ADP implementation improves slightly

The Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation rate somewhat improved in the 2020-21 fiscal year compared to the previous FY.

The implementation rate was 82.21 per cent in the last FY, which was 80.18 per cent in the previous year, according to the Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED).

To finalise it, IMED has sent the ADP implementation rate of last FY to Planning Minister MA Mannan for approval, IMED Secretary Pradip Ranjan Chakraborty said.

IMED data showed that the government spent Tk 1,72,051 crore out of Tk 2,09,272 crore for ADP projects in the FY. A total of 1,946 projects were included in the ADP.

The implementation rate was 80.18 per cent in FY 2019-20. However, IMED found that 10 ministries and divisions, including the Health Ministry, were the lowest performers to implement funds for the ADP projects. The government gave more importance to the health sector considering the coronavirus situation.

In the revised ADP of the last FY, the allocation of the health sector was 5.72 per cent out of total ADP. The Ministry spent 57.91 per cent of the fund for fiscal 2020-21.

On the other hand, the energy and mineral resources division was the top performer as it spent 104.27 per cent of the revised allocation. The power division spent 89.71 per cent of the ADP.

The science and technology ministry spent 101.29 per cent ADP as it is implementing Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna.

The implementation of ADP of the agriculture ministry was 97.52 per cent, while the rate was 89.04 per cent for the disaster management and relief ministry.

The fisheries and livestock ministry spent 88.77 per cent. And road transport and highways division spent 87.98 per cent.

The railways ministry, moving fast to finish the Padma Rail Link Project, witnessed an ADP implementation rate of 84.97 per cent.

Prof Dr Mustafizur Rahman, a distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, told The Business Post that the government should implement the ADP 100 per cent in due time. But the percentage of ADP implementation is good during the Covid-19 pandemic situation.

When ADP implementation is delayed, it will impact the people as consumers of all development projects. The project’s cost also increases, he said.

“Private sectors are investing in development projects. When project implementation is delayed, they will not invest further,” Mustafizur aadded.

He said the government should ensure good governance and increase the capacity to implement the projects on time.

Dr Mustafizur underscored the need for increasing workforce and capacity building for ADP implementation.