The chief minister, who got the opportunity to present the 13th budget of the Sindh government, announced an increase in the salaries of government employees ranging from 22 per cent to 30pc, and a 15pc increase in pensions.
Also read: Rs5,390b ‘tax-free’ budget presented in Punjab Assembly
Out of the projected revenue of Rs3.056 trillion, 62 per cent revenue wil come from federal transfers and 22 per cent from provincial receipts, and more from capital receipts, foreign project assistance, and grants.
The provincial government’s allocation for expenditures include: Rs1.9 trillion 63pc allocated for current revenue, Rs184 billion or 6pc for current capital and Rs959 billion or 31pc for development expenditure.
Sindh cabinet accorded approval of over Rs3 trillion budget for FY2024-25.
Rs959 billion allocated for development projects
The provincial budget includes a significant hike in development expenditure as a sum of Rs959 billion, or 31 per cent, has been allocated for development projects, highlighting a strong commitment to infrastructure and social services.
Rs519b for education, Rs334b for healthcare
The budget allocates Rs519 billion for education, with Rs459 billion dedicated to current revenue expenditure. For healthcare a total Rs334 billion has been allocated with Rs302 billion earmarked for current expenses. The local government has a proposed budget of Rs329 billion.
Rs58b for agriculture, Rs77b for energy sector
The government has allocated Rs58 billion for agriculture, including Rs32 billion for current expenditure while the energy sector has got Rs77 billion, with Rs62 billion for ongoing costs.
Rs152b for irrigation, Works & Services, Planning & Development
A sum of Rs94 billion has been allocated for irrigation, with Rs36 billion for current expenses while Rs86 billion allocated for Works & Services. Planning & Development is allocated Rs30 billion.
Rs150.9b for social protection
The budget prioritises social protection, with Rs34.9 billion allocated for pro-poor initiatives and Rs116 billion in subsidies to alleviate the financial burden on citizens.
Rs37,000 proposed as minimum wage
A minimum wage increase of Rs37,000 has been proposed by the government during the budget presentation.
22-30pc hike in salaries, 15pc in pension
The provincial government’s key relief measures include salary increases of 22-30 per cent, pension hikes of 15 per cent, and Rs25 billion for housing schemes.
Rs8b to support 12m farmers
Likewise, the Hari Card scheme allocates Rs8 billion for 12 million farmers as the government has started several new initiatives targeting long-term development and economic recovery.
Rs16b for welfare projects
An Inclusive Enclave in Korangi, with an Rs5 billion allocation, will offer comprehensive facilities. The budget also introduces fiscal decentralisation for police stations with an Rs485 million allocation, a Rs5 billion solarisation initiative for solar home systems, a Rs5 billion Hub Canal Project for water supply to Karachi, and a Rs5 billion Mazdoor Card programme for labour welfare.
Rs190b allocated for education and healthcare grants
Presided over by the Sindh chief minister, a meeting discussed the proposals of increase in salaries and pensions.
Addressing the meeting, Murad Ali Shah said poverty alleviation and facilitating the people have been focused in the budget.
