logo
Re-appropriation, funds allocation strategy notified: No supplementary grant for unbudgeted spending: FD

Re-appropriation, funds allocation strategy notified: No supplementary grant for unbudgeted spending: FD

ISLAMABAD: No supplementary grant for any additional unbudgeted spending over the parliamentary approved level shall be considered by Finance Division, except in cases of severe natural disasters.
The Finance Division notified the strategy for re-appropriation and additional allocation of funds during financial year, which noted that no supplementary grant for any additional unbudgeted spending over the parliamentary approved level shall be considered by Finance Division, except in cases of severe natural disasters.
However, where no funds can be made available through re-appropriation and technical supplementary grant (TSG), the following shall be required: Principal Accounting Officers (PAOs) certifies that all avenues have been exhausted, which is to be verified by the relevant Accounting Organization/Office; PAO provides valid justification and cogent reasons for demanding SG; Recommendation of Expenditure Wing or concerned Wing of the Finance Division;
Govt to present Rs203.34bn supplementary, excess grants in NA today
The procedure reflected in para 3 relating to Technical Supplementary Grant at sub-paras (i)-(vi) shall also be followed for supplementary grant.
The notification further stated that any request for provision of funds through TSG shall only be submitted by PAOs, with identification of resources under other demand(s) and certificate that equivalent funds will be provided by ministry/division from their allocation.
Expenditure Wing shall examine the TSG cases in detail and submit recommendation for consideration of Budget Wing, Finance Division. TSG cases relating to Public Sector Development Programm (PSDP), after meeting the requirements mentioned above, shall be processed through the Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division.
Budget Wing, Finance Division shall examine the cases in the light of Budget Execution Report of SAP system, recommendation of Expenditure Wing and available fiscal space before submission to Finance Secretary for consideration and approval.
Approved TSG by the Federal Cabinet, the PAO shall submit the schedule of TSG, duly endorsed by the Expenditure Wing, Finance Division, along with copies of the Summary for ECC and decision of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, ratification of the Cabinet and surrender order to Director (Budget Computerization), Budget Wing, Finance Division for entry in SAP system.
Funds approved through TSG shall be released by the Finance Division keeping in view the availability of funds and in line with Release Strategy.
The notification stated that in pursuance of the Article 84 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Section 10 of PFM Act 2019, if the amount authorized to be expended for a particular service for a financial year is found insufficient, or that a need has arisen for expenditure upon some new service not included in Annual Budget Statement (ABS) and Schedule of Authorized Expenditure the following steps shall be taken by the PA0s or Heads of the Departments/Organizations/Sub-ordinate Offices.
Authorized Officer may re-appropriate funds in line with delegated financial powers for re-appropriation of funds under Sr#5 of Schedule of Financial Management and Powers of PAOs Regulations, 2021, as amended by Finance Division from time to time. However, no re-appropriation shall be made from unreleased budget.
PAOs have been provided additional funds to meet funding requirements of adhoc Relief Allowance announced in the budget for current fiscal year under a separate cost centre in each Demand for Grants and Appropriations. PAOs are, hereby, advised to re-appropriate these funds, in consultation with Expenditure Wing, Finance Division, only for the purpose of Adhoc Relief Allowance in quarter 3 of CFY.
In case of shortfall in ERE allocation during the fiscal year, re-appropriation of funds from Non-ERE 'Heads of Accounts' may be made on priority basis; Re-appropriation orders duly approved by the competent authority shall be provided to the Accounting Organizations/Offices for entry into SAP system. However, released funds shall remain within the prescribed quarterly limits given by the Finance Division in the Strategy for Release of Funds of CFY.'
It was observed that a large number of cases for relaxation of cut-off date for re-appropriation of funds i.e. 31st May, under Section 11 of PFM Act 2019, are received in Finance Division during June every year. It has been decided that the re-appropriation orders shall only be considered, which duly approved by competent authority and following nature: For adjustment of excess expenditure booked in accounts offices. To meet shortfall under ERE heads of accounts; Unavoidable payments which mature in June; vi. Copies of the approved Re-appropriation Order shall be provided to the Expenditure Wing and Budget Wing (Budget Computerization Section) Finance Division for record and monitoring purposes.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

7th NFC Award: ‘Centre deducts Rs87.87bn annually without AGP certification'
7th NFC Award: ‘Centre deducts Rs87.87bn annually without AGP certification'

Business Recorder

timean hour ago

  • Business Recorder

7th NFC Award: ‘Centre deducts Rs87.87bn annually without AGP certification'

ISLAMABAD: Despite the passage of over 15 years since the 7th NFC Award was enacted, the federal government continues to deduct Rs 87.871 billion annually in collection charges on notional basis without the legally required certification from the Auditor-General of Pakistan (AGP), according to the Audit Report 2024–25. Audit report on the accounts of federal government (civil) audit year 2024-25 cited Clause 2(a) of the Distribution of Revenues and grants in-aid order, 2010: that the net proceeds mean, in relation to any tax, duty or levy, the proceeds thereof reduced by the cost of collection as ascertained and certified by the AGP. The management of the Finance Division distributed an amount of Rs 4.928 trillion as National Commission Award to the provinces and deducted Rs. 87.871 billion as one percent collection charges during 2023-24. Finance minister urges population as key criterion in NFC Award formula Finance Division was deducting one percent as collection charges amounting to Rs87.871 billion on national basis and did not have actual amount of collection charges, which was against clause 2(a). No proof for ascertaining and certifying the collection charges from the AGP was produced to audit. Sources within the Ministry of Finance admit that since the NFC Award was implemented in 2010, the issue of uncertified deductions has remained unresolved. 'It's been 15 years, yet the Finance Division has failed to obtain the AGP's certification, and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has not taken decisive action to enforce compliance,' a senior official acknowledged. The management replied that the Finance Division deducted one percent of the divisible pool of taxes as collection charges pursuant to the recommendation of the 7th NFC Award. The accounts of the Federation are submitted to the Auditor General of Pakistan for certification by the AGPR. During certification of collection charges so determined by the Auditor General it would be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, the NFC transfers for the fiscal year 2023-24 have already been reconciled with the provincial finance departments, AGPR sub offices and AG offices. The Provincial governments have no objection on this account. The reply of the management is not tenable because collection charges need to be deducted after determination and certification of the AGP. Afterwards, the amount needs to be disbursed to the provinces, which was not done by the Finance Division. Audit maintained that non-deduction of actual collection charges was irregular, besides, it was an essential requirement of the Order to get the collection charges determined and certified by the AGP. Auditors flagged this deduction as irregular and unsupported, noting that no certified cost breakdown or approval from the AGP was provided for verification. Despite repeated observations in past audit cycles, this critical requirement remains unfulfilled. The DAC in its meeting held on 13th January 2025, directed the Finance Division to take up the matter with the AGP for the purpose. Audit recommended that necessary requirement of the Distribution of Revenues and Grants–in-aid Order, 2010 regarding certification and ascertainment of deduction charges by AGP, be complied with. Further, record of collection charges be provided to Audit for verification. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Re-appropriation, funds allocation strategy notified: No supplementary grant for unbudgeted spending: FD
Re-appropriation, funds allocation strategy notified: No supplementary grant for unbudgeted spending: FD

Business Recorder

timea day ago

  • Business Recorder

Re-appropriation, funds allocation strategy notified: No supplementary grant for unbudgeted spending: FD

ISLAMABAD: No supplementary grant for any additional unbudgeted spending over the parliamentary approved level shall be considered by Finance Division, except in cases of severe natural disasters. The Finance Division notified the strategy for re-appropriation and additional allocation of funds during financial year, which noted that no supplementary grant for any additional unbudgeted spending over the parliamentary approved level shall be considered by Finance Division, except in cases of severe natural disasters. However, where no funds can be made available through re-appropriation and technical supplementary grant (TSG), the following shall be required: Principal Accounting Officers (PAOs) certifies that all avenues have been exhausted, which is to be verified by the relevant Accounting Organization/Office; PAO provides valid justification and cogent reasons for demanding SG; Recommendation of Expenditure Wing or concerned Wing of the Finance Division; Govt to present Rs203.34bn supplementary, excess grants in NA today The procedure reflected in para 3 relating to Technical Supplementary Grant at sub-paras (i)-(vi) shall also be followed for supplementary grant. The notification further stated that any request for provision of funds through TSG shall only be submitted by PAOs, with identification of resources under other demand(s) and certificate that equivalent funds will be provided by ministry/division from their allocation. Expenditure Wing shall examine the TSG cases in detail and submit recommendation for consideration of Budget Wing, Finance Division. TSG cases relating to Public Sector Development Programm (PSDP), after meeting the requirements mentioned above, shall be processed through the Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division. Budget Wing, Finance Division shall examine the cases in the light of Budget Execution Report of SAP system, recommendation of Expenditure Wing and available fiscal space before submission to Finance Secretary for consideration and approval. Approved TSG by the Federal Cabinet, the PAO shall submit the schedule of TSG, duly endorsed by the Expenditure Wing, Finance Division, along with copies of the Summary for ECC and decision of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, ratification of the Cabinet and surrender order to Director (Budget Computerization), Budget Wing, Finance Division for entry in SAP system. Funds approved through TSG shall be released by the Finance Division keeping in view the availability of funds and in line with Release Strategy. The notification stated that in pursuance of the Article 84 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Section 10 of PFM Act 2019, if the amount authorized to be expended for a particular service for a financial year is found insufficient, or that a need has arisen for expenditure upon some new service not included in Annual Budget Statement (ABS) and Schedule of Authorized Expenditure the following steps shall be taken by the PA0s or Heads of the Departments/Organizations/Sub-ordinate Offices. Authorized Officer may re-appropriate funds in line with delegated financial powers for re-appropriation of funds under Sr#5 of Schedule of Financial Management and Powers of PAOs Regulations, 2021, as amended by Finance Division from time to time. However, no re-appropriation shall be made from unreleased budget. PAOs have been provided additional funds to meet funding requirements of adhoc Relief Allowance announced in the budget for current fiscal year under a separate cost centre in each Demand for Grants and Appropriations. PAOs are, hereby, advised to re-appropriate these funds, in consultation with Expenditure Wing, Finance Division, only for the purpose of Adhoc Relief Allowance in quarter 3 of CFY. In case of shortfall in ERE allocation during the fiscal year, re-appropriation of funds from Non-ERE 'Heads of Accounts' may be made on priority basis; Re-appropriation orders duly approved by the competent authority shall be provided to the Accounting Organizations/Offices for entry into SAP system. However, released funds shall remain within the prescribed quarterly limits given by the Finance Division in the Strategy for Release of Funds of CFY.' It was observed that a large number of cases for relaxation of cut-off date for re-appropriation of funds i.e. 31st May, under Section 11 of PFM Act 2019, are received in Finance Division during June every year. It has been decided that the re-appropriation orders shall only be considered, which duly approved by competent authority and following nature: For adjustment of excess expenditure booked in accounts offices. To meet shortfall under ERE heads of accounts; Unavoidable payments which mature in June; vi. Copies of the approved Re-appropriation Order shall be provided to the Expenditure Wing and Budget Wing (Budget Computerization Section) Finance Division for record and monitoring purposes. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Costly interest rates for TCP loans irk MoF
Costly interest rates for TCP loans irk MoF

Business Recorder

timea day ago

  • Business Recorder

Costly interest rates for TCP loans irk MoF

ISLAMABAD: Raising red flags over the high interest rates on loans secured by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) from commercial banks, the Finance Ministry has called for a special audit to determine the rates agreed by TCP and whether more competitive terms were available at the time, sources told Business Recorder. According to TCP, of the total liability of Rs. 156.9 billion, Rs. 126 billion relates to urea procurement, while the remainder pertains to wheat. While progress has been made in reconciling the principal amounts, disputes persist over markup calculations and interest accruals. During a meeting of a National Assembly panel, officials from the Finance Division informed the committee that a total of Rs. 24 billion is required from the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) to settle dues with TCP. USC has committed to paying Rs. 6 billion, while the remaining Rs. 18 billion is to be covered by the government as a subsidy. Here is how much key interest rate has moved in last 12 months Of the total, Rs. 5 billion is available in the current fiscal year, while Rs. 15 billion has been proposed in the budget for FY 2025-26. This arrangement would allow for the complete Rs. 24 billion payment by USC, against a total principal liability of Rs. 93 billion. The Finance Division further stated that National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML) owes Rs. 53 billion to TCP, to be settled on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between the federal and provincial governments. Of the federal share of Rs. 26 billion, Rs. 10 billion is available for disbursement in the current fiscal year. However, the Ministry of Commerce has yet to move the necessary summary, and the Finance Division confirmed that no such summary has been submitted. An additional Rs. 15 billion has been proposed in the 'next fiscal budget. Finance officials emphasized that reconciliation among all relevant stakeholders is necessary before any payments or adjustments can be made. The Division clarified it could only proceed after the federal adjuster reconciled data is received, urging federal and provincial departments to expedite the process. TCP noted that prior to 2018, the reconciliation process was not institutionalized. Since then, however, all agreements with NFML have been documented. The Ministry of Industries and NFML, in coordination with provincial governments, are responsible for distributing urea procured by the federal government. TCP is tasked with procurement, including both principal and markup, while distribution responsibility lies with the provinces. The Ministry of Industries is required to obtain budgetary allocations from the Finance Division to settle the liabilities. Delays in these processes have contributed to accumulating interest. TCP stated that the agreed principal liabilities stand at Rs. 24 billion for USC and Rs. 53 billion for NFML. An additional Rs. 2.9 billion in markup has been agreed with USC, bringing its total payable to Rs. 26.8 billion. The National Assembly panel expressed concern over the uncapped accumulation of interest, pointing out that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had made no specific provision for markup payments. TCP, however, argued that ECC-approved summaries covered both cash and credit arrangements, processed through the State Bank with full awareness that interest would apply. TCP clarified that markup arose due to staggered disbursements rather than any mismanagement. The Committee directed TCP to submit a breakdown distinguishing between delays in subsidy disbursement and contractual execution flaws. TCP explained that its commercial agreements with banks did not allow for renegotiation of interest rates, and therefore, markup liabilities could not be capped. The Finance Division acknowledged the constraints posed by the current Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but confirmed that Rs. 15 billion each from USC and NFML—totalling Rs. 30 billion—had been proposed for FY 2025–26 andRs. 15 billion has already been released to TCP. Sources said TCP tried to challenge the Finance Division's demand for a special audit, but the National Assembly panel rejected the plea, advising TCP to address the matter directly with the Finance Ministry. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store