ISLAMABAD, Nov 15: The government has conceded having diverted funds earmarked for pro-poor sectors to resettlement of people affected by last year`s floods. According to a report released by the finance ministry on Monday, development expenditure in all pro-poor sectors declined significantly during the last financial year. The “PWP I&II (Public Works Programme) were characterised by negative spending trends as the government diverted funds to meet the needs of masses affected by the massive floods of August 2010. Similarly, development expenditures in all pro-poor sectors declined significantly, except justice and administration,” it said. The report said the decline in remaining sectors was a continuation of the government`s policy to utilise the limited budgetary … [Read more...]
ILO lauches jobs plan in two districts
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) launched on Oct 13 a `cash for work` project for the flood-affected people of Badin and Mirpurkhas districts. The project will generate over 35,000 days of employment for the affected people, help provide easy access to villages and healthcare facilities and restore water reservoirs in the two worst-hit districts. The ILO has launched the project in collaboration with the National Rural Support Programme and an agreement was signed here on Thursday. Financial support and technical guidance by the ILO will help the NRSP to offer employment to revitalise the flood-affected communities. ILO Country Director Francesco d`Ovidio said the employment opportunities under the project were in line with internat- ional labour … [Read more...]