Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is contemplating a pivotal shift in its project approval framework to delegate financial sanction authority to technical members, a move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency within the organization.

According to Zameen.Com, this initiative will allow technical officers such as the Member Engineering to handle both technical and financial aspects of project sanctions. This approach mirrors the methods employed by the Communications and Works Department (C and W) in Punjab, aiming to streamline procedures and quicken decision-making processes within the CDA. Currently, while technical sanctions are approved by specific technical divisions, financial sanctions are centrally controlled by the finance wing.

The proposed change has sparked a debate among CDA's senior financial specialists, raising concerns about potential risks to transparency and fairness in project evaluations. The apprehension centers on the dilution of rigorous auditing processes that a more centralized system provides. To address these concerns, the CDA board recently resolved to undertake an in-depth comparative study of financial regulations used by various national institutions.

This study aims to ensure that the adoption of new financial sanction powers will maintain a balance between operational efficiency and stringent transparency standards.