The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCC) termed the Punjab budget for year 2008-09 positive, pro-industry, pro-poor and relief-oriented. Shahbaz Sharif's government deserves congratulations on presenting a balanced budget.
The budget for year 2008-09 is unprecedented because no new tax has been imposed on businesses while the allocations for poverty alleviation, education and health would go a long way in giving required boost to the province, LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian said in a statement here on Monday.
He said the whole country in general and the industrial sector in particular are suffering heavily from severe energy shortage in the country and the government resolve to produce 350 MW through small projects is a step in right direction and an ample proof of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif's visionary approach.
He said that abolition of registration fee for rikshaws, horse-carts and decision to run 1,000 air-conditioned buses on subsidised rates would ensure relief to the masses. The revival of Green Tractor Scheme, huge funds for irrigation and leasing out of 60,000-acre government land to poor peasants would help bring green revolution in the province.
He said the allocation of Rs 37.5 billion for maintenance of law and order in the province is enough to reflect the provincial government is serious in maintaining law and order at all costs.