A new PC-I framework to increase development project transparency has been approved by Punjab.

In order to increase the openness and caliber of development projects, the Punjab government, acting under IMF guidelines, has adopted a new structure for the creation and evaluation of PC-I documents.

No development plan will be included to the Annual Development Programme (ADP) without PC-I approval, according to the new ruling. In the past, a number of plans were included in the budget without adequate planning, cost estimation, or PC-I clearance.

The new framework was accepted by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, and the document was created by Secretary P&D Rafaqat Nusrana and Chairman Planning and Development Dr. Naeem Rauf.

The government has made the decision to improve and standardize readiness for PC-I preparation and appraisal. “Stage-gate readiness checks” are part of the new appraisal framework, which creates a transparent and cohesive system for project evaluation from Gate Zero to Gate Three. The framework seeks to minimize shocks during revisions and implementation as well as avoid needless cost and schedule overruns in projects. Additionally, it suggests requiring scope lock and design maturity in PC-I papers.

While PC-I documents explicitly define operation and maintenance costs, minimum requirements have been established for cost, scheduling, and procurement planning. Additionally, bolstering monitoring and result verification mechanisms has been prioritized. To make PC-I documents more understandable and user-friendly, the framework suggests sector-specific rules as well as linguistic and format enhancements. This action is regarded as a significant institutional step in raising the standard and consistency of PC-I preparation.

Additionally, in order to ensure increased financial discipline, efficacy, and transparency in development projects, the government has chosen to make the appraisal framework a reference document for sponsoring departments.