With special emphasis on developing quality sports infrastructure under an integrated programme covering both urban and rural areas, the Punjab government has enhanced the size of the development programme for sports sector to Rs 1,600 million in the budget for 2009-10. This amount is 48.4 percent higher than the revised allocation of 2008-09.
This amount will be used for 70 ongoing schemes and nine new schemes in the sports sector. A budget document said the provincial government was committed to provide world class sports facilities and equal sports opportunities to all citizens of the province, promote healthy life styles through sports, and help develop competitive advantage in the sports.
The Punjab government has planned to include facilities for both traditional and modern sports as well as gymnasiums for indoor sports in the year 2009-10. Meanwhile, the budgetary allocation for Auqaf, Religious and Minority Affairs sector has been enhanced from Rs 100 million to Rs 375 million in the budget for 2009-10.
Major initiatives include construction of Quran Complex at Upper Mall, re-flooring of Shahi Masjid, restoration of shrines of Uch Sharif and Hazrat Mian Mir, construction of washrooms, kitchens and dispensaries at shrines, documentation and preservation of historical, religious heritage monuments and provision of public facilities at shrine of Madhoo Lal Hussain.