PPP Sindh President Calls for New NFC Award

The President of PPP Sindh has highlighted the pressing need for a new NFC (National Finance Commission) Award, which has not been updated since 2010. The NFC Award, crucial for fair distribution of resources, should ideally be renewed every five years to ensure equity among provinces. Criticism was directed towards the previous government for straining the federal treasury due to NFC-related issues, emphasizing the significance of strong provinces for a robust federation. It was proposed that a new NFC committee be established by the federal government to address these concerns.

Concerns were raised over the freezing of funds for approved development projects in Sindh by the caretaker federal government, leading to a standstill in progress. The necessity for development in both rural and urban areas of Sindh was emphasized, with a call to protect the allocated 900 billion rupees for provincial development from any reductions. The issue of ghost employees in local government and councils, similar to past problems with teachers, was also highlighted.

Efforts were urged for the resumption of water supply schemes to ensure clean water access in every household in Sindh. Additionally, the desilting of drains and attention to the RBOD (Right Bank Outfall Drain) for effective flood management were deemed crucial. The damaged Sukkur Barrage gates' impact on water supply to crops was identified as a critical concern requiring immediate action.

Proposals were made to grant property rights to residents in villages and informal settlements in Sindh to facilitate transformation. The need for additional classrooms in schools to accommodate rising enrollments was stressed. Past opposition to the Kalabagh Dam was revisited, citing concerns for Karachi and Sindh, with a strong stance against its construction due to potential threats to livelihoods. The issue of water shortages rendering millions of acres of land barren in Sindh was also highlighted.

The discussions in Sindh regarding the urgent need for a new NFC Award and various development issues underscore the importance of equitable resource distribution and sustainable progress. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the well-being and prosperity of the province, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts and strategic planning to overcome obstacles and ensure a better future for all residents.