LAHORE, June 13: The major theme of the treasury members who spoke in the Punjab Assembly on Monday was something like this: “The budget for the year 2005-06 and the leadership of Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi will bring about a revolution in Punjab; the benefits of government policies have started trickling down to the common man and soon all problems will be resolved.”

Thus begun, it is expected that the views of the ruling party legislators who will address the house in the days ahead will not be much different.

On the other hand, most of the opposition lawmakers termed the budget a jugglery of figures, offering nothing to common citizens.

Neither side had a concrete argument in support of its point of view. Predictably, both said what was expected of them, and it ceased to matter as to who was right and who was wrong.

Predictably again, it is believed the budget proposals will be passed without the slightest change, and the treasury and the opposition legislators will head home to enjoy the privileges provided to them at the taxpayers’ expense.

Few people can comprehend the budget or say why it is good or otherwise. No effort is made by most of the elected representatives to try to understand what the budget — or the roadmap for the next year — actually means. A valid criticism of the budget by the opposition in the light of facts and figures could have forced the government to bring about some changes if only there were someone to prepare a strong case for such changes.

The opposition could still do well by selecting a dozen or so MPAs who could understand the budget, analyze the figures and then express their points of view in the house. If everyone speaks and tries to address all subjects, nothing is expected to be addressed in real terms. Generalized speeches on the budget, as is being done by most of the speakers at present, is not likely to mean much.

This time it was hoped that the PPP will perform better. The party has appointed spokespersons for various departments. Reporters were told that they would keep an eye on the working of the areas allocated to them. They were also supposed to expose corruption in government departments in an attempt to improve their working.

Three MPAs held news conferences a few days before the announcement of the provincial budget. And then there was a complete silence. The appointment of spokespersons could be made more purposeful if they expressed views about the allocations and projects for their respective departments in the next fiscal year’s budget. But, perhaps, the party has not paid attention to this aspect.

It is for this reason that speeches made by PPP leaders were general in nature.

Some speakers criticized the police performance and a raise in the allocation of funds to this department which had failed to be of any help to the people.

PPP leader Rana Aftab Ahmad Khan came up with crime figures which showed a 27 per cent increase in one year.

The increase in crime rate no longer makes news. Crime, it is said, has got to rise and rise because of a lack of commitment and dedication on the part of the law enforcers. On many an occasion it transpired that the very custodians of the law were responsible for the crime committed. Rape cases on the premises of police stations have been reported which should be a matter of shame for the department.

A few months ago, the provincial ombudsman and the anti-corruption establishment came up with reports against the police. The ACE held that the police were the most corrupt department. The ombudsman report also found the police to be the most complained against department. No action was taken against anyone, and none is expected.

Instead, many believe that the chief minister’s claim of changing what is called the ‘thana’ culture will never be translated into reality.

Back in the house, Dr Asad Muazzam criticized the budget, saying the waiver of sales tax on beauty parlours or slimming centres would hardly benefit the common man. True, but the legislator must bear in mind that there are now at least 33 per cent women sitting in the assembly, and that most of them spend a lot of money on makeup and make-overs.

The new budget will help them and others like them in their personal grooming. They must appreciate the government for the revolutionary step it has taken in this vital area.

On another front, the controversy about parliamentary leaders of various parties is expected to be resolved as the ice appears to have melted on both sides.

The government is expected to hold a meeting with the leaders of the PPP, the PML-N and the MMA on Tuesday. Legal assistance from the law secretary and the advocate-general is being sought for the purpose.

The PPP and the PML-N leaders say they will insist that references against turncoats be sent to the chief election commissioner. Whether the ruling party can afford to do that, will be clear after the meeting.