ISLAMABAD, June 12: The government has introduced an amendment in the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997, to empower the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to impose surcharge on power projects.

The amendment has been proposed through the Finance Bill 2008.

The need for the amendment came in the backdrop of government’s earlier attempt to impose development surcharge of 10 paisa per unit for Neelum-Jhelum Power Project, but the same had been challenged in the high court on the ground that taxation was prerogative of the parliament.

Furthermore, fuel adjustment for distribution companies needed to be legally covered on a monthly basis.

Through the Bill the Khushhali Bank Ordinance 2000 has been repealed to ensure that all Microfinance Banks, including Khushhali Bank, are licensed and operate under the same legal and regulatory framework.

Through an amendment in the Customs Act, a proviso to Section 155F of the Customs Act has been added enabling the Collector of Customs in exceptional circumstances to suspend the use of unique user identifier of any person on receipt of any complaint or information about violation of provisions of the Act in relation to the Customs Computerised System.

Through an amendment the time for adjudicating officers has been increased to 120 days from 90 so that the adjudicating officers may adjudicate cases on merits after affording ample opportunity to owners of goods to defend their cases.

The power of the single bench of the Appellate Tribunal has been enhanced so as to decide cases worth up to Rs10 million from Rs5 million.

Through an amendment, the FBR chairman may, on the application of an aggrieved person for reasons to be recorded in writing and on being satisfied that there is an error in the order or decision may pass such order as he deems just and equitable.

Through a Finance Bill, it has been proposed to levy development surcharge on the licencees of CNG and LPG businesses.