KARACHI, May 16: The federal minister for environment, local government and rural development, Shahida Jamil, on Thursday underlined the need for speedy and effective execution of development schemes under the Khushhal Pakistan Programme (KPP) for poverty alleviation.

She was presiding over a meeting which reviewed progress on 11,053 development schemes under the KPP for 2001-2002.

The local government ministers for Sindh and Balochistan, federal secretary, four provincial secretaries, the AJK secretary for the LG, representative of WAPDA, the NRB and the finance ministry were also present.

She said President Pervez Musharraf was keenly interested in the progress of KPP schemes, and advised officials to submit progress report of their respective areas to the ministry by 15th of every month.

The minister also asked officials to submit their proposals about those funds which have not been utilized under the KPP schemes and which could lapse after June 30. These proposals would be forwarded and discussed with the ministries and departments concerned for their recycling, she added.

Emphasising the need for creating awareness among women about their rights and welfare, the minister said they should be trained in various fields to contribute to the national development.

She agreed with the proposal to hold the next meeting of the KPP in Ziarat on July 15.

Shahida Jamil also stressed proper media coverage of progress on the KPP scheme. She called for effective interaction of officials with the media to ensure effective publicity of the progress of these schemes.

The meeting was told that Rs17.153 billion was released for 11,053 development scheme under the programme during 2001-2002.

During the year 1999-2000, Rs3.72 billion was released for 1,687 schemes and Rs12.09 billion for 11,731 schemes in 2000- 2001.

The KPP, which was launched in March 2000, is aimed at helping the poor and creating employment opportunities at local level.

The schemes under the KPP cover 17 approved areas of infrastructure and social development sectors.

10,128 schemes had been completed under the KPP till March.

Sindh Local Government Minister Dewan Mohammad Yousuf has said there would be no compromise on the quality of development work.

All funds will be utilized judiciously and the government will not allow the waste of these funds at any cost, he added.

He said KPP progress was being monitored by provincial ministers and the chief secretary of Sindh. “We are reviewing the progress of schemes every month,” he said.—APP