Sindh Chief Minister Allocates Rs30 Billion for Flood Victims

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced a significant allocation of Rs30 billion for the rehabilitation of flood victims in the province. This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Sindh Assembly Auditorium, where the Chief Minister highlighted the people-friendly nature of the budget.

The budget includes Rs10 billion for new projects in Karachi and over Rs1 trillion allocated for various development initiatives across Sindh. Notably, the development budget of Sindh surpasses that of other provinces, with plans to create 75,000 jobs in education and 50,000 in the police force. Additionally, there will be substantial salary increases for provincial employees.

Emphasizing the importance of a new National Finance Commission (NFC) award every five years, the Chief Minister expressed Sindh's support for the federal government while clarifying their non-affiliation with the PML-N government. He urged the federal government to recognize Sindh's development projects as vital for Pakistan's overall progress. The total budget for Sindh now stands at Rs3.56 trillion, indicating an increase from the previous year.

A significant portion of the budget, 31%, is allocated for development purposes, including funds for provincial and district Annual Development Plans (ADP), Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP), and federal ADP. Despite challenges posed by the caretaker government's decision to halt development projects, the Sindh government remains committed to progress, allocating substantial funds for development initiatives.

The Chief Minister detailed the allocation of revenue expenditures, with a notable portion dedicated to salaries and pensions. The province expects revenue from various sources such as federal grants, provincial taxes, non-tax revenue, and capital receipts. Any funding gaps will be addressed through foreign assistance projects.

In terms of flood relief efforts, the Chief Minister commended Chairman Bilawal Bhutto's contributions and highlighted the allocation of funds for flood victims. He expressed optimism but also caution regarding the disbursement of federal funds for flood relief. The K-IV project, which aims to enhance water supply to Karachi, is pending approval from ECNEC, with both federal and provincial governments pledging significant funds to the initiative.

Lastly, the Chief Minister underscored the government's focus on law and order, salary increments for employees, revenue collection targets, and efforts to strengthen revenue-related departments. The Sindh government's budget reflects a strong commitment to development, employment generation, and rehabilitation, with a vision to overcome challenges and propel progress in the province.

The allocation of Rs30 billion for flood victims' rehabilitation in Sindh demonstrates the government's dedication to addressing critical issues and fostering growth in the region. With a focus on development, job creation, and public welfare, the budget signifies a step towards a more prosperous and resilient Sindh.