'Sindh Budget to be Surplus, Tax Free'
Pakistan Times National News Desk

KARACHI: The Sindh Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that the coming provincial budget will be in surplus and will be tax-free while a substantial allocation has been earmarked for development projects.

Presiding over a pre-budget meeting at the CM House he said emphasis will be laid on programme for promoting education and health facilities.

The Chief Minister reminded that the province was functioning on over draft from 1990 to 2002 but since that time Sindh has now got surplus funds in its kitty.

He said confidently that the province is marching ahead towards achieving new records of economic growth and the increased economic activities is going to enable the budget for 2006-7 could be envied by other provinces. He assured that loans acquired from Federal government will be returned with interest in a short time.

He revealed that under the various development schemes, 6,000 kilometers of roads have been repaired or constructed which is a new record for the province. In government hospitals improved medical facilities will be provided.

The meeting attended by almost entire Sindh cabinet was assured that salaries of primary teachers will be increased and all government servants will get a 10 percent special dearness allowance.

He revealed that the province is earning Rs. 35 million by selling oil as the province is meeting 72 percent of gas requirements in the country. Sindh also expects additional income during FY 2006-7 that should help in concreting all canals and watercourses. Out of the total 333 canals in Sindh 200 have been cleaned for better performance.

The Chief Minister announced setting up of a land inspection unit in Board of Revenue to computerize and secure government lands while discussed other projects in Sindh at length with those in attendance.●