Health sector to get more resources in budget: CM Usman Buzdar

LAHORE:Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has directed that next financial year's budgetary priorities and development programme be identified adding that it should be realistic in the wake of prevailing circumstances.

He stated this while presiding over a meeting about the next financial year's budget at his office here on Monday. Chairman P&D and Secretary Finance briefed the participants about the upcoming budget and its ADP.

The chief minister announced that more resources would be allocated for the health sector due to coronavirus pandemic adding that social sector development would be given importance. The education, transport, infrastructural development and provision of clean drinking water will be prioritised, he added.

The chief minister emphasised that the provincial government was fully committed to providing maximum relief to the people. He directed that solid steps should be taken to facilitate the general public and instead of hiding behind jugglery of figures, the real situation should be projected in the budget. Innovative steps should be introduced to boost economic activities in the province, he stressed. The chief minister directed to further curtail unnecessary expenditures adding that financial discipline and austerity policy be fully concentrated in the next budget.

Meanwhile, promotion of public-private partnership based projects is the need of the hour and such projects be considered for the next ADP, he said. Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D, ACS (Urbanisation) and others attended the meeting.

SOPs: Usman Buzdar has ordered strict compliance of SOPs in markets and other commercial areas along with effective monitoring to ensure SOPs' implementation for curtailing the spread of coronavirus.

In a statement, the chief minister appealed to the people to follow governmental instructions as an observance of SOPs is in their interest. Continuation of employment opportunities is essential along with observance of SOPs and everyone will have to exhibit socially responsible behaviour, he said. He asked the traders to observe the issued instructions adding that the government is committed to taking steps for the people’s treatment.

Following social distancing policy will ensure protection from the disease, he added. The chief minister maintained that the government had allowed business activities while realising the people’s economic difficulties. Public cooperation is imperative to stop the spread of coronavirus and people will have to be more cautious because they can remain safe from this virus by following the necessary precautions, concluded the CM.