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Govt gives directives on project priorities

| Updated: June 21, 2022 14:04:21


Govt gives directives on project priorities

Government high-ups ask the ministries and departments concerned to concentrate on timely implementation of ongoing projects instead of taking less-important new ones to stay within means in crunch times.

In a recently issued 15-point directive, officials say, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has asked the ministry of planning and project-scrutiny committee in particular to examine the project proposals properly before forwarding for approval.

The PMO instructed the authorities to be cautious in making decision on approving projects on capacity building, awareness raising and trainings in particular, the officials said.

Proper use of resources and getting expected outcome from project implementation are two cardinal considerations in the belt-tightening instructions, coming in the wake of global economic instability and Russia-Ukraine war which squeeze inflow of foreign finances and thus lower foreign-exchange reserves.

Earlier on May 11, the finance minister said less-important projects, planned to start now, could be deferred for implementing later to save foreign currency.

Also, the import of luxury products is discouraged with prohibitive fiscal measures to check quicker depletion of the country's foreign-currency reserves.

The PMO directives further say projects close to completion should get priority in budget allocation. Also nationally important, special projects, foreign-funded projects, fast-track projects, megaprojects, and fast-track and megaproject-linked supporting projects should get required allocations.

Also, food security, agro-productivity, power, energy, social safety, and health service-related projects should get priority in fund allocation.

"Feasibility study report has to be scrutinised properly and addition of extra components other than what mentioned in the report should be discouraged," says one directive.

Action in line with the public procurement rules is ordered if any contractor fails to complete project in time despite usual fund flow.

In case of taking up a new project, the allocation of business has to be followed properly and taking similar projects by different ministries and departments has to be avoided.

The PMO also asks the deputy commissioners to timely acquire land so that projects can be implemented without delay.

Keeping navigation channels intact in building bridge over rivers and canals has to be ensured.

The PMO also asks authorities not to appoint one official for more than one project and make sure project directors are not transferred without any valid reason.

The ministries of finance and administration have to be informed about the equipment, computer, and cars immediately after the completion of a project. The cars have to be deposited to the transport pool of the ministry of public administration.

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