ECC approves Rs636.05 million for NDMA to cope with locust threat
ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) has approved Rs 636.05 million as Technical Supplementary Grant (TSG) for National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to cope with locust threat across the country. The meeting of the committee was held here under the chairmanship of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue. The ECC also allowed the public sector procurement of 8.25 million tons of wheat at the rate of Rs 1365 per 40 kg for coming season.
If need arises, 0.5 million tons of wheat will be imported around the year to cater for any shortages.
Additional 100,000 tons of wheat has been allocated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 50,000 tons to Sindh from Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to cater for scarcity in the provinces before the next crop comes.
The committee also decided to ban export of onion till May 30, 2020 to ensure smooth supply of the commodity across the country.
Meanwhile on a summary moved by the Ministry of Energy, Power Division for “1263.2 MW RLNG based power generation Project near Trimmu Barrage by Punjab Thermal Power (PVT) Limited, the ECC allowed “GSA to be signed by Sui Northern Gas Pipeline (SNGP) on “As available” basis.
The committee also approved TSG valuing Rs 451.681 million for Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority during current fiscal year.
Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs 110 million has also been approved in favor of Ministry of Planning and Development for Afghan Projects.
The ECC also approved TSG of 5.9 million for capacity building of teachers training institutes and training of elementary teachers in former FATA, GB, AJK, ICT.
The meeting approved amendment in Import Policy Order 2016(SRO 237(1)/2019) under which Halal logo from country of origin would be cleared by customs till April 30 2020.
Nomenclature of export oriented Industries clarified and Finance Division shall release subsidy within 14 days on the receipt of claim by petroleum Division.
Furthermore the ECC allowed import of controlled chemicals such as acetone, anthracitic acid, ethyl ether, hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid by commercial importers. - APP