In conformity with overall strategy of the PML-N to spur economic growth and development, the Punjab government has recently presented a development oriented budget. The budget is certainly ambitious as it promises to create 500,000 jobs and outlays Rs 550 billion in the development sector. The budget envisages a huge sum of money for infrastructure development, transport, irrigation, agriculture, water supply and last but not the least energy projects. A major chunk of the budget focuses on the social sector by allocating 31 per cent of the total resources, followed by infrastructure 29 per cent and services sector 20 per cent. The budget truly deserves acclaim and praise as it aims to have all-round development of the province.
The untiring efforts by the government have resulted in unprecedented increase in its allocations for education, health and agriculture sector. Since the aim of the government is to bring qualitative change in the lives of people therefore, the budget allocates Rs 313 billion for education, Rs 150 billion for health sector and Rs 30 billion for provision of clean drinking water.
Agriculture, the backbone of country’s economy, is facing a crisis due to many reasons hence, the allocation of Rs 50 billion for Kisan Package will certainly provide incentives and concessions to farmers which consequently help improve the sector in the coming year. The allocation of Rs92 billion for transport infrastructure and Rs 27 billion for Khadim-e-Punjab Rural Roads Program is also a welcome step as it will help in economic growth and development. If the amount allocated to each sector in the budget will be implemented in its true letter and spirit only then Punjab will be able to make progress by leaps and bounds. Hence, it is hoped that the government will act with integrity in fulfilling its promise otherwise only words will not do anything until they are followed by actions.
Syed Ali Qasim
Lahore Cantt
