The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a Rs 10 million Technical Supplementary Grant for the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The additional funds will cover tea, working lunches, and dinners for parliamentarians during the ongoing federal budget session.
According to official sources, the ministry manages parliamentary business, including budget sessions of both houses. These sessions often continue beyond normal working hours. Therefore, officials said additional arrangements become necessary during the annual budget process.
Ministry Seeks Additional Budget Allocation
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs informed the ECC that existing funds were insufficient. Officials said the allocated budget under the “Entertainment and Gifts” head could not cover expected expenses. Consequently, the ministry requested an additional Rs 10 million through a Technical Supplementary Grant.
The ministry explained that budget sessions represent a key constitutional responsibility. Furthermore, lawmakers must complete discussions and pass the Finance Bill within the required constitutional timeframe. As a result, the expenditure could neither be postponed nor fully managed through internal budget adjustments.
Finance Division Endorses Proposal
The Finance Division reviewed the request before forwarding its recommendation to the ECC. Subsequently, the committee approved the supplementary allocation without changes. The amount was sanctioned under Demand No. 81 of the Parliamentary Affairs Division.
The approved grant applies to the fiscal year 2025-26. Meanwhile, the additional funds will ensure uninterrupted meal and refreshment arrangements throughout the remaining budget proceedings in Parliament House.
