Shahbaz Sharif reviews the targets of the budget of the new fiscal year

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that public welfare schemes are being executed in the province on priority basis and funds saved through financial discipline and austerity policy are also being utilized for the progress and prosperity of citizens and provision of basic amenities to the masses. He said that provincial government is following a policy of balanced development of all areas and more funds will be allocated in the new budget for the uplift of South Punjab districts than the ratio of their population.

He was presiding over a high level meeting which reviewed the targets of the budget of the new fiscal year and Annual Development Programme 2015-16.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that more funds will be provided for raising the living standard of masses and development of less-developed areas. He directed that priorities should be set on realistic basis under ADP of the new fiscal year for strengthening of economy of the province and all departments should fix short, medium and long term targets.

Shahbaz Sharif said that special attention should be paid to achievement of the objective of a stable economy and durable development while third-party audit policy should be strictly implemented in development projects. He further directed that the targets should be set for increasing growth rate in the province and vigorous efforts should be made for their achievement. He said that proper and transparent utilization of funds should be ensured like the previous years. He said that an effective mechanism should be adopted for the provision of best services to the citizens.

The Chief Minister further said that Punjab government is successfully implementing Skill Development Programme and thousands of youth have been imparted various skills under this programme. He said that efforts will be made on war footing for the effective implementation of Skill Development Programme and the achievement of future targets. He directed that implementation of the policy of empowerment of youth through imparting them various skills should be continued. He said that attention will have to be paid to value addition for the progress of livestock, dairy development and other important sectors. He said that institutions and departments associated with social sector will have to prove their efficiency and move forward in a professional manner. He said that concerned departments will have to work round the clock for increasing growth rate. He said that timely completion of energy projects is the top priority of the government.

Provincial Minister Finance Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman, Members Provincial Assembly Rana Sanaullah, Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht, Adnan Farid, Chief Secretary and concerned officers were present on the occasion.