ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Wednesday demanded implementation of the Constructors Registration Bill, 2021 and stricter penalties for contractors and constructors who violate law.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology met to discuss the Constructors Registration Bill, 2021, moved by MNA Uzma Riaz.

After thorough discussion, the members deferred the bill, with the direction that the ministry sit with the bill’s mover and report to the committee within a month.

The members observed that constructors and consultants alike did not follow a strict criteria or benchmark in development projects, whether it was for construction of roads, buildings and bridges.

“Contractors and firms fail to follow rules. This is why this bill is quite important,” said MNA Usman Khan Tarakai, who has become a member of the committee on science and technology for the third time.

In its response, the Ministry of Science and Technology extended support to the committee.

Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz informed members that his office was working on the matter to ensure implementation of rules.

The meeting was chaired by MNA Sajid Mehdi. Utilisation and status of previous budgetary proposals regarding the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) was also discussed.

Committee members urged the ministry to complete ongoing projects immediately and expressed satisfaction on the progress and work done by the ministry.

In response to the ministry’s demand for more funds in the next financial year, the committee observed that all 17 departments were yet to deliver results.

“All of these departments have been functioning since the 1970s and their efforts cannot be seen in the public or the private sectors,” said Mr Tarakai.

The committee also discussed the ministry’s budgetary proposals for the next financial year 2022-23. After detailed discussion, members endorsed 29 out of 56 PSDP projects.

Due to lack of time, the committee adjourned the meeting and decided to hold its next meeting before the end of this month to discuss the remaining projects.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2022