Editorial
ADP implementation on a quicker footing
The trend must be sustained with a focus on quality
It is good to note that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenacious pursuit with the ministries and divisions at the regular meetings of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) taking stock of utilisation of Annual Development Plan has speeded up its implementation. ADP spending in the first two months of preceding consecutive three fiscal years averaged 3.4 percent of the total plan allocations. In contrast, in the corresponding two months of the ongoing fiscal, it has nearly doubled at 6 percent of the current ADP.
Put in different words, it represents an implementation outcome speedier by an impressive 76 percent over the recorded level and therefore commendable, even though the time-frame was a limited two months. Usually, the first six months of a fiscal have been traditionally marked by deplorably low implementation rate; much of the time having been spent in paper work. Obviously, it is well-begun this time around. But only a fractional 6 percent has been achieved of the total ADP outlay which is a record Tk 35,500. It is disconcerting that a number of ministries have drawn a blank in spending.
From here on, the pace of implementation needs to be further stepped up, so that the last quarter of the fiscal is not subjected to pressure of meeting deadlines at break-neck speed risking quality. While the PM's persistent questioning of the under-performing ministries and divisions kept them on tenterhooks and has paid dividends. However, it is relevant to point out that relaxation of procurement rules was envisaged to speed things up and how far it is doing so without compromising quality is to be carefully monitored. In this context, we need to emphasise a concern over quality of implementation to be safeguarded through precautions taken against any corruption or malpractice tainting execution of projects. Here we believe an effective role of the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) of the planning commission, which needs to be reequipped, can make a difference.
The ADP consists of a number of carry-over projects; their physical targets will have to be met with qualitative utilization of funds, so that they do not spill over making for cost escalation.
As for the 800 new projects which await approval as late as in March, 2011, there is need for bringing forward the approval deadline to do justice to the projects which are expected to be a redeemer of the AL government's electoral pledges pertaining to national development.
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