Amid opposition protest, the Punjab Assembly on Friday passed the supplementary demands for grants for the year 2018-19 of over Rs 90 billion. The opposition boycotted the speech of Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar.
During the process of passage of supplementary budget, the opposition members tore the budget copies in front of the speaker's dais. One demand for grants regarding police was discussed and approved after rejection of cut motions moved by the opposition member.
Usman Buzdar while speaking on the floor of House after approval of the Punjab budget 19-20 said it is the budget of austerity and saving. "We have made maximum deductions in the CM Office budget by making 58 percent decreases in the operational expenses. The PTI government has made a new example by making only 2.7 percent increase in recurring expenditures. Ten to 20 percent decrease in non-salary, operational, and other expenses is a proof of practical measures for austerity measure."
The government had increased the health budget by 46%. It is establishing nine new hospitals in the province besides planning to extend the ambit of Rescue 112 to all districts of the province, the CM said.
"The government allocated 35% of the budget for South Punjab. The Prime Minister Housing project is running successfully. The government is establishing six universities in the province besides establishing 115 land record centers throughout the province till the end of this year," he added.
The Chief Minister announced to give three months salary as an honorarium to the assembly staff and said 47 percent more funds have been allocated for the ADP as compared to the previous year.
He said the government will construct 1500 kilometer long carpeted roads from farms to markets. "Vice chancellors have been appointed on merit in public sector universities for the first time in Punjab. The government has fulfilled the promise of giving allowance to engineers and doctors. Some 13 cabinet meetings have been held and 1600 agenda items have been given approval. The Punjab Assembly has taken lead in legislation." He said Speaker Ch Pervaiz Elahi ran the house amicably and appreciated his role in passing the budget.
Law Minister Raja Basharat while speaking on the floor of House said that the government will fill 22000 vacant posts in police. He also said that these posts were lying vacant for the last 10 years. The PML-N had passed the supplementary grant of Rs 5 billion for police during their tenure while the PTI government is seeking the approval of supplementary grant of Rs 28 crore. After completing the agenda, the speaker prorogued the session.