Rs 344 billion Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget presented

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government Monday unveiled its very first budget with a total outlay of Rs 344 billion for the financial year 2013-14.

The provincial budget proposes imposition of one percent tax on the Afghan transit trade.

While presenting the budget, the provincial Finance Minister Siraj-ul-Haq said good governance and elimination of corruption were the top priorities of KP government. He added that no new tax has been introduced.

The finance minister also announced the formation of a Tax Authority and the establishment of Rescue 1122 service in Swat.

According to provincial finance minister, Rs118 billion has been earmarked for 983 development schemes.

"Of these, 565 projects are underway, whereas 351 new undertakings will be launched down the line", said he giving a break-up.

For health and education, Rs22.87 billion and Rs66.6 billion have been allocated respectively.

The finance minister announced an education emergency in the province and recommended the formation of an Education Advisory Commission.

Rs23.78 billion has been set aside for the police.

The budget recommendations include a 15 percent increment in salaries of government employees from Grade-1 to 16.

For government officers between Grade-17 and 20 a 10 percent increment has been recommended. A 15 percent increment in pensions of retired government employees has also been proposed, while Rs200 million has been earmarked to help the underprivileged children.

It has been recommended that the Bacha Khan Rozgar Scheme be discontinued and in its place, a soft loans scheme for the youth should be launched.