'Balloting put off indefinitely': fate of Benazir Tractor Scheme hangs in balance

[Naveed Yaseen]

MUSHTAQ GHUMMAN
ISLAMABAD (August 18 2009): The implementation of the federal government's much talked about Benazir Tractor Scheme (BTS) is again in doubt as the balloting for 10,000 lucky winners, which was scheduled for August 14, has been postponed indefinitely, well-informed sources told Business Recorder.

The scheme was to be initially launched in the fiscal year 2008-2009 for the supply of 20,000 tractors, but this did not materialise. The federal government, however, made allocations in the current year's budget for the scheme, but it slashed the number of tractors from 20,000 to 10,000. Minister for Food and Agriculture, Nazar Mohammad Gondal, had announced that the balloting would be held on 14th August, but it was put off and a new date for the balloting is yet to be announced.

It has been learnt that the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), which had been entrusted with the responsibility of organising the launch and operation of the scheme, has failed to meet the schedule. ZTBL first extended the date for the receipt of applications, which were to be scrutinised and fed to computer for balloting on August 14.

Besides, new issues with regard to province and district wise allocations have yet to be settled. ZTBL has also failed to provide the sample of the sticker, which is to be pasted on the tractor. The sources further said ZTBL had sent the entire scheme to the Ministry for Food and Agriculture (Minfa) for various clarifications.

There was utter confusion at ZTBL, whose President was facing an inquiry by the parliamentary committee on his appointment against the advice of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). There are reports that farmers across the country are not buying new tractors from local tractor manufactures as well as importers in anticipation of the launch of the BTS.

http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=950230