Daily Times

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has ruled in Sindh for the last ten years. Despite two tenures, the social and economic development indicators paint a bleak picture in the province. From education to health and social protection, Sindh is engulfed with hordes of teething troubles. On the other hand, our so-called politicians claim all is well, and invite other people on media to visit Sindh and see the development and prosperity.

The reality is that the region is suffering. Let’s review the latest factual data regarding Sindh’s overall progression and performance of the last five years?

In its 2013 manifesto, the PPP committed that their economic policy will focus on equitable taxation, responsible borrowing and building social safety programmes. In this regard, the total tax revenue generated by Sindh government is 1.54 percent of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) as compared to 1.07 percent during 2012-13, which is a 101 percent increase in nominal terms. Indirect taxes comprised 93 percent of total taxes collected in FY16-17 as compared to 89 percent in FY 2012-13. The percentage of GSDP (1.43 percent) as compared to indirect taxes (0.95 percent) increased by 110 percent on an absolute basis. Direct taxes were 0.11 percent of GSDP as compared to 0.12 percent, which grew by 29 percent on an absolute basis.

The PPP also committed that it would introduce governance and transparency reforms in the areas of taxation. On this front, Sindh revenue board was formed. Sales tax on services comprised 0.28 percent of GSDP during 2016-17 and agriculture tax comprised 0.007 percent of GSDP.

The PPP also committed more than 4.5 percent of GDP on education by the end of the last term. But the2016-17 figures were 1.53 percent of GSDP as compared to 1.43 percent in 2012-13. Expenditure has increased by49 percent as compared to 2012-13. Moreover, it promised to monitor the district-wise utilisation of the education budget. On this front, 82 percent of the budget allocated has been utilised during the 2013-17 period.

Statistical data on PPP’s performance paints a grim picture of the situation of the people in Sindh. But it’s also a fact that these people don’t have any choice other than this party

Also, it was committed in the manifesto that there would be education for all, ensuring measurable learning outcomes, especially in literacy, numeracy and essential life skills. But the situation in reality is extremely pathetic. The net enrolment rate has just fallen by four percent to 48 percent in 2015-16 as compared to 52 percent in 2013.

According to Pakistan Education Statistics, in 2012-13, 1.8 million children in Sindh were out of schools at the primary level, and in 2015-16, the figure increased to 1.9 million. Adjusted net enrolment rate for girls rose from 54 percent in 2012-13 to 56 percent in 2015-16.

The PPP in 2013 also committed to raising the adult literacy rate. During 2012-13,the literacy rate was 60 percent, but according to recent figures released by Pakistan Economic Survey, it has dropped to 55 percent.

Regarding health, it was committed to proposing an increase in state spending on health to five percent of consolidated government spending by the end of the next term. During 2016-17, 6.54 percent of the total budget was spent as compared to 9.25 percent in FY 2012-13. Public expenditure on health was 1.53 percent of GSDP in FY 2016-17 as compared to 1.43 percent in FY 2012-13.

The PPP also promised to seek better governance and transparent utilisation of earmarked allocations by the provinces. Over 82 percent of the allocated budget was utilised during 2013-17.

Most of the commitments the PPP government made during the 2013 general elections have clearly remained unfulfilled. The ground reality is probably worse than these stats.

Again, the 2018 general elections are approaching, and the purported local politicians have started coming out from their dens. People will hear the same tall promises from their loving political representatives, which they have been hearing for decades. Unfortunately, people have not learnt from these leaders’ corruption over the years. But yes, it is a fact that the people do not have any other option either.

The writer is a development professional. He may be contacted at murtazatalpur@hotmail.com

Published in Daily Times, July 17^th 2018.