Punjab development budget may reach Rs1,452bn
shahzad Paracha:
Islamabad:The Punjab government has finalised a second set of budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year, with sources indicating that the province’s development outlay may increase to Rs1,452 billion.
The departments concerned have sent the second draft of budget recommendations to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The Planning and Development Board has also prepared the second draft of the annual development program for the next fiscal year. According to the draft, the initial size of Punjab’s development budget has been estimated at Rs1,452 billion.
Sources said Rs980 billion has been proposed for the Core Development Program. Another Rs320 billion has been proposed for other development projects, while Rs150 billion is expected through foreign funding.
The draft includes 1,824 high-priority schemes with a total estimated cost of Rs2,347 billion.
Priority projects may get up to Rs780bn
According to the recommendations, Rs580 billion to Rs780 billion may be allocated for priority projects during the next financial year. A block allocation of up to Rs200 billion has also been proposed for the chief minister’s priority projects.
Development work, clean water schemes, model villages and other major projects in Lahore are also part of the proposed budget.
The transport sector has been placed at the top of the development program. Major transport projects worth Rs303 billion have been included in the draft budget.
The proposal indicates that improving urban mobility and transport infrastructure will remain a key focus of the Punjab government.
The draft proposes Rs30 billion for model villages across the province. Another Rs42 billion has been recommended for the road rehabilitation program.
These projects are expected to focus on improving rural living standards and strengthening road connectivity.
Smart police stations in several cities
Smart police stations, police lines and residential projects have also been included in the development program. New smart police stations are proposed in Okara, Rawalpindi, Kasur, Multan, Gujranwala and Pakpattan.
The draft also recommends establishing new police pickets and posts in katcha and riverine areas.
The South Punjab Police Office Admin Block and various regional headquarters complexes are also included in the proposed development program. New residential colonies, ladies barracks, flats and hostels will be built for police personnel.
The upgradation of police training colleges, gymnasiums, conference halls and sewage systems is also part of the plan.
Rs250bn for local government sector
Sources said a proposed budget of Rs250 billion has been prepared for the local government sector for the next fiscal year. The draft recommends more than Rs45 billion for ongoing development schemes and Rs50 billion for new schemes.
A separate allocation of Rs156 billion has been proposed for local government development.
The Punjab government is also considering a proposal to make local government representatives autonomous in the next financial year. Sources said Rs560 million has been proposed for an IT monitoring system for local government.
The draft also recommends Rs50 billion for sewerage work and road rehabilitation in union councils.
Heritage restoration projects
The proposed budget includes funds for major heritage restoration projects in Lahore. Sources said Rs680 million has been recommended for the renovation of the Lahore Fort.
Another Rs300 million has been proposed for the construction and restoration of the fort walls, while Rs200 million has been recommended for the restoration of Shalamar Garden.
