Queries raised over BDT 150Cr block allocations and hefty consultant retainers
Planning Commission Blocks BDT 175Cr Payra ICT Project
- Planning Commission questions BDT 150 crore in unitemized block allocations within the BDT 175 crore Payra Port ICT project.
- Justification demanded for consultant compensation averaging BDT 14.5 lakh per specialist monthly.
- Approval stalled until detailed itemized breakdowns for hardware, software, and training are submitted.
The Planning Commission has raised serious objections over a BDT 175 crore development project proposal submitted by the Ministry of Shipping to install an ICT-driven Port Operating System (POS) at Payra Port. The project has been stalled after the Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) identified that approximately 86 percent of the budget—around BDT 150 crore—was submitted as ambiguous 'block allocations' lacking granular line-item specifications. Details were confirmed on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
According to the working paper of the Physical Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission, the project, proposed for execution between July 2026 and June 2029, allocates its largest expenditures across three broad segments: BDT 97.50 crore for ICT hardware, BDT 27.14 crore for consultancy services, and BDT 25.61 crore for software acquisition. However, the DPP fails to specify exact technical architectures, unit counts, software licensing fees, or hardware parameters.
The commission critically scrutinized the consultancy component, which allocates funds for 188 man-months at an average monthly remuneration of BDT 14.5 lakh per consultant, demanding comprehensive terms of reference and technical justifications for such elevated packages.
Furthermore, queries were raised regarding office rental provisions despite Payra Port Authority owning administrative complexes, redundant procurement of office equipment, unsanctioned deputation of nine personnel without inter-ministerial clearance, and unitemized training budgets. The executing agency has been directed to recast the DPP in compliance with Finance Division lending guidelines (90 percent state loan, 10 percent port funding).
While the Payra Port Authority maintains that automated vessel tracking, berthing, and cargo systems are vital to adhere to IMO, SOLAS, and ISO standards amid annual 10 percent throughput growth, the Planning Commission affirmed that no public funds will be sanctioned without transparent, itemized budgetary breakdowns.
//DBTech/NAP/MIST/NPB//
