LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said that composite development will be the main focus of the provincial budget 2021-22.
In a statement issued on Thursday, he said that parliamentarians have been consulted to determine the regional needs and attention is given to benefit the people through public welfare schemes.
Buzdar said that a separate development package has been devised for every district and disclosed that megaprojects will be initiated under the public-private partnership to provide additional facilities to the citizens by expediting the development process.
The public-private partnership will be encouraged in different sectors to promote investment; he added and announced to provide every area with its rights. New projects will be started along with the completion of ongoing schemes, Buzdar said.
The chief minister said the upcoming budget will depict the aspirations of the people and the government will work to facilitate the people according to the available resources. Meanwhile, steps will be taken to overcome unnecessary expenditures, he said and vowed to increase resources for giving relief to the general public.
He further said the development program will be realistic and public needs will be prioritized. Development of south Punjab will be given due attention, he stated.
The CM said the new budget will start a new era of development and the development of the social sector will be given particular attention. The budget will depict public aspirations and resources will be allocated for the development of backward areas, he added.
More funds will be allocated for the social sector, he announced and regretted the farmers remained victim to the exploited system in the past. The PTI government has protected farmers’ rights and the growers of wheat and sugarcane crops received the full reward of their hard work, he added.
Buzdar announced to earmark record funds for the agriculture sector as it is a priority area. Meanwhile, unnecessary expenditures will be curtailed to provide additional resources for public welfare, he maintained.
The chief minister said that provision of additional resources will help to minimize public problems and the government will also ensure financial discipline in public sector departments. A culture of austerity will be promoted at every level. It is the need of the hour that government expenditures should be minimised. However, customary practices are needed to be avoided to increase resources, the CM concluded.
