KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has unveiled a comprehensive plan, allocating Rs30 billion for the rehabilitation of flood victims.

Addressing a post-budget press conference at the Sindh Assembly Auditorium, the CM emphasized that the newly presented budget is people-oriented, with Rs10 billion being spent on new projects in Karachi and over Rs1 trillion being allocated to development projects across the province. He underlined that Sindh’s development budget exceeds that of other provinces.

Key Announcements:

• Employment Opportunities: 75,000 jobs in the education department and 50,000 in the police department.
• Salaries Increase: The largest increment in provincial employees’ salaries to date.
• NFC Award: Advocacy for a new National Finance Commission (NFC) award every five years, reaffirming Sindh’s support for the federal government despite not being part of the PML-N government’s alliance.

Budget Breakdown:

• Total Volume: Rs3.56 trillion, an increase from the previous year.
• Development Allocation: 31% of the budget, including Rs493.092 billion for provincial Annual Development Program (ADP), Rs55 billion for district ADP, Rs334 billion for Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP), and Rs76.971 billion for federal ADP.

Despite setbacks following the transitional government’s decision to halt development projects, the government of Sindh remains committed to providing substantial development financing. Murad explained that of the current revenue expenditure of over Rs 1,900 billion, 70% is allocated to salaries while the remaining 21% covers non-salary expenses.

Revenue Sources:

• Federal Government: Rs1,900 billion expected.
• Provincial Taxes: Rs619 billion.
• Non-Tax Revenue: Rs43 billion.
• Capital Receipts: Rs27 billion.
• Total Revenue: Rs2,590 billion, with the funding gap addressed through foreign assistance projects.

Flood Relief Efforts:

• Chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s Efforts: Praised for supporting flood victims.
• Rs100 Billion Allocation: For flood relief last year, with a shortfall from the federal government.
• New Allocation: Rs30 billion promised by the federal government for 2024-25, with an assurance from the prime minister for fund release within the first six months.

K-IV Project:

• Water Supply to Karachi: Federal government allocated Rs25 billion, with Sindh committing Rs180 billion, pending approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

The CM highlighted the achievements of the Sindh government in improving law and order and their commitment to further progress. The proposed minimum salary increase to Rs37,000 and efforts to strengthen the Excise and Taxation Department and the Board of Revenue, allocating Rs204 billion and Rs61 billion respectively, demonstrate this commitment.

Conclusion:
The Sindh government’s budget reflects a strong commitment to development, employment and rehabilitation, with the aim of addressing the province’s challenges and driving sustainable progress.