LAHORE: Terming timely utilization of development resources crucial for development, Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi said on Thursday that the Punjab government believes in service delivery and achievement of targets within timeline.

For this, timely utilization of development resources was essential; he said and asked the departments to ensure timely and correct utilization of released funds. Along with it, increase in growth and investment should also be promoted through private sector. A target of balanced regional growth should be ensured through development strategy, he added.

He was chairing a meeting at his office on Thursday which was attended by Finance Minister Mohsin Leghari, former federal minister Moonis Elahi, chief secretary, secretary finance, secretary P&D, secretary C&W and other officials. Progress on provincial ADP as well as financial matters were reviewed in detail in the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, the CM directed that ADP funded projects should be completed in time as it would ensure correct utilization of resources while enabling the people to benefit from the development schemes.

He further directed that public welfare projects should be completed without delay and the pace of work be accelerated on development and welfare oriented schemes. Similarly, he added that water supply schemes along with health and education projects should also be completed on a priority basis.

The CM directed to achieve the target fixed for increasing provincial resources and added that solid steps should be taken in this regard so that people could be provided more and more facilities through revenue generation.

The CM also directed that a comprehensive plan for reforms in Punjab pension fund be prepared while best utilization of fund should be ensured for payment of pensions.

The concerned officials should provide a comprehensive plan next week; he added and directed to review the issuance of Punjab bonds.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022