The Punjab Caretaker Cabinet on Monday approved a surplus budget of Rs2.07 trillion, with an allocation of Rs351 billion for development expenditures, covering the next four months.

During the 31st session of the interim provincial cabinet meeting, chaired by Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Monday, several crucial decisions were made. Notably, an allocation of Rs50 billion was sanctioned to provide relief to the residents of the province.

Back in June, the government presented a four-month budget under the relevant clause of the Constitution, bearing the signatures of the caretaker chief minister due to the lack of authority to approve a full-year budget in the absence of an elected government.

Nonetheless, it was imperative to ensure the accountability of ongoing expenses and the effective management of the province’s daily affairs.

The new four-month budget also notably allocated resources to vital sectors, with Rs208 billion earmarked for the health sector, Rs222 billion for the education sector, and Rs10 billion for the progress of the agricultural sector.

To address various challenges, the cabinet also committed Rs1.80 billion for the National Health Support Programme, along with Rs5 billion for the Punjab Textbook Board. Moreover, an allocation of Rs7.30 billion was designated to tackle climate change issues.

During the presentation, the finance secretary provided a comprehensive overview of the forthcoming four-month budget, emphasizing the robust financial position and surplus resources of the Punjab government.

A significant milestone was reached with the approval of a minimum wage of Rs32,000 for workers, effective from July 1, 2023.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of anti-smog measures in areas including Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, and Kasur, with Chief Minister Naqvi urging the strict enforcement of regulations on smoke-emitting vehicles and brick kilns by commissioners and deputy commissioners.

Stringent measures were also advised for ongoing construction projects, emphasizing the regular use of water sprinklers and a strict ban on crop residue burning.

The Punjab Price Control for Essential Commodities Ordinance, 2023, also received approval from the cabinet.