ECC clears over Rs15bn in supplementary grants for defence, IT, social and digital initiatives

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday approved multiple technical supplementary grants (TSGs) exceeding Rs15 billion to support defence services, digital transformation, special education, and public service delivery initiatives.

The ECC meeting, chaired by Finance and Revenue Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, reviewed a series of summaries submitted by various ministries and divisions covering development, administrative and policy matters.

On proposals from the Defence Division, the ECC approved a TSG of Rs2 billion for the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP) in Punjab during the current fiscal year.

In addition, a TSG of Rs5.081 billion was sanctioned for defence services to support capacity enhancement, infrastructure development, community engagement and cyber security.

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The committee decided the amount would be released in phases and incorporated into the regular defence budget from the next financial year due to its recurring nature.

The ECC also approved a TSG of Rs322.87 million for the purchase of 15 coasters for the Directorate General of Special Education to facilitate transport for special children enrolled at the Autism Centre of Excellence being established in Islamabad. The centre is expected to cater to at least 300 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

On a summary from the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division, the committee approved Rs800 million for the establishment of the Asan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad as a flagship citizen-centric public service initiative. Separately, a TSG of Rs3.7 billion was approved for PSDP projects aimed at strengthening digital connectivity, enhancing IT infrastructure, promoting e-governance and supporting the national ICT ecosystem, with directions for targeted utilisation of funds.

The ECC further considered a proposal by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) regarding the establishment of Digital Enforcement Stations along the Indus, Hub and Balochistan rivers. Against a proposed Rs10 billion grant, the committee approved Rs3 billion for the third quarter, with the remaining allocation to be considered in the fourth quarter.

A summary from the Petroleum Division on the future of the Asia Petroleum Limited (APL) Pipeline was also discussed. The ECC constituted a committee comprising representatives from the Petroleum, Finance and Law divisions, SIFC and Pakistan State Oil under the National Task Force-Implementation of Reforms to formulate a way forward by January 31, including negotiations on implementation and guarantee agreements.

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Towards the end of the meeting, the ECC approved Rs700 million against a requested Rs1 billion TSG for the Film and Drama Finance Fund under the National Film and Broadcasting Policy, 2018. The committee directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to submit six-monthly performance reports linked to defined KPIs and ensure transparent, competitive utilisation of funds.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers for power, petroleum, investment, commerce and planning, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.