Budget 2011-12: Rs 654 billion outlay for Punjab

Brief ruckus breaks out as opposition leader presents garland to chief minister.

LAHORE: The Government of Punjab on Friday presented the budget for the fiscal year 2011-12 with an outlay of Rs 654 billion.

Provincial Finance Minister, Kamran Michael presented the budget in Punjab Assembly. A scuffle broke out at the start of the speech as Leader of the Opposition and senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Raja Riaz went up to Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and presented him with a garland. Sources said the Riaz had presented the garland because Sharif was in the assembly "after a long time". Members of the treasury benches attempted to stop him as a fight broke out between PPP MPAs and PML-N MPAs. one member was seen lifting a camera tripod in an attempt to strike someone.

The ruckus went on as Michael gave the budget speech and was brought under control within a few minutes at the intervention of the speaker of the provincial assembly.

The government has set aside Rs 210 billion for the Annual Development Programme. An allocation of Rs 70 billion has been made for the development of south Punjab.

External debts of the province are more than Rs 4 trillion, while internal loans are Rs 76 billion.

More than Rs 23 billion has been allocated for the development of the education sector, with Rs 4 billion to be used for providing missing facilities at schools. Danish schools will be set up in 15 districts of the province.

A total of Rs 5 billion has been allocated for the provision of free medicines in all government hospitals. The government will also set up 50 mobile hospitals across the province and the Yellow Cab scheme will also be re-introduced.

At least 10,000 jobs are expected to be created in the health and education sectors.

The salaries of government employees will be raised by 15% and pensions will be increased by 20%.

More than Rs 50 billion has been allocated to the Police Department for the maintenance of law and order.

Women welfare development projects will receive a share of Rs 13 billion and Rs 220 million has been allocated for minorities welfare. Model markets will be established in five districts of the province.

The power sector has been allocated Rs 9 billion and Rs 3.4 billion has been fixed for the growth of the agriculture sector.