KARACHI, May 21: The budget proposals for fiscal 2005-06 came under consideration at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim here on Friday evening and it was decided to prepare budget on the basis of old NFC award.

In the meeting, the policy and priorities for the new financial year were determined and decided that new budget for 2005-06 will be presented on June 15.

Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim pointed out that law and order, irrigation, education, health, works and services would be his top most priorities in the new year.

He said that a coordinated strategy will be implemented for construction of roads, repair of damaged roads, cleaning of canals, lining of water courses and promotion of education.

It was decided that no new primary school building will be constructed during the new years, but buildings for middle schools will be built while high schools will be upgraded to higher secondary level.

According to another decision, students of class I to X studying in government schools will be provided free textbooks.

It was decided that in the budget over 20 percent of funds would be allocated for development works while additional funds will be provided in case of an increase in the salaries of government employees by the federal government.

Talking notice of lower recovery of land revenue and water tax, the chief minister called for rightful pursuation of a system of “Partal” and “Jama Bandi”.

He cautioned that he would personally review the programme of free distribution of textbooks.—APP