Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presented a Rs3.056 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, which includes significant increases in development expenditure and proposed salary hikes for government employees ranging from 22% to 30%. This detailed overview highlights the budget’s key allocations and initiatives.
Revenue and Expenditure Breakdown
Total Revenue: Rs3.056 trillion
- Federal Transfers: 62% of total revenue
- Provincial Receipts: 22% of total revenue
- Other Sources:
- Capital receipts: Rs22 billion
- Foreign project assistance: Rs334 billion
- Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP): Rs77 billion
- Foreign grants: Rs6 billion
- Carryover cash balance: Rs55 billion
Total Expenditure: Rs3.056 trillion
- Current Revenue Expenditure: Rs1.9 trillion (63%)
- Current Capital Expenditure: Rs184 billion (6%)
- Development Expenditure: Rs959 billion (31%)
Sector-Wise Allocation
- Education: Rs519 billion
- Current Revenue Expenditure: Rs459 billion
- Development Expenditure: Rs60 billion
- Healthcare: Rs334 billion
- Current Revenue Expenditure: Rs302 billion
- Development Expenditure: Rs32 billion
- Local Government: Rs329 billion
- Agriculture: Rs58 billion
- Current Revenue Expenditure: Rs32 billion
- Development Expenditure: Rs26 billion
- Energy: Rs77 billion
- Current Revenue Expenditure: Rs62 billion
- Development Expenditure: Rs15 billion
- Irrigation: Rs94 billion
- Current Revenue Expenditure: Rs36 billion
- Development Expenditure: Rs58 billion
- Works & Services: Rs86 billion
- Planning & Development: Rs30 billion
These sectoral allocations highlight the government’s focus on key areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Social Protection and Relief Measures
The budget includes comprehensive social protection measures and relief initiatives:
- Minimum Wage Increase: Proposed increase to Rs37,000 per month.
- Salary Hikes: Government employees to receive salary increases ranging from 22% to 30%.
- Pension Hikes: Pensions to be increased by 15%.
- Housing Schemes: Rs25 billion allocated to promote access to safe and secure housing.
- Pro-Poor Initiatives: Rs34.9 billion allocated for initiatives targeting vulnerable populations.
- Subsidies: Rs116 billion in subsidies to alleviate financial burdens on citizens.
These measures aim to enhance the social safety net and support economic recovery for the province’s residents.
New Initiatives for Long-Term Development
Several new initiatives are introduced to drive long-term development and economic recovery:
- Hari Card Scheme: Rs8 billion allocated to support 12 million farmers, strengthening the agricultural sector.
- Inclusive Enclave in Korangi: Rs5 billion for a comprehensive facility offering education, rehabilitation, training, accommodation, clinical services, and recreation.
- Fiscal Decentralization for Police Stations: Rs485 million allocated to allow police stations to manage their fuel, repair, maintenance, and day-to-day expenditures.
- Solarisation Initiative: Rs5 billion for distributing solar home systems to promote clean energy access over five years.
- Hub Canal Project: Rs5 billion for constructing a new canal to provide water to Karachi.
- Mazdoor Card Program: Rs5 billion for labor welfare in Sindh.
- Pro-Poor Initiatives: Rs11 billion allocated to agriculture and Rs12 billion for social protection.
- Investment in Human Capital:
- Total Grants: Rs190 billion
- Grants for Universities: Rs35 billion for universities across Sindh
- Support for Major Hospitals and Medical Institutes:
- Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT)
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD)
- Indus Hospital
- Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology (SICHN)
Breakdown of Key Projects and Allocations
Education:
- Development Projects: New schools, upgrading existing facilities, teacher training programs, and scholarships.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Building new classrooms, laboratories, and sports facilities.
- Special Programs: Enhancing digital learning platforms and providing free textbooks.
Healthcare:
- Development Projects: Construction of new hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers.
- Upgrading Facilities: Modernizing existing hospitals with advanced medical equipment.
- Health Programs: Expanded immunization programs, maternal and child health services, and initiatives to combat communicable diseases.
Local Government:
- Development Projects: Urban development initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and public service enhancements.
- Community Services: Improved waste management systems, water supply projects, and public transport upgrades.
Agriculture:
- Development Projects: Modern irrigation systems, advanced farming techniques, and subsidies for seeds and fertilizers.
- Support Programs: Financial aid for small farmers, pest control measures, and training programs for sustainable farming practices.
Energy:
- Development Projects: Expansion of the power grid, renewable energy projects, and energy efficiency programs.
- Solarisation Initiative: Distribution of solar home systems to promote clean energy access.
Irrigation:
- Development Projects: Construction and maintenance of canals, dams, and water reservoirs.
- Flood Control Measures: Improved drainage systems and flood protection infrastructure.
Works & Services:
- Infrastructure Projects: Road construction and maintenance, bridge building, and public transportation improvements.
- Urban Development: Enhancements to parks, recreational areas, and public amenities.
Planning & Development:
- Strategic Initiatives: Long-term planning for sustainable urban growth, economic development projects, and community-based initiatives.
Summary
The Sindh budget for 2024-25 presents a comprehensive approach to development, social welfare, and economic recovery. With substantial allocations for education, healthcare, and infrastructure, alongside targeted relief measures and innovative new initiatives, the budget reflects the government’s commitment to fostering long-term growth and enhancing the well-being of its citizens.
