The Public Accounts Committee (PAC-I) of the Punjab Assembly on Thursday raised serious concerns over financial irregularities in projects executed by the Punjab Danish Schools & Centres of Excellence Authority. The issues, including alleged overpayments, weak tax recoveries, and irregular award of contracts, were discussed during a meeting chaired by Ch Iftikhar Hussain at the Punjab Assembly. Officials from the Punjab Assembly and various government departments attended the session.
Audit Observations Highlight Overpayments and Irregularities
The committee examined audit observations related to the Punjab Danish Schools & Centres of Excellence Authority. These observations revealed overpayments due to higher-than-approved rates for work items, payments exceeding the agreed percentage of control costs, non-recovery of mobilisation advances, short recovery of income tax, and award of work to an unregistered joint venture. The committee expressed concern over these findings and directed relevant departments to strengthen internal financial controls and enforce greater fiscal discipline.
Directions for Immediate Action
The committee instructed departments to ensure that all outstanding audit observations are addressed at the earliest. It also mandated the implementation of the committee’s recommendations and submission of progress reports within the prescribed time frame. The focus remains on ensuring accountability and transparency in public spending.
Briefing on Skills Development Initiatives
Earlier, the Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Department, along with its attached departments and autonomous bodies, briefed the committee on its financial management and ongoing programmes. Secretary Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Nadir Chattha informed the committee about initiatives to promote technical and vocational education, equip young people with market-oriented skills, encourage entrepreneurship, and improve employment opportunities through industry-linked training programmes.
Development Projects and Transparency Measures
The committee was also briefed on the implementation of development projects, utilisation of allocated funds, measures to enhance transparency and accountability, and efforts to expand access to quality technical and vocational education across Punjab. The discussions underscored the need for efficient use of public resources and timely completion of projects.
