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Punjab unveils Rs5.37 trillion Budget today with focus on development, welfare

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LAHORE – The government of Punjab is set to unveil a budget of approximately Rs5.37 trillion today on Thursday, a day after federal budget was presented.

Sources familiar with development revealed that salaries will see increase of up to 25 percent respectively, in line with federal government announcements.

CM Maryam Nawaz led provincial government is expected to receive Rs3.7 trillion from the federal divisible pool under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, while the provincial revenue target exceeds Rs1.025 trillion.

Key budget allocations include Rs595 billion for salaries, Rs445 billion for pensions, Rs840 billion for service delivery costs, and Rs700 billion for development. Notable allocations include Rs30 billion for the Ramazan Package and Rs8 billion for the Central Business District (CBD).’

Punjab Budget 2024-25

CategoryDetails
Total BudgetRs5.37 trillion
Annual Development PlanRs700 billion
Salary Increase20-25%
Minimum WageRs37,000
Federal Divisible Pool (NFC Award)Rs3.7 trillion
Provincial Revenue TargetOver Rs1.025 trillion
AllocationsRs595 billion for salaries 
Rs445 billion for pensions 
Rs840 billion for service delivery costs 
Rs700 billion for development
Specific AllocationsRs30 billion for Ramazan Package 
Rs8 billion for Central Business District (CBD)
Development Budget SchemesTotal: 1,863 schemes 
Ongoing: 1,617 schemes 
New: 246 schemes
Sector AllocationsRs22 billion for roads 
Rs2 billion for special education 
Rs3.5 billion for literacy and non-formal education 
Rs4.8 billion for sports and youth affairs 
Rs76.5 billion for specialized healthcare 
Rs33.89 billion for primary healthcare 
Rs3 billion for population welfare 
Rs2 billion for water supply and sanitation 
Rs1.7 billion for social welfare 
Rs14 billion for local government and community development 
Over Rs10 billion for industrial development 
Rs37.3 billion for planning and development
Revenue FocusRecovery of existing taxes, utilization of natural resources and government assets
Mega Projects ImplementationPublic-private partnerships
SubsidiesFood and transport sectors
Sector Focus for ProductivityIndustry and agriculture

The development budget will cover 1,863 schemes, with 1,617 ongoing and 246 new projects. Specific sector allocations include over Rs22 billion for roads, Rs2 billion for special education, Rs3.5 billion for literacy and non-formal education, Rs4.8 billion for sports and youth affairs, Rs76.5 billion for specialized healthcare, Rs33.89 billion for primary healthcare, Rs3 billion for population welfare, Rs2 billion for water supply and sanitation, Rs1.7 billion for social welfare, Rs14 billion for local government and community development, over Rs10 billion for industrial development, and Rs37.3 billion for planning and development.

No new taxes will be introduced in the 2024-25 provincial budget; instead, the focus will be on enhancing the recovery of existing taxes to boost resources. The government aims to increase revenue generation through the efficient utilization of natural resources and government assets.

Prioritizing education, health, and social security, the government plans to implement mega projects through public-private partnerships. Subsidies in the food and transport sectors will continue, while the industry and agriculture sectors will receive special attention to boost provincial productivity.

Both local and international investors will be given equal investment opportunities. Additionally, investments will be made in the IT sector to drive economic development. The budget also addresses the challenges faced by manufacturers and the business community.



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