Legislators during budget debate in Punjab Assembly on Tuesday called for taking measures to generate electricity through alternative sources including solar and sugarcane waste for overcoming the prevailing energy crisis. The treasury members hailed Punjab Government's planned measures to produce electricity by setting up plant at canals.
They also applauded government for presenting a positive budget, saying that the health and educational sectors got increased allocations. They stated that a good amount was set aside for development sector. They appreciated government for the schemes for social sector's development.
Members of the provincial assembly in their speeches asked the government to improve law and order situation by creating a vigilance wing in police department. Certain members of the opposition said the budget 2012-13 would widen the divide between rural and urban society. They alleged that non-development expenditures had not been cut. PPP MPA Ashraf Sohna called for giving due importance to value-addition of livestock products and development of the sector.
Criticising the budget, opposition legislators said that provincial government was being run on overdraft and salaries of certain departments were delayed. They criticised that growth rate of Punjab had declined. Opposition Leader Raja Riaz in his speech criticised the government, saying that gunny bags were supplied to the farmers at higher rates.
He raised questions over the criteria for extending Rs 50,000 interest-free loans. He also criticised the government for initiating Danish Schools, terming them flop. He alleged that Green Tractors were being given to chosen ones. Former finance minister Tanvir Ashraf Kaira while taking part in the debate stated that it was unfortunate that Punjab Government had changed five finance ministers in 15 months. He said that tax collection by the provincial government has declined from 28 percent to 15 percent. Later, the session was adjourned till Wednesday.