SHEIKHUPURA, June 30: The district government has approved a tax-free budget of Rs2.2 billion for the financial year 2003-2004.

The budget was presented by District Nazim Chaudhry Tawakkalullah Virk here on Monday.

The District Nazim said that an extra amount of Rs14 million had been fixed for the Annual Development Programme while Rs40 million for the Khushhal Pakistan Programme.

He said that a sum of Rs2.9 million had been set aside for education sector, Rs0.4 million for President of Pakistan Programme, Rs183 million for district local funds and Rs193 million for the Annual Development Programme.

At least Rs1 billion had been earmarked for the salaries of district government employees, Rs14 million for development works and Rs0.6 million for transaction programme, he said.

Similarly, Rs9 million had been allocated for agriculture, Rs1 million for information technology, Rs20 million for sanitation and the provision of water supply schemes, Rs40 million for the patch up work of roads and Rs80 million for other development schemes.

The District Nazim also urged the chief minister to provide special funds for finalizing drinking water and sewerage schemes in the district.