SUKKUR, June 11: Sindh Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar has said the provincial budget will be people-friendly and salaries of employees will be increased by 15 per cent.

He was talking to Nazims and Naib Nazims of union councils of the Ghotki district on Wednesday.

The chief minister said funds would be allocated at union council level from next year to end ambiguity in distribution of funds. He said more funds would be allocated for the health sector.

He said the government was committed to eliminate poverty and illiteracy.

Nazims of union councils informed Mr Mahar about problems of their areas and alleged that development funds were being distributed on political grounds.

The chief minister said the government was making efforts to improve the system and it would be made politics-free. He asked officials concerned to solve problems pointed out by Nazims and Naib Nazims. He added that carelessness would not be tolerated.

Answering a question, Mr Mahar said it was his government’s priority to improve the law and order situation. He said Sindh and Balochistan governments were devising a joint strategy to curb criminal activities.

About differences in the Sindh government and the cabinet, Mr Mahar said these rumours were spread by people who were not interested in resolving problems confronting the province.

He said they wanted to achieve cheep popularity. He referred to the issue of the Khidmat group and said it was only highlighted by the media and had no foundation.

He also handed over a cheque of Rs550,000 to Ghotki Press Club president Jeewat Ram and general-secretary Niaz Channa.

Meanwhile, the chief minister presided over a meeting that discussed law and order situation in the province.

The meeting also reviewed situation on the Sindh-Balochistan border.