While the Punjab Assembly has approved the provincial budget 2019-20, one of the major challenges for PTI government would be to carry out its development schemes within stipulated period, analysts said. The PTI government has set a new example by making only 2.7 percent increase in recurring expenditures while 10 to 20 percent decrease in non-salary, operational, M&R and other heads is a proof of practical measures for its austerity drive.
Unnecessary expenditures have been ended and maintenance of personal residences due to security measures has also been ended now as Rs 280 millions were spent for that purpose. The number of security officials has been decreased from 2000 to 500, official sources claimed.
Under public welfare schemes of 2019-20 'Bahimat Program' is being started for citizens over 65 years under the 'Punjab Ehsaas Program'. 'Hum Qadam program' is being started for disabled people and 'Sarprast program' is being introduced for widows and orphans. Similarly, 'Musawat program' is also being introduced for hapless segments besides introducing 'Nai Zindgi' program for the restoration of women suffering from acid throwing. 'Kheraj-e-Shuhada' program is being introduced for financial aid of the families of those who became victim to terrorism.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said the Punjab budget 2019-20 is the budget of austerity and the PTI leadership has started this austerity policy upon them. "We have made maximum deductions in the CM Office budget by making 58 percent decrease in the operational expenses of CMO," he said.
Sardar Usman said they are going to give the biggest development budget in the health sector which is around 46 percent. "We are building nine new hospitals and programme is also underway to provide best treatment facilities to 7 million families in quality private hospitals through Sehat Insaf Cards in 36 districts," he said. The CM said target of 2.5 million homes has been fixed under Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme during the next five years and six new universities will be set up in the province.
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