PSDP 2018-19: Government Releases Rs 1.27 Billion Out Of Budgeted Rs 1.45 Billion For IT Division

The government has released Rs 1.217 billion for Information Technology and Telecom Division out of its Rs 1.45 billion allocations under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the current fiscal year 2018-19.

PSDP 2018-19: Budget Allocation For Information and Communication Technology Sector Has Reduced This year

According to the latest data of the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Reforms, the government has released Rs 1.217 billion including Rs 344.505 million foreign aid and Rs. 873.211 million local components for Information Technology and Telecom Division.

The government has released Rs 52.79 million for the Construction of Cross – Border Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) System between China and Pakistan for International Connectivity of Voice/Data Traffic, Rs. 40 million for Enhancing IT Exports through Industry Support programs, Rs. 50 million for the establishment of SCO Technical Training Institute (STTI) at Gilgit in Gilgit Baltistan, Rs. 200 million for Expansion and Upgradation of NGMS (3G/4G) Services and Seamless Coverage along KKH (in Support of CPEC) in Gilgit Baltistan, Rs. 440.657 million for replacement of GSM Network of AJ&K, Rs. 9.2 million for site development and construction of boundary wall at PSEB’s site for the establishment of IT Park at Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Rs. 40 million for Technology Park Development Project (TDP) at Islamabad (Phase-I).

Furthermore, Rs 40.564 million was released for Replication of E-Office (Basic Common Applications) at 45 Divisions of Federal Government. The foreign component released is around Rs. 344.505 million.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication had proposed an amount of Rs. 9.787 billion for 15 development projects for the financial year 2018-19 including 6 ongoing projects and 9 new projects.

The Senate Standing committee had approved Rs 9.787 billion budgetary proposals under the PSDP for the fiscal year 2018-19 against Rs. 1.538 billion earmarked for the financial year 2017-18.

However, the previous government allocated Rs. 6.535 billion for Information and Communication Technology under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for 2018-19. With the cut by the incumbent government on PSDP, the budget allocation has reduced to Rs. 1.45 billion for IT &T for the current fiscal year.