ISLAMABAD, June 3: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Prof Attaur Rahman was informed on Monday that the Scientific and Technological Research Division had so far utilized over 80 per cent of the Public Sector Development Plan (PSDP) allocation.

The minister was presiding over the 40th National Commission for Science and Tech-nology (NCST) follow-up meeting held here.

It is envisaged that by the end of financial year the division will utilize 93 per cent of its local currency allocation. Further more 98 per cent of the PSDP allocation in foreign currency is expected to be utilized by the end of financial year, bringing the over all utilization to 93 per cent.

The minister was informed that the development programme of the division comprises 144 projects at a total approved cost of Rs9,425.624 million.

The PSDP allocations for 2001-2002 for the division were Rs2536.3 million out of which Rs1410.004 million was foreign aid that could only be utilized when the foreign aid materializes.

Out of the total allocation of Rs1126.296 million in local currency, Rs910.918 million were utilized by May, 30 2002. By the end of financial year the division expects to utilize 93 per cent of its budget in local currency.

Foreign aid amounting to Rs1386.38 million is expected to be utilized before the end of the current financial year, which would bring the over all utilization of the division to 98.3 per cent of the total PSDP allocation.

Prof Atta made an over all review of the programmes and policies of S&TR division. Discussions were held about policy changes required to improve the programme so that Science and Technology is integrated with national and economic development programmes of the country to help increase the GDP of the country.

The Minister gave instructions for strengthening the monitoring mechanism. He took note of one or two cases of non- cooperation on the part of the officers concerned in some projects.