PC is in process of developing a Development Framework which will guide priorities for investment by federal government

ISLAMABAD   -  The Central Development Working Party(CDWP) Monday cleared two concept clearance proposals worth Rs 107.800 billion for KP Rural Roads Accessibility project and Rural Road Development Project.

The Central Development Working Party, which met with Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan in the chair, discussed the policy guidelines for financing of provincial nature projects through federal PSDP and allocation of a percentage of total outlay in PSDP for running an effective media campaign for PSDP projects. Secretary Planning Abdul Aziz Uqaili, senior officials from Planning Commission and Federal Ministries/Divisions also participated in the meeting, while representatives from provincial governments participated through video conferences.

The CDWP discussed the policy guidelines for “Financing of Provincial nature projects through Federal PSDP”, “Allocation of a percentage of total outlay in PSDP for running an effective Media Campaign for PSDP Projects”, Draft of the Gender Policy Framework”, Pilot Research study on making Public Sector Workplaces conducive for women” and Voluntary National Review (VNR)”. While reviewing the policy guidelines the DCPC highlighted that Planning Commission is in the process of developing a National Development Framework which will guide priorities for investment by the Federal government. There are overlaps in rules of business and there is a need to carve out roles and responsibilities at the federal and provincial levels. The NDF will also be presented to provinces for feedback, before taking it to NEC.

While discussing the “Draft of the Gender Policy Framework”, the chair emphasized creating opportunities for girls and women, to empower them in the process of decision making and recognize their representation in all spheres of life. He said that the National outlook on gender is needed. The importance of gender needs to be understood across ministries and in provinces as indicators on gender are not very good. Action plans to be developed for gender programming and showing their commitment towards this important aspect. A yearly report on ‘Status of Gender’ in Pakistan will be issued by PC. For making the workplace conducive for women reviews will be held quarterly and surveys to be carried out to determine progress. He stated that guidelines and ministry-wise sectoral guidelines should also be developed. Clarity is needed under various areas and the nature of projects.

Two concept clearance proposals were presented and accorded clearance in the meeting namely “KP Rural Roads Accessibility project financed by World Bank” worth Rs 52,700 million & “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Road Development Project” worth Rs 55,00.100 million.