Sindh unveils Rs3.056 trillion Budget 2024-25

The government of Sindh on Friday unveiled the Rs3,000bn ‘tax-free’ budget 2024-25 aiming to provide relive to the masses.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who is also holding the portfolio of finance, is presenting the budget in the Sindh Assembly.

The Sindh Cabinet, in a session, gave approval for proposals contained in the Finance Bill 2024-25 to be presented in the Sindh Assembly session later.

The total outlay of Sindh budget is expected to be more than Rs3,000 billion. For the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), more than Rs900 billion will be earmarked.

Murad Ali Shah said he felt privileged to present the 13th budget of the provincial government after they were elected for the third term this year.

Budget highlights:

• Increases ranging from 22% to 30% for salaries and a 15% increase in pensions.
• Prioritized with substantial budget allocations to enhance services and infrastructure.
• Specific allocations to support agricultural development and energy projects.
• Emphasis on social security, housing schemes, and subsidies to reduce financial burdens.
• Special budget for police stations and initiatives for public safety.

Allocations

• Education: Rs 519 billion
• Health: Rs 334 billion
• Local Government: Rs 329 billion
• Agriculture: Rs 58 billion
• Energy: Rs 62 billion
• Irrigation: Rs 94 billion
• Transport: Rs 56 billion
• Development Expenditure: Rs 959 billion
• Local Government Budget: Rs 329 billion
• Irrigation Budget: Rs 94 billion
• Works and Services Budge: Rs 86 billion
• Transport Budget: Rs 56 billion
• SG&CD Budget: Rs 153 billion
• Social and Economic Welfare: Rs 34.9 billion
• Subsidies Program: Rs 116 billion
• Housing Schemes: Rs 25 billion
• Hari Card for Farmers: Rs 8 billion
• Malir Express Korangi Enclave Complex: Rs 5 billion
• Police Budget: Specific budget for 485 police stations
• Solarization Initiative: Rs 5 billion
• Hub Canal for Karachi Water Supply: Rs 5 billion
• Labor Card: Rs 5 billion
• Agriculture Development: Rs 11 billion
• Social Security: Rs 12 billion
• Universities and Boards: Rs 3.2 billion
• Housing and Town Planning: Rs 2 billion
• DEPD: Rs 1.5 billion
• Major Grants for Education and Health: Rs 190 billion
• Grants for Universities: Rs 35 billion