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Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
KP govt presents Rs240.0137bn supplementary budget
PESHAWAR: The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa incurred an additional amount of Rs 240.0137 billion for the outgoing financial year 2024-25. The amount including Rs 192.7442 billion in head of current expenditure and additional Rs 47.2695 billion for development. The estimates of the additional expenses during the outgoing fiscal year presented in the legislature under Article 124 of the Constitution of Pakistan for approval from the house. For the current financial year 2024-25, the current expenditure was estimated at Rs 1237.7158 billion out of which Rs 144.6284 billion were for the merged districts, but in the revised estimates it went up to Rs 1386.7950 billion which is Rs 192.7442 billion more than the estimated current expenditure. The details of the additional current expenditure include Rs 102 million of the provincial assembly, Rs.1.4551 billion administration, Rs 64.663 Planning & Development Department, Rs 21.536 million Information Technology Department, Rs 267.167 million (Home Department), Prisons and Probation Department Rs 1.5870 billion. Similarly, the additional expenditure of the Police Department was Rs 253.070 million, Rs 2.7359 billion (Administration of Justice), Rs 1.9399 billion (Higher Education Department), Rs 1.3246 billion (Building & Structure), Rs 1.69671 billion (Roads, Highways and Bridges), Rs 1.95938 billion (Public Health Engineering), Rs 2.8722 billion (Local Govt & Rural Development), Rs 104.390 million (Livestock Production), Rs 465.412 million (Forests & Environment), Rs 226.468 million (Wildlife Department) and Rs 829 million for Irrigation Department respectively. Furthermore, an additional expenditure of Rs 504.847 million was incurred by the Information & Public Relations Department, Rs 10.8675 billion (Social Welfare & Special Education Department), Rs 486.241 (Pension), Rs 599.995 million (Food Security Net (Subsidy), Rs 150 billion (Investment) while Auqaf, Religious, Minorities and Hajj Affairs incurred an additional expenditure of Rs 96.322 million. The Sports and Youth Affairs Department was required a supplementary budget of Rs 629.551 million, Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Department Rs 5.764 million, Transport Department Rs.1.504 billion, Elementary & Secondary Education Department Rs 1.2953 billion, Tourism Department Rs 201.022 million, Debt Servicing (interest payment) Rs 4 billion, Payback of the capital amount on foreign debts to federal government Rs 2.500 billion, Payment in head of debts and Advance Rs 3.105 billion. For the financial year, 2024-25 the provincial government have had allocated Rs 416.2831 billion for annual development programme while the revised estimates climbed to Rs 447.2050 billion, which shows an excess amount of Rs 30.9218 billion. However, a technical supplementary budget of Rs 47.2695 billion was presented in the provincial assembly. In the current fiscal year, the provincial government for the first time has also approved an amount of Rs 39.6 billion as ADP-Plus while another amount of Rs 2.1313 billion was approved for the provision of free textbooks and school bags to the students of the merged districts. Furthermore, an additional grant of Rs 2.38 billion was also received for schemes initiated under PSDP and Pak-PWD. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Zawya
13-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Taqa platform expands mining services to boost investment
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has expanded its Taqa digital platform to include mining license management, further streamlining the investment process in Oman's growing mining sector. This enhancement builds on the platform's existing services, such as managing auctions for public sites and concession areas. Saeed bin Awad al Shukri, Director of the Information Technology Department at the ministry, highlighted the significance of this expansion. 'The Ministry is committed to continuously developing the Taqa platform to align with legislation and investment incentives that drive growth in the mining sector. The platform provides opportunities in exploration, mining, manufacturing, research and development, and laboratories.' The upgraded Taqa platform integrates advanced digital tools to enhance the investor experience. New features include: A user guide outlining all applicable procedures; A message center and notifications to keep investors informed; Automated bidding for mining opportunities; Seamless company registration and operational processes; A digital order tracking system for license applications and ; Automatic fee collection for efficiency and transparency. The four core services of the platform now cover: Archiving and bidding; Licensing and revenue management; Contract management; and Inspection and site visits. The ministry has introduced a comprehensive digital licensing system, enabling: Issuing and renewing exploration and mining licenses; Closing exploration and mining sites; and Canceling exploration and mining licenses. According to Al Shukri, these digital licensing services streamline the investment process and enhance regulatory oversight. He emphasized that investors must meet specific technical and financial requirements, including an executive summary, business plans, and proof of financial capability, before applying for mining opportunities. As part of its investment drive, the ministry has announced six new mining concession areas across Oman, containing valuable mineral deposits such as silica, salts, sandstone, limestone, barite, and manganese. These areas, exceeding 100 sq km, are available for long-term investment agreements ranging from 20 to 30 years. While investors will be allowed to explore and extract minerals, construction materials, marble, and rare earth elements are excluded from the concessions. Additional incentives include competitive royalty rates and reduced fees to attract both local and international investors. Al Shukri emphasized that the expansion of Taqa aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes strategic investments in the minerals sector. He added, 'The ministry remains focused on integrating smart bidding systems and transparent mechanisms to ensure efficiency and ease of doing business in Oman's mining industry.' 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
09-03-2025
- Observer
Cyber Security Week begins in Al Batinah
AL RUSTAQ: The Directorate-General of Education in Al Batinah South Governorate has launched Cyber Security Week, an initiative running until March 13, aimed at enhancing awareness of cyber threats, strengthening digital security practices and promoting safe online engagement. Sultan bin Hamad al Hashemi, Director of the Information Technology Department at Al Batinah South Education Directorate, emphasised the significance of the event in educating students and the wider community about the growing risks associated with social media, electronic transactions and cybersecurity threats. He highlighted that the initiative seeks to improve knowledge and response strategies for handling digital security challenges while promoting the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence applications. Al Hashemi further noted that Cyber Security Week plays a crucial role in instilling strong cybersecurity principles and values among school students across the governorate. By fostering awareness, the event aims to equip students with the necessary skills to protect themselves from online risks, ensuring a safer digital learning environment. The week-long programme includes various awareness activities, workshops and exhibitions across schools in the governorate. These sessions cover essential topics such as cybersecurity fundamentals, data protection, safeguarding personal information, preventing electronic hacking, artificial intelligence security, and best practices for safe social media use. - ONA
