of the view that with increase in tax-base, SRB will be able to collect more revenue from service providers and the target of this FY (Rs32 billion) would be achieved easily.

SRB says it intends to work with PRA

September 26, 2012 YASIR BABBAR Keeping in view the queries of taxpayers regarding the section-4 of Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act 2012, Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) on Tuesday notified to its taxpayers that they (taxpayers) continue paying tax according to Sindh Sales Tax on Services Act 2011. SRB stated that it intends to work with the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) to clarify any area of overlap and ensure that taxpayers are not inconvenienced. The copy of the said notification was obtained by Business Recorder stating that: consequent on the enactment of the Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act, 2012, a number of SRB-registered service providers have raised queries regarding the obligations now imposed on them and have expressed concerns regarding double taxation on the services provided or rendered by them to the services recipients in Punjab. SRB has already taken up this matter with the FBR and the PRA and requested the status quo be maintained until any issues arising pursuant to the enactment of section-4 of the PSToS Act 2012, are clarified. Accordingly, it is notified for information of all concerned that SRB-registered services providers and withholding agents are required to act as regular they are, and also to continue to act as per provisions of Sindh Sales Tax on Services Act 2011, and the rules made thereunder in relation to services provided or rendered by them in Sindh or from Sindh and to continue to e-deposit the Sindh sales tax on origin basis against PSID/Challan in Form SST-04/SSTW-04, as the case may be, and also to e-file their tax returns in Form SST-03/SSTW-03 or as the case may be. If at any stage, pursuant to SRB negotiations with FBR and PRA, it is determined, after due scrutiny and verification by SRB, that any payment deposited by the SRB-registered service providers and withholding agents in government of Sindh's head of account "B-02384" was actually payable to PRA, such payment shall be appropriately adjusted between SRB and PIA directly. (published Daily Business Recorder)

Education Department fails to launch Chinese language programme

Education Department fails to launch Chinese language programme YASIR BABBAR The Sindh Education and Literacy Department has failed to launch 'Introduction of Chinese language programme' in schools and colleges of the province despite passage of more than one and a half months. The programme should have been launched on 1st March 2012, sources told Business Recorder on Saturday. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah approved the funding summary of the scheme in February 2010, while the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) earlier approved the PC-1 of the scheme in the first week of the same month, sources said. The Education and Literacy Department had moved the summary of the scheme to Syed Qaim Ali Shah for the approval of initially required funding of Rs 597.885 million, sources said. After the approval of funding summary, the Planning and Development wing of Education and Literacy Department had made the feasibility report of the Chinese programme but it could not be implemented as yet, sources said. According to PC-1 obtained by Business Recorder, 'Introduction of Chinese language programme' should have been launched in March 2012. PC-1 further stated: the execution authority of this programme would be Directorate of Chinese Language Programme, sources added in this regard that the education department has not established the said directorate which had to be made also after the approval of funding summary. "Since Pakistan came into being, it has good relations with China. The relations between both the countries have strengthened with the passage of time. The main objective of this project is to introduce Chinese Language Courses to all students of each level throughout Sindh province in order to provide basic knowledge of the language for entering to extensive business, economic and cultural relations with the new economic giant of today's world, PC-1 mentioned." China is the oldest and most populous nation in the world, with 1.28 billion people. One fifth of the planet speaks Chinese language. Mandarin language is the mother tongue of over 873 million people of China, making it the most widely spoken first language in the world, PC-1 further stated. In addition to the People's Republic of China and Taiwan, Mandarin is also spoken in the important and influential Chinese communities of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, and Mongolia. China is the second largest economy in the world. China will play a major role in world affairs in the future, PC-1 mentioned. A senior official told this scribe that the Education and Literacy Department has appointed a Consultant to initiate this scheme but many other important issues have not been resolved as yet that's why the scheme was being delayed. He hoped that the Chinese language programme would be introduced in the first week of May this year. (Daily Business Recorder)

Around Rs574bn Sindh’s deficit budget today

Around Rs574bn Sindh’s deficit budget today By: YASIR BABBAR Sindh government would present tax-free but deficit budget of 2012-13, with a total outlay of around Rs.574 billion, here on Monday in Sindh Assembly. Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the major coalition partner of the PPP-led government, had submitted its budget proposals during the cabinet meeting held at chief minister house a few days back. As per the proposal, the provincial budget 2012-13 should be surplus with a total outlay of Rs484 billion, while Rs160 billion has been proposed for Annual Development Program (ADP). Informed sources in Sindh Finance department said Sindh government’s total income for 2012-13 has been estimated at around Rs. 566 billion, while the total outlay of the budget would be Rs.574 billion. Thus, the Rs7 billion deficit budget would be presented in Sindh Assembly by Finance Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. Before the Sindh Assembly session, the provincial cabinet’s meeting would be held to approve the budget document, they said. Sources said that the ministers belonging to MQM might register their protest over non-acceptance of their proposals. According to the breakup of total income, the provincial government would receive around Rs380 billion from federal government under various heads. Sindh government would collect more than 105 billion from its own sources, all kind of provincial taxes and sales tax on services. The minister in his speech would also announce new jobs in various departments. Though, Finance department has allocated funds for around 22,000 jobs but Shah can announce around 35,000 to 40,000 jobs, sources hinted. Murad Ali Shah may also announce loans through Sindh Bank, around 15,000 tractors for farmers, around 50,000 plots for poor people in each district of the province, sources claimed. Sindh government has already finalised ADP 2012-13 with an allocation of Rs 221 billion, they said. According to the summary of ADP 2012-13, a copy of which has been obtained by Business Recorder, the Sindh government has allocated Rs 5,452 million for agriculture sector, including Rs 453.794 million for agriculture research, Rs 580.552 million for agriculture extension, Rs 130.237 million for agriculture marketing, Rs 3,198.927 million for agriculture mechanization and Rs 1,088.927 million for agriculture water management. Around Rs 285 million has been allocated for food, Rs 50 million for supply and prices department, Rs 2,487.968 million for animal husbandry (livestock) and Rs 1,065.032 million for fisheries, Rs 191.448 million for coastal development authority, Rs 610.694 million for forests, Rs 1,065.032 million for wildlife, Rs 1,369 for industries, Rs 1,600 million for investment development and Rs 490 million for mines and mineral development. In water and drainage sector, Sindh government has allocated Rs 101.838 million for survey and investigation, Rs 4,059 million for drainage/reclaim and tube wells, Rs 3556.008 million for open canals and Rs 283.066 million for small dams projects, Rs 3 billion for the Physical Planning and Housing/Building sector including Rs 627.04 million for prison department, Rs 214.555 million for police department, Rs 528.52 million for judicial department, Rs 70 million for prosecution department, Rs 133.925 million for buildings department, Rs 247.016 million for SGA&C department, Rs 33.138 million for excise and taxation department, Rs 30.604 million for provincial ombudsman, Rs 34.536 million for finance department, Rs 107.025 million for Governor’s Secretariat, Rs 5 million for Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Rs 900 million for Sindh Assembly and Rs 50.641 million for Board of Revenue. Local government department has been allocated Rs 700 million, PHE department Rs 3,000 million, Katchi Abadies department Rs 121 million, transport department allocated Rs 500 million and communication (works and services) department has bee allocated Rs 15,500 million, the document added. The Sindh government has allocated Rs12 billion for education sector in FY 2012-13, up by 45 percent as compared to allocation of the outgoing fiscal year. About Rs 768.621 million has been earmarked for elementary education, Rs 139.96 million for teacher education, Rs 1,313.622 million for Sindh Education Foundation (SEF), Rs 2,524.708 million for secondary education, Rs 4,117.430 million for college education, Rs 1,589.989 million for miscellaneous and Rs 1,545.664 million for Higher education. The government has allocated Rs 550 million for Special education, Rs 700 million for Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Authority (STEVTA), Rs 11 billion for health sector including Rs 2,701 million for teaching hospitals, Rs 5,567.711 million for other hospitals, Rs 662.792 million for medical education, Rs 124.954 million for PHC administration/trainings, Rs 40 million for nutrition, Rs 1,814.085 million for preventive programme and Rs 80.286 million for foreign-funded projects. The ADP further included Rs 450 million for sports, Rs 358 million for youth affairs, Rs 800 million for culture, Rs 263 million for tourism, Rs 156 million for manpower and employment, Rs 362 million for information and archives, Rs 350 million for Auqaf, Zakat and religious affairs, Rs 41 million for cooperative, Rs 720 million for minorities affairs, Rs 5,880 million for statistical and economic research, Rs 213 million for social welfare, Rs 4,860.53 million for science and information technology, Rs 435 million for women’s development, Rs 274 million for environment, Rs 11,880 million for priority programs, Rs 10,600 million for special packages, Rs 433 million for rural development, Rs 585 million for antiquities and Rs 137 million for human rights. Provincial government has allocated Rs 362 million for the development schemes of population welfare, Rs 8,561.420 million for special initiatives, Rs 61.060 million for water and drainage, Rs 5,564.213 million for PP&H, Rs 1652.796 million for local government, Rs 1,500 million for home, Rs 1,500 million for SGA&CD, Rs 5 million for PHE, Rs 500 million for BoR, Rs 406.417 million for Planning and Development and Rs 1,715 million allocated in the head of others (local government). As per the document, the government has allocated Rs 4,210.748 million for transport and communication, Rs 2,785.034 million for local government, Rs 1,352.714 million for works and services, Rs 100 million for home, Rs 395 million for education, Rs 10 million for culture, Rs 130.687 million for tourism, Rs 98.736 million for environment (PHED), Rs 4,001.962 million for health, Rs 60 million for sports, Rs 1,000 million for SGA&CD, Rs 5 million for livestock and fisheries, Rs 5 million for water and drainage, Rs 2047 million for PP&H, Rs 110 million for tourism, Rs 754.422 million for devolved projects and Rs 6,700 million for P&D. The Sindh government has also allocated Rs 20 billion under the head of district programme, which is also part of total provincial development outlay, sources said. Sindh government has also added Rs37 billion of foreign-funded projects (loans/grants) in the ADP 2012-13, including additional financing for the Sindh on-farm-water management project, (Rs 1,500 million), Japanese assisted rural road construction project phase-II (Rs 2,000 million), construction of 61-kilometre-long Nawabshah-Sanghar road project (Rs 1,200 million), Sindh coastal community development project (Rs 1,290 million), Sindh cities improvement programme (Rs 2,600 million), flood emergency reconstruction project (Rs 17,187 million), Municipal service delivery programme (Rs 1,000 million), Sindh water sector improvement project (Rs 5,400 million), procurement of machinery for rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure ( Rs 817 million), Sindh Skill development project (Rs 707 million), Sindh Basic Education programme (Rs 3,400 million) and Mehran highway road project (Rs 573 million).