Balochistan Budget Approved Within Record 45 Minutes

The Baloch Hal News

QUETTA, June 28: The Balochistan Assembly (BA) on Monday unanimously  approved next financial year 2010-11 budget  with a record short span of 45 minutes.

The House met with Speaker Muhammad Aslam Bhootani in the chair.

The House adopted 52 demands of grants to the tune of Rs 117.12 billion. The estimates for the development expenditures in next budget are Rs 90.79 billion while Rs 26.33 billion have been earmarked for development expenditures.

Balochistan Finance Minister, Mir Asim Kurd Giloo, presented 52 demands of grants in the house which were approved unanimously by the house when speaker put them for vote one by one.

Earlier, concluding budget debate, Mir Asim Kurd Giloo thanked all members of the house for participating in debate and giving their suggestions and proposals for improvement.

Terming budget 2010-11 the biggest budget in the history of the province, he said that paying attention on education, health and other social sectors were highly admired and appreciated by the all legislators, including member of opposition benches.

Mir Asim Kurd Giloo said that when Nawab Aslam Raisani assumed responsibility as Chief Minister province was facing serious financial crisis as it had taken Rs 23.5 billion overdraft from State Bank Pakistan.

“Owing to commendable efforts of Chief Minister and flexibility shown by federal government, first of the overdraft was converted into soft loans and later federal government took responsibility of payment of this huge amount to SBP”, he added.

Mr. Giloo said that Rs 12 billion had been set aside for investment in the province in next financial budget which would generate a considerable revenue for the province.

He said that if the amount allocated in different sectors, including education and health departments were spent properly there would be a significant change in the province.

He also announced two months salary as a bonus for the employees of Balochistan Assembly and MPAs Hostel.