Sindh loses Rs 50m funds for gas schemes
Govt has diverted funds to petroleum division it allocated for gas development schemes in Sindh Province
Aftab Ahmed
The PTI government has diverted funds worth Rs 50 million allocated for gas development schemes in Sindh to the petroleum division.
Sindh is a key gas-producing province. Sui southern gas company (SSGC) was to execute gas development schemes in Sindh.
The federal government had allocated Rs 50 million to allocate these schemes. However, the PTI government had transferred these funds now to the Petroleum division for the supplementary grants.
However, in the latest development, the PTI government has diverted the funds for the execution of gas schemes in Sindh to the petroleum division.
Sources told Newztodays.com that recent development may lead to a tussle between the center and the Sindh province. The Sindh province has always been protesting over issues of natural resources with the federal government.
Under the 18th amendment, provinces have 50 percent ownership of natural resources. Under article 158, provinces shave first right overuse of natural resources.
Meanwhile, the Petroleum division in a recent meeting tabled a case before the economic coordination committee (ECC) seeking a supplementary grant of Rs 50 million.
Petroleum division informed that Finance division had no objection on transfer of funds amounting to Rs 50 million for execution of gas development schemes in the province of Sindh during the current financial year 2020-21 from cabinet division to petroleum division.
After discussion, subsequently, the economic coordination committee approved the supplementary grant of Rs 50 million by transferring funds from the cabinet to the petroleum division.
