Punjab to unveil Rs5.13tr budget with focus on development, health and education

WEB DESK: The Punjab government is set to present a Rs5.131tr budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with a strong emphasis on development spending, social welfare programmes and public services, according to budget proposals cited by official sources.

The provincial budget is expected to include a development outlay exceeding Rs1.562tr, while total provincial revenues are projected at Rs1.33tr.

Under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, Punjab is estimated to receive Rs3.79tr from the federal divisible pool.

Sources said the province had already provided fiscal concessions worth Rs570b to the federal government and would continue prioritising ongoing development projects across Punjab.

Major allocations for health and education

The proposed budget earmarks more than Rs680b for the health sector, including Rs100b for the provision of free medicines at public healthcare facilities.

Education is expected to receive more than Rs900b, making it one of the largest sectors in the provincial budget. The government is also likely to continue initiatives aimed at supporting students, including laptop, electric scooter and bicycle schemes.

More than Rs20b has been proposed for the Honhaar Scholarship Programme, while university grants are expected to receive Rs18b.

Welfare programmes and employee relief

The budget is expected to allocate Rs650b for salaries and Rs505.8b for pensions. Sources said an increase in government employees’ salaries was likely in line with the pay raise announced by the federal government.

Several welfare initiatives are also expected to receive funding, including Rs10b for the Kissan Card programme and Rs3b for the Himmat Card and Minority Card schemes. The Parwaz Card Programme may receive Rs7b, while Rs25b has been proposed for social protection projects.

The government is also likely to allocate Rs150b for the Suthra Punjab Programme, Rs35b for the Ramazan package and more than Rs80b in subsidies.

In addition, over Rs200b is expected to be set aside for ongoing projects launched under the chief minister’s development agenda.

Sources further indicated that the minimum monthly wage for workers could be increased in the new fiscal year. After meeting provincial expenditures, Punjab is projected to retain more than Rs1.562tr in fiscal and development capacity.