Punjab budget will target neglected areas, says Elahi

Staff Report

LAHORE: The coming provincial budget will develop the neglected areas of the Punjab and will bring positive political, economic and social changes, Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said at a budget meeting on Sunday.

Mr Elahi said the budget would ensure the continuity of social reforms and provide a strong basis for economic growth as well as good governance. He said the government would issue smart loans to improve the economic condition of the poor. The planned to promote small and medium scale industries.

The chief minister said public-private partnership plans would be made more effective and full benefits would be drawn from private institutions.

He said communication was vital for the economy so the budget would focus on new roads and infrastructure.

He said the children’s rights protection and women’s empowerment systems would be strengthened and the government would encourage special children’s rehabilitation and training institutions.

The government will ensure the provision of clean water and health facilities to the public, Mr Elahi said. More money would also be provided for water supply and sanitation schemes in the province.

The chief minister said police patrolling posts would be separated from the existing administrative structure of the police. He said the proposed patrolling posts would also be empowered to register FIRs.

He said the government was improving the administrative capabilities of its departments. The provision of justice system would be fully revamped, he added.

Punjab Chief Minster’s Advisor Jehangir Khan Tareen and senior finance and planning and development officials attended the meeting.

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