With focus on development Punjab govt to present its 3rd budget on Monday

The Buzdar-led government, going to present its third budget, is likely to impose no new tax.

The finance ministry proposed 10 per cent increase in pays and pensions of government employees.

Officials associated with the budget preparations say the government is likely to provide up to Rs50 billion relief in sales tax to public. The government is also considering tax relief in certain sectors.

The government is focusing on reforms in the local government and community development (LG&CD).

An official document available with GNN shows that the provincial government is likely to allocate Rs223,937 million for ongoing and new schemes for local government.

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar today chaired a meeting to discuss and review salient features of the provincial budget for fiscal year 2021-22 and priorities and development projects in different sectors under the Annual Development Program (ADP).

The CM directed for sustainable measures in the next fiscal year budget to facilitate all walks of life, and keep the ADP realistic under the vision of composite development in the province.

It was decided that the scope of projects of public-welfare would be extended under the Public-Private Partnership and unnecessary expenditure would be further reduced.

It was told during the meeting that salaries of provincial employees have been increased by 25 per cent and it would be further increased in the budget.

The CM was told that focus of the ADP would be on sustainable and uniform development of social sectors and backward areas, while regional needs would be given due importance in public welfare projects.