Punjab Budget of Rs389 billion presented
16 June, 2008
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LAHORE: Punjab Budget for the fiscal year 2008-09 of Rs389.06 billion has been presented, which included the allocations of Rs160 billion for the development program, while the non-development expenditures have been estimated at Rs256.94 billion.
Punjab Finance Minister, Tanvir Ashraf Kaira presented the budget, which announced abolishing the relief given in taxes to the rich and the revival of Green Tractor Scheme. The budget has also provided a sum of Rs13 billion for subsidy on the supply of food items and facilities of free medical aid to the poor, while Rs17 billion has been allocated for the alleviation of poverty program.
Punjab government has levied luxury tax on big imported cars and entertainment duty on horse races. Sales tax rate has been enhanced to 16 percent from 15. Besides, decision has been taken for withdrawing capital value tax on purchase/sale of properties, while the non-transferable purchase/sale through the development organizations, cooperatives and court has been brought into the net of stamp duty.
Punjab budget announced giving 60 thousand acres of government lands to the cultivators on lease. Rs37.5 billion will be spent for improving the law and order situation in Punjab during the next fiscal year. Punjab budget has allocated Rs30.13 billion for education, Rs9 billion for health, Rs17.5 billion for the construction of roads and Rs11.30 billion for irrigation system. Budget also announced slashing of foreign loans by Rs23 billion as compared to the previous year. Punjab finance minister also pronounced 20 percent increase in the salaries of the employees and reduction in the prices of flour.
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