Sindh unveils Rs2.2tr development-oriented budget
The Sindh government on Saturday presented a Rs2.2 trillion budget, with a deficit of Rs37.79 billion for the financial year 2023-24.
An amount of Rs700.1 billion has been allocated for development projects, focusing especially on rehabilitation of flood-affected people and providing social protection to the poor people of the province.
Last year’s floods in Sindh had left over 12.5 million people homeless, according to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
The total revenue receipts of the provincial government were estimated at Rs2,209.785 billion, representing an increase of 31.56% over the current fiscal year 2022-2023, against estimated expenditures of Rs2,247.581 billion that shows a deficit of Rs37.796 billion.
In his budget speech, Murad, who also happens to be finance minister, announced a 35 per cent increase in the basic salaries of government employees working in Grade-1 to Grade-15 and a raise of 30 per cent in the basic pay of Grade-17 and above employees. However, the pension has been increased by 17.5 per cent. The other adhoc relief would be the same as has been announced by the federal government.
“We have proposed a 35% increase in the minimum wage of Rs25,000 which would come up to approximately Rs35,550,” the CM said.
1686461175-0/Economic-Survey(1)1686461175-0.jpg)
For the development-wise allocation, the government has earmarked Rs34.6 billion for education schemes, Rs19.73 billion for health, Rs25 billion for irrigation, Rs62.5 billion for the newly elected local bodies, Rs24.3 billion for public health and engineering, Rs12.5 billion for mega projects in Karachi.
“In the upcoming fiscal year, the total school education budget has been enhanced by 13.1% to Rs267.6 billion and health budget to Rs227.8 billion, denoting a 10.1% growth,” the CM said.
According to the budget papers, the estimated total receipts of the province include three revenue channels – current revenue receipts estimated at Rs1,823.126 billion, current capital receipts at Rs36.133 billion, and other receipts at Rs295.53 billion.
In addition to the revenue receipts, carryover cash balance is estimated to be Rs45 billion and net balance of public accounts of the province Rs10 billion, with Rs5,585.66 billion in receipts and Rs5,575.66 billion in disbursements for fiscal year 2023-24.
The current revenue receipts include a total of Rs1,353.2 billion in federal transfers in the form of revenue assignment estimated at Rs1,225 billion, straight transfers estimated at Rs64.42 billion, and grants to offset losses of the abolition of octroy and zila tax estimated at Rs33.74 billion.
In addition, the head of revenue receipts includes an estimated provincial tax receipts of Rs202.9 billion, provincial sales tax on services of Rs235 billion, and provincial non-tax receipts of Rs32 billion.
The current capital receipts include local repayments/loans estimated to be Rs6.133 billion and bank borrowing Rs30 billion.
Expenditures
In the budget papers, the provincial government has estimated a major chunk of the amount from Foreign Project Assistance (FPA) mainly for the rehabilitation of flood-hit areas.
Its estimated expenditure of Rs2,247.58 billion includes a current revenue expenditure of Rs1,411.2 billion, current capital expenditure of Rs136.26 billion, and development expenditure of Rs700.1 billion.
The latter includes provincial ADP excluding FPA of Rs380.5 billion, FPA of Rs266.7 billion, other federal grants of Rs22.91 billion, and district ADP of Rs30 billion.
The new projects include connectivity of Lyari-Gujjar Nala in Central Karachi for Rs1.5 billion, construction of the Sea Wall and Road from Dolman Mall to China Port, Clifton for Rs1,430 million, the construction of a six-lane expressway way from the existing Jinnah Bridge along with Lyari Naddi to Hawkesbay, including a bridge crossing on the main Hawkesbay Road and a small bridge on navy maritime security jetty area, Keamari, for Rs1.8 billion, the construction of a 2+2 lane underpass at Karimabad District Central for Rs1.35 billion, and the establishment of campuses of public sector universities in Korangi, West, and Keamari for Rs4,000 million.
During his speech, Murad also announced an allocation of Rs63.0 billion to ensure a consistent supply of subsidised wheat to mills and affordable wheat flour to the public. He further gave a budgetary provision of Rs16.9 billion for the Pro-Poor Social Protection and Economic Sustainability Programme.
“The Sindh government was successful in attracting and securing Chinese grants worth Rs7,659 million for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 646 schools,” the CM said, adding that under the Flood Restoration Programme and Sindh Development through Enhanced Education Programme (DEEP), 112 damaged schools would be rehabilitated on resilient and environmentally friendly fabricated structures in five districts for Rs3,011 million.
In the budget books, a new scheme titled ‘Programme for Flood Response through Reconstruction of Education Facilities in Sindh’ in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has also been proposed.
The share of the Sindh government is Rs142.410 million and has been proposed in the ADP (2023-24) for districts such as Mirpurkhas, Khairpur, Badin, SBA, Sukkur, Ghotki and Dadu. The share of JICA is estimated to be Rs1,424.218 million.
Transport
The transport budget has witnessed an impressive growth rate of 167.8%, rising from Rs5 billion to Rs13.4 billion. Similarly, the allocation for energy has experienced a notable increase of 57.8%, reaching a total of Rs47.9 billion.
Housing
The Sindh Housing Project was immediately launched in targeted areas for the rehabilitation of flood-affected people.
As of May 2023, the provincial government received $230 million equivalent to Rs64.669 billion under the projects. The amount was being expended on relief and rehabilitation activities.
Other projects that support the people of Sindh in the flood-affected areas include $500 million Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project, $500 million Floods Emergency Housing Reconstruction Project, $292 million Water and Agriculture Transformation Project, and $200 million Strengthening Social Protection Delivery System Project as well as $200 million Integrated Health and Population Project.
Law and order
Murad continued that the Sindh government prioritised the allocation of funds for law and order, and the interior department Rs143.568 billion for the next financial year, suggesting a 15% increase from the outgoing fiscal year’s allocation of Rs124.87 billion.
He also announced Rs15.5 million each to the prison’s policy and management boards for strategic improvements and Rs463.414 million for strengthening the prison department’s technical capabilities.
Empowerment of PWDs
According to the World Health Organisation, 15% of the world’s population are persons with disabilities. They are found to be socially and economically discriminated segments of our society.
The provincial government was “determined to extend support through imparting vocational education, IT skills and supplying assistive technology with artificial intelligence applications to empower them to contribute to the developmental process”.
For this cause, Murad announced a provision of Rs6.1 billion for 2023-24 against the budget of Rs3.4 billion in the outgoing fiscal year 2022-23.
Women development
The Women Development and Empowerment Department’s budget is estimated at Rs705.983 million against the previous allocation of Rs644.125 million.
A provision of Rs500 million has been kept for the Benazir Women Agricultural Workers Programme. The programme will improve the agricultural output and living standards of rural women associated with the agricultural field.
Livestock
The chief minister announced an allocation of Rs10.987 billion for livestock and fisheries for the next fiscal year 2023-24 and a provision of Rs2.78 billion for non-development expenditure related to forest and wildlife against Rs2.45 billion in FY 2022-23.
It includes Rs368 million for the conservancy and development of new forest nurseries.
“My government will be able to earn $200-220 million – equivalent to around Rs63 billion – of carbon credits over the next two decades for its efforts to expand mangrove forests,” he concluded the speech.
Rs160b set aside for law and order in Sindh
The Sindh government has allocated over Rs160.84 billion in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget to enhance law and order in the province.
As part of these efforts, licence plate-reading cameras will be installed at the entry and exit points of the province. The Sindh police will be equipped with modern equipment and state-of-the-art weapons. Additionally, funds have been set aside for the Crowd Management Unit (CMU) to effectively handle riots and manage angry mobs.
The allocations represent a 5.8 per cent increase from the Rs152 billion set aside in the budget for the ongoing financial year, 2022-23. Out of this amount, approximately Rs148 billion have been allocated for non-developmental expenses, while Rs12.8 billion have been allocated for development expenses.
The allocations include Rs2.79 billion earmarked for the purchase of modern surveillance equipment and advanced weapons. Additionally, Rs1.567 billion will be spent on acquiring modern cameras capable of reading vehicle number plates.
To support scientific investigations of crimes and terrorist incidents, Rs13.45 million have been allocated to make the Sindh Forensic Laboratory fully operational.
To further strengthen the Rapid Response Force and its role in controlling riots and managing angry mobs, a crowd management unit comprising 3,446 personnel will be established in the next financial year’s budget. An amount of Rs80.1 million has been allocated for this purpose.
Furthermore, Rs1.55 million have been set aside in the budget for the Prison Policy Management Board, aimed at improving prison conditions. An allocation of Rs4.634 million has been made to enhance the technical capabilities of prisons.
Moreover, Rs90.40 million will be utilised for the establishment of an apex court in Mirpurkhas, following the recent establishment of the Sindh High Court, Circuit Bench, in Mirpurkhas. Additionally, Rs70.17 million will be spent on establishing new session courts, civil courts, and family courts in the Sajawal district, aiming to provide easier access to justice.
Considering the growing population in Karachi, Rs8.70 million has been allocated for the establishment of new regional offices in the Keamari, Korangi, and Sanghar districts.
Sindh budget focuses on education
The Sindh budget for fiscal year 2023-24 lays a strong emphasis on transforming the educational landscape of the province. Several key measures have been outlined, aiming to enhance the quality of education and expand access to learning opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at some notable highlights:
Strengthening school infrastructure
With the objective of improving the educational journey, 57 primary institutions have been upgraded to middle schools, while 15 middle schools have been elevated to secondary schools. Furthermore, an impressive 150 secondary schools are set to be upgraded to higher secondary schools, enabling students to pursue advanced education paths.
Investment in colleges
Recognising the pivotal role of colleges in shaping students’ futures, a significant allocation of Rs26,788.529 million has been dedicated to the development and support of colleges across Sindh. This investment will contribute to enhancing the quality of higher education in the region.
Enriching academic staff
To enhance the teaching workforce, the Sindh Public Service Commission is spearheading the recruitment of 1,500 lecturers. This initiative aims to ensure a qualified and competent faculty to nurture the intellectual growth of students.
Expanding educational institutions
In a bid to provide accessible education, an amount of Rs403.333 million has been set aside for the establishment of 23 new colleges. This expansion will create more learning opportunities for aspiring students, particularly in underserved areas.
Strengthening higher education
In recognition of the vital role universities play in research and development, a notable allocation of Rs987.739 million has been designated as grants to universities through the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC). Additionally, Rs25,033.377 million has been earmarked to support public sector universities, further bolstering their efforts to excel in academic and research pursuits.
Empowering education initiatives
Acknowledging the commendable work of the Sindh Education Foundation, its budgetary allocation has been increased to Rs23 billion. This boost in funding will enable the foundation to expand its programs and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive and quality education.
Accessible learning materials
A substantial budget of Rs2,530 million has been allocated to ensure the distribution of free textbooks throughout the province. This endeavour aims to remove financial barriers and ensure that every student has access to essential learning resources.
Addressing out-of-school children
To tackle the issue of out-of-school children, the budget has set aside Rs1,553 million for the operation of non-formal education centres. This investment seeks to provide educational opportunities to marginalised children and reintegrate them into the learning ecosystem.
Empowering girls’ education
In a determined effort to enhance female literacy, Rs800 million has been allocated for girls’ stipends, enabling more young girls to pursue their educational dreams. Additionally, a sum of Rs140 million has been set aside to support the educational needs of special children, ensuring inclusive learning environments.
International collaborations
Through skillful negotiations, the government has successfully secured a budgetary support of Rs8,000 million from the European Union. This funding, acquired under the Development of Education through Enhanced Program (DEEP), will be utilised for implementing the education sector plan and restoring flood-damaged schools with an allocated budget of Rs5,000 million and Rs3,000 million, respectively.
Strengthening teaching workforce
To bolster the education system, the Sindh government has taken over 5,125 teachers from the federal government, demonstrating a commitment to supporting qualified educators. A sum of Rs1,537 million has been allocated annually to ensure their salaries.
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.
Rs6.1bn allocated for special people, Rs706m for women empowerment
The Sindh government has allocated a sum of Rs6.1 billion for the welfare and well-being of differently abled persons in the province in its budget for the upcoming financial year 2023-24.
In his budget speech in the provincial assembly on Saturday, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah told the lawmakers that in the outgoing financial year 2022-23, his government had allocated a sum of Rs3.4 billion for special persons.
Shah said that a sum of Rs250 million had been allocated in the new budget for providing financial assistance to the institutions working for the welfare and rehabilitation of special persons.
He said that a sum of Rs75 million had been allocated for adopting educational institutions for special children. Another sum of Rs250 million has been allocated for the assistance of differently abled persons having special capabilities under the poverty alleviation drive of the provincial government, he added.
The CM told the House that a sum of Rs358 million had also been reserved for purchasing vehicles for providing transport facilities to special people.
He said that another sum of Rs1.087 billion has been allocated for providing assistance to different institutions working for imparting education to differently abled persons.
A sum of Rs1 billion has been reserved for the agencies that engage the services of differently abled persons having special skills, he added. He also said that a sum of Rs400 million has been allocated for purchasing special aid equipment for the rehabilitation of special children.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities of the Sindh government has allocated Rs50 million for the training of teachers at educational institutions having special children and imparting different skills to differently abled persons, he added.
During his budget speech, Shah cited the latest report issued by the World Health Organisation, which pointed out that 15 per cent of the world’s population comprised special persons. He said that differently abled persons mostly had to face economic and social injustice.
Women empowerment
The CM told the House that his government had allocated a sum of Rs705.983 million for the cause of women empowerment in the province in the new provincial budget. He said the provincial government in the outgoing financial year 2022-23 had allocated a sum of Rs644.125 million for the same cause.
A sum of Rs500 million has been reserved for executing the Benazir Women Agricultural Workers Programme, which is aimed at the welfare of rural women and also at enhancing the productivity of the farm sector, he added.
He also said that an allocation of Rs30 million has been made in the new provincial budget for running safehouses at district level for providing shelter to women in distress, while Rs64 million has been allocated for a fund to provide assistance to women and children in jails.
The provincial government during the next year will establish a directorate of women empowerment and protection centres in the province, while an allocation of Rs2.54 million has been reserved in the new budget for the proposed new directorate, he added.
Shah said that the Sindh Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace gets an allocation of Rs133 million in the new budget. He conceded during his budget speech that women had to face issues of gender inequality and harassment at the workplace.
He said his government had already started a pink bus service for female passengers in the urban centres of Sindh. He also said women should become active members of the workforce for the success of any nation. The provincial government believes in assisting the drive to make women a part of economic activities, he added.
Published in The News, June 11th, 2023.
Health sector gets Rs214.5bn allocation in Sindh budget
The Sindh government has allocated Rs214.547 billion for health services in the 2023-24 budget.
The allocation for health services includes grant-in-aid /single line grants amounting to Rs85.161bn to different institutes, trusts, and non-profit organisations for the welfare of the poor.
The government has enhanced grants for several healthcare facilities in the province; Rs15.316bn for Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT); Rs6bn grant for Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute, Gambat; Rs3.1bn for Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma, Karachi; Rs1.85bn for Syed Abdullah Shah Institute of Medical Science Sehwan Sharif, Jamshoro; Rs4bn grant for Indus Hospital Karachi; and Rs7.196bn for Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).
Apart from this, the government plans to take several measures to ensure the provision of free healthcare services at JPMC. This includes increasing its admission capacity from 1,100 beds to 2,208 and creating over 2,000 new posts.
The grant from the Patients Aid Foundation at JPMC Karachi has been increased from Rs240 million to Rs 640m. An amount of Rs1.095bn has been allocated for the installation and procurement of one more cyber knife system, and a recurring grant of Rs200m has been allocated for a robotic surgical system.
The government has also announced to allocate funds of Rs60m for bone marrow transplantation at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, whereas funds of Rs200m are being provided as grants to the Kidney Centre, Karachi.
An amount of Rs12.750bn has been kept for primary health care activities through the People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) by the Sindh health department.
“A grant of Rs750m has been allocated for the Sindh Institute of Endoscopy and Gastroenterology at Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK). Moreover, the government has allocated Rs.205m for the provision of free dialysis at different institutes,” Sindh chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said in his speech.
Free child healthcare
In an effort to ensure free treatment for children, Rs2.612bn has been allocated as a grant-in-aid for four children’s healthcare institutes.
The government has increased the grant for the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology from Rs200m to Rs300m. It has committed Rs453.625m to combat child stunting and malnutrition under the Accelerated Action Plan (Agriculture Sector).
The CM informed the lawmakers that the government has outsourced operations of children’s emergency services to the Child Life Foundation at nine government hospitals, including Civil Hospital,National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Sindh Government Hospital Korangi-5, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH), Lyari General Hospital, Peoples Medical College, Nawabshah, Chandka Medical College (CMC), Larkana Hospital, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College (GMMMC), Sukkur, and Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro.
The government, he said, has allocated Rs10.102bn with a net increase of six per cent for nine operational vertical programmes. An amount of Rs434m has been kept as a grant-in-aid to 13 institutes and non organisations (NGOs) for free treatment of thalassemia.
Medical education component increased
An amount of Rs13.252bn has been kept for the medical education component. Stipend rates have been enhanced, and increased slots for postgraduates and house job officers at universities have been created.
Funds of Rs4.162bn have been allocated as grant-in-aid for five medical universities, including Jinnah Sindh Medical University Karachi (JSMU), Dow University of Health & Sciences (DUHS), and Peoples University of Medical & Health Sciences for Women, Shaheed Benazirabad.
An amount of Rs.265.93m has been allocated for the Directorate of Mobile Diagnostic and Emergency Healthcare Services’ operational activities.
Under collaboration between the government and the World Bank, the National Health Support Programme (NHSP) has been launched to provide health coverage to the underprivileged masses.
Last year, the government spent over Rs233bn on providing state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure and running programmes for the prevention and control of diseases.
Published in Dawn on June 11th, 2023.