Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman on Friday informed the Senate that National Finance Commission Award would be announced after holding census in 2017 in consultation and with consensus of all provinces.
Winding up discussion on motion on NFC Award-2016, the minister said that there was routine practice that any NFC award was announced with the consensus of all the provinces. He said that the NFC Award meeting was being held regularly with the participation of all nominated members of provinces. He said that there should be consensus on holding of NFC Award meeting after every five years.
The minister supported the suggestion of forming provincial finance commission with the consultation of provinces. He said this idea would help address issues of provinces. He said there was always room for improvement and assured that the appropriate formula would be decided with consensus in NFC Award after census.
He said that the federal consolidated fund and other funds resources were being collected in an appropriate manner by the federal government and targets were achieved in this regard.
Senator Azam Swati said that KP remained a frontline in war on terror, however, the grants in NFC Award were not appropriate. He added more focus should be paid on implementation of NFC Award.
Senator Mohsin Leghari pointed out the non-seriousness of provinces regarding tax and revenue collection. Mohsin Leghari urged to announce NFC Award as the period of old NFC award was expired.
Senator Salim Mandviwala called for announcing NFC award. He said meeting in this regard should be held regularly for ensuring provinces’ rights. He demanded that there should be unanimous request from the House or the Constitution of special committee or ruling from the chair on the issue.
Senator Usman Kakar said that the NFC Award has its importance on economy of every province. He said that the federal government should take serious steps by taking provinces on board.
Dr Jehanzeb Jamaldini said that for equal utilisation of resources, early announcement of NFC award was the need of the hour. He added this award would help address the issues of small provinces.
Senator Taj Haider said that there should be no further delay in NFC Award as it was the demand of all provinces. He said that proper sharing of resources was essential which was only possible through NFC Award.
