In response to the threat of enumerators to boycott their duties for the upcoming elections due to payment delays, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved Rs4 billion for the 7th Population and Housing Census, out of the requested Rs11.9 billion.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) sought Rs11.9 billion through a Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG), and the Ministry of Planning submitted a summary for approval. The ECC sanctioned Rs4 billion as TSG to compensate enumerators from the education department who participated in the previous census, and who are expected to be involved in the upcoming general elections.
The ECC, presided over by Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, addressed various summaries during the meeting. The approved summaries included Rs500 million for the Ministry of Aviation’s sub-project titled ‘Modernization Of Hydromet Services of PMD in Pakistan (MHSP)’. Other approved summaries covered institutional reforms, the importation of Sahiwal Bulls for the National Artificial Insemination Programme, and the rehabilitation of flood-damaged rural roads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Additionally, the ECC approved funds for the provision of clean drinking water in Lahore, procurement of servers, hiring consultants, and education-related initiatives. Discussions also covered the demand and supply of wheat in the country and a comprehensive sustainable plan for price rationalization of subsidized wheat in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The ECC directed the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan to work out modalities for the Comprehensive Sustainable Plan. Furthermore, the ECC granted approval for the provision of Technical Supplementary Grants for budgetary allocation and rupee cover for utilizing foreign aid in FY2023-24.
In summary, the ECC addressed multiple financial aspects related to various projects, grants, and census preparations during its meeting.
