LARKANA, June 26: The Taluka Nazim, Larkana, Nazeer Ahmed Shaikh, on Thursday presented a deficit budget of Rs8,225,238 for the year 2003-2004 in the council.

He said that total expenditure of the council has been estimated at Rs87,574,350 while its income would be Rs79,349,112.

In his budget speech, he had hinted about no measures to bridge the deficit gap. However, he said that efforts would be made to accelerate the property arrears recovery, and the recovery of arrears against the municipal contractors.

He said that the government would be approached to increase the tranche it receives in the head of octroi tax to pay regular salaries of the employees.

He said that the non-development expenditure of the council had been estimated at Rs83,424,350 and only Rs3,950,000 had been allocated for carrying out development works.

He said that Rs300,000 had been earmarked for maintaining gardens.

The Nazim said that the lion’s share of the budget, which stands at Rs58,832,350, is spent on regular salaries and pension payments, and Rs8,807,000 is paid to clear liabilities. For street lights, the council has allocated only Rs500,000, while every union council would get Rs1,500 per month.

The council approved it without discussing the budgetary allocations.

Nooruddin Abro chaired the session of the council.