Budget 2016-17 will be prepared keeping in view the problems of the people: Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Finance, Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha has said that budget 2016-17 will be prepared keeping in view the problems and needs of the people. Efforts will be made to expand tax net instead of putting burden on the poor masses and tax will be recovered from those who are not discharging their national obligation, she added.

She expressed these views while talking to media-men at the conclusion of Assembly session. The Minister told that 107 members have given their proposals in pre-budget discussion in the assembly. She said that education, health and law & order are first, second and third priority of assembly members.

She said that provision of primary and technical education in educational sector, availability of medicines and equipment in THQs and BHUs and ensuring attendance of doctors through monitoring, increase in human resources for improvement of law & order, provision of modern technology and increase in salaries have been stressed. She said that several members including leader of opposition have pointed out a number of new problems which include training of teachers of government schools on modern lines and identification of children not going to school.

Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that attention will also be paid to energy and agriculture sectors which are already among the priorities of the government.

Replying to a question, Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that focus will be laid to complete ongoing schemes in next year’s development programme. She said that those schemes which are near completion will be given preference.

She said that the schemes which were not included in ADP last year will be included in the budget of current fiscal year. A report prepared on the basis of suggestions of members will be sent to concerned departments which will identify the sectors which can forward growth strategy.