- The government represents the “pro-poor and pro-development budget”.
- Suggests to increase of fifteen% in salary, 5% in salaries.
- Rs 470 billion proposed for health care, 485.26 billion rupees for education.
LAHORE: Punjab government on Wednesday presented budget for fiscal year 2022-23 after a significant delay but in a different location than usual one like the treasury and the benches of the opposition failed come to a consensus over convocation session.
After a two-day delay, Punjab Finance Minister Sardar Awais Laghari unveiled a provincial budget of Rs 3.226 trillion. budget for fiscal year 2022–2023, calling it “pro-poor and pro-development budget”.
opposition and government convened two separate sessions in the Punjab Assembly and Ivan-e-Iqbal respectively. formerx session started today but was delayed until 13:00 tomorrow while Ivan-e-Iqbal session started after 4:00 pm.
opposition session took place at the Punjab Assembly with Speaker Chaudhry Pervez Elahi in chair. During the session, opposition deputies criticized government and PML-N leader Attaullah Tarar – who asked to leave the Punjab Assembly for two days. back during first session of in budget.
The opposition was irritated and demanded from the inspectorgeneral and chief secretary be present during session. As a result, both sides could not reach a consensus over Problems.
Leghari criticizes PTI for “lose three years”
Representing budget proposals that had previously been approved by the cabinet, Lagari criticized the previous stance led by PTI. government, saying its policy has stalled development in provinces for in last three years.
“Data shows that in the period 2019-22. there was none development program worth references, and the province has not witnessed any social welfare program,” he said, accusing PTI of government for “lose three years in framing false cases” against opposition.
referring to last budget of PML-N government for fiscal year 2017-18 provincial finance minister emphasized that at that time the country’s GDP growth was rising stable pace and that the per capita income reached $1,629.
He added that foreign investment poured in in since Pakistan has been declared an investment-safe country, shares market was second-best in Asia and international institutions recognized the Pakistani growth.
provincial minister blamed PTI at the head government of ignoring the energy problems that led to other problems including unemployment, poverty and inflation.
Development, income and expenses
Disclosure of details of in budgetfinance minister said out of in total amount of in the budget it was proposed to leave 1.712 billion rupees. for current expenses while total expenses of in development budget is 685 billion rubles.
The income is estimated at 2.521 trillion rupees. minister said, adding that the province is expected to receive over 2.020 trillion rupees from federal dividend pool.
Finance minister said over It is expected that within head of provincial receipts – more than 24% in comparison with last year collection.
Lagari said the government’s goal for 24% more, has set goal of non-tax revenues amounted to 163 billion rupees.
He left on to add that under the head of the minister, the relief package will be allocated 200 billion rubles. for providing wheat at a lower price rate to the masses. Lagari said that a 10-kilogram sack of wheat, which used to be available for 650 rupees, you can now buy for 490 rupees.
In addition, another relief package worth Rs 142 billion was offered including the sale of edible items lower costsubsidized travel expenses and other benefits for farmers.
total exit of in development budget is 685 billion rupees, out of of which 40% will be spent on in social sector, 24% on infrastructure, 6% on production, 2% on services, and 28% will be allocated for special measures.
Health and Education
Finance minister added what government offered 35% of in total Annual development program for South Punjab and allocated 240 billion rupees. for several development projects.
For the health sector government offered 470 billion rupees for health sector, 27% higher than the previous year. Finance minister said that the current government prioritizes health and restores a free medical facility in public hospitals.
Lagari said 10% more budget compared with last year it was suggested for the education sector, which will amount up to 485.26 billion rubles. He said that Rs 428.56 billion had been offered. for Then on-development budget and 56.70 billion rupees. for in development budget.
Finance minister Rs 421.6 billion was offered. for Department of School Education, and 59.7 billion rupees for in higher Education department. In addition, Rs 1.52 billion was offered. for special education and 3.59 billion rupees. for literacy and informal basic education.
Besides, government It has also Rs 1.5 billion offered for security of laptops for students.
Wages, pensions and wages
Finance minister added what government proposed to increase of fifteen% in salaries of government employees and rise of 5% in pensions.
BUT special permission of 15% has also it was suggested for in government employees of 1-19 grades in an attempt to close the gap between inflation and the income rate, he said.
Lagari added in government It has also proposal to raise the minimum wage of workers from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, while Rs 435 billion was offered. for wages, 312 billion rupees for pensions and 528 billion rupees. for local government.
