Rs16.9b proposed for social protection
The reform commission believes the withholding tax on cash withdrawal and banking transactions will provide actionable information about non-filers of tax returns. Photo: file
In an impactful move, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced a comprehensive budget plan for the next financial year, with a focus on empowering the underprivileged.
The proposed budget sets aside a significant amount of Rs16.9 billion for a range of social protection and economic sustainability initiatives.
The announced budget includes allocations such as Rs1,000 million for the rehabilitation of rain-affected water courses, aiming to enhance agricultural practices.
Another Rs 1,000 million has been dedicated to providing kitchen gardening to landless farmers, offering them an opportunity to cultivate their own food sources.
To address the energy needs of rural areas, the chief minister presented Rs1,000 million for the provision of solar submersible pumps, helping in harnessing renewable energy for irrigation purposes, reducing dependence on traditional power sources.
The presented budget assigns Rs1,800 million for livestock breeding animals, supporting farmers in enhancing their livestock productivity.
Furthermore, the Sindh Livestock Enterprise Development Fund will receive Rs500 million. The Sindh People's Support Programme will receive Rs2,000 million, aimed at providing financial aid to vulnerable segments of society.
In addition, the CM announced initiatives like the Orphan Widow Support Programme with allocation of Rs100 million and the Benazir Women Agricultural Workers Programme with Rs500 million will seek to provide support to those in need.
The presented budget includes Rs1,000 million for grants to NGOs dedicated to their welfare.
Moreover, Rs100 million has been allocated for establishing a comprehensive database of differently-abled persons. For their empowerment promotion, Rs400 million has been set aside for the provision of assistive devices. The introduced budget also includes Rs500 million for capacity building initiatives to enhance the skills of individuals and Rs1,000 million to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund.
Meanwhile, Rs100 million has been allocated for a Support for Digital Skills Training Programmes.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 11th, 2023.