–Sindh minister says CCI authorised to make appointments in companies on recommendations of provinces
–CCI to take up 16-point agenda in its 41st session on Monday
The Sindh government on Sunday urged the federal government to include provinces in the public sector power companies in line with the constitution ahead of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting.
The demand was made by Sindh Energy Minister Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh in a letter to Minister for Power Division Omar Ayub Khan.
According to the letter, the minister said that the electricity sector could only exercise its power after the nominations of the provincial governments’ representatives on the board of directors, governors and management committees in the power companies.
“As per the 18th Amendment, the Council of Common Interest (CCI) is authorised for policy-making and supervision of the power companies,” he said, adding that the CCI was authorised to make appointments in the companies on the recommendations of the provinces. He hoped that the federal government would implement the constitutional requirements as soon as possible.
CCI SESSION ON MONDAY:
The CCI will hold its 41st session on Monday to discuss a 16-point agenda. Four chief ministers of provinces will attend the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, scheduled to be held in Islamabad.
In March 2019, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, during a key meeting, decided to write a letter to the federal government, urging it to convene a meeting of Council of Common Interests (CCI).
The provincial chief secretaries have also been invited in the meeting. According to the agenda, the annual reports of the CCI for 2016 and 2017 years will be submitted in the session for approval.
The CCI will discuss the amended petroleum policy, LNG import, and amendment in the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) ordinance 2002.
The issue of the NoC for installation of a 25 MW hydro-power project located on the Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal will also be part of the agenda.
A summary about the privatization of the Haveli Shah Bahadur and Balloki power plants have also been sent to the council for a decision.
The issue of the distribution of natural resources under Article 158 and 172 will also be discussed in the CCI meeting.
The alternate energy policy 2019 will also be presented in the CCI session for approval.
The CCI will also discuss the appointment of the Chairman and Members of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).
