Science ministry seeks 19pc hike in budgetary allocation

The ministry of science and technology has sought a budgetary allocation of Tk 124.41 billion for the next fiscal year, an increase of 18.46 per cent from the current fiscal.

The ministry received Tk 105.11 billion under the original ADP for the current fiscal year 2017-18.

"We have sought a bigger fund as some projects, especially Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, are being implemented to meet the growing demand for power," said a ministry official.

The fund will be required as some projects will be implemented in the FY 2018-19, he added.

The ministry sought over Tk 39.41 billion from internal resources and over Tk 85 billion in project aid, according to the ministry data.

The ministry has been implementing 13 development projects under the current ADP. Besides, five more projects have been approved in the recently revised ADP.

Between fiscal years 2009-10 and 2016-17, the ministry completed a total of 36 projects in the country, the data showed.

A finance division official said, "We have received a letter from the science and technology ministry seeking allocation of the fund for the next fiscal year."

The main vision of the ministry is to build a science-oriented nation and help achieve overall socio-economic development of the country through research, development and successful application of science and technology.

[email protected]