The controversy surrounding Punjab took a backseat on Wednesday as the provincial government presented its budget at the Aiwan-e-Iqbal with a total outlay of Rs3,226 billion.
The budget was scheduled for a day earlier but it was postponed as the deadlock between the opposition and treasury benches persisted, with both parties summoning separate budget sessions.
Punjab Assembly lawmaker Awais Laghari presented the provincial budget.
During the budget speech, the provincial minister said that the previous government did not focus on the development of the social sector, adding that the previous government damaged the economy by raising the prices of crude oil.
He said that the budget 2022-23 estimated the total revenue of the provincial government at Rs2,521 billion.
Laghari said that out of the total amount, Rs1,712 billion were proposed for the running expenditure.
The budget proposed Rs 200 billion for the chief minister’s public relief package.
Laghari said that the budget did not propose any new tax, adding that it focused on providing flour at low rates to the people.
He said that stamp duty in the urban areas has been proposed to 2%.
He said that Rs 365 billion is proposed for the ongoing development schemes.
The provincial minister said that health budget has been proposed with an increase of 10% at Rs 485.26 billion.
Rs 296 billion has been proposed for non-development projects
Rs 174.50 billion is allocated to development programs
