SIALKOT, Nov 7: The Sialkot district council on Wednesday approved a tax-fee surplus budget of Rs567.048 million for the period from August 15, 2001 to June 30, 2002.

The 50-minute long budget session, presided over by Naib Nazim Ali Asjad Malhi, began at 11am. Nazim Mian Naeem Javaid presented the budget.

He said total expenditures have been estimated at Rs563.348 million. He said Rs281.8 million have been allocated for the development projects. A sum of Rs171 million has been allocated to start new schemes, while Rs22.3 million would be spent on the completion of ongoing schemes under the Annual Development Programme (ADP).

Mr Javaid said Rs50.694 million have been allocated for education, Rs100.179 million for health, Rs5.860 million for agriculture, Rs212,000 for labour welfare and Rs569,000 for social welfare.

Opposition leader Chaudhry Nasim Akhtar suggested the convener of the district council to adjourn the session for further consideration on the allocation, as the budget copies were given to them about an hour before the start of the session. But he ruled out his suggestion.

Later, the house approved the budget with majority.

OPPOSITION: Addressing a press conference soon after the budget session, Mr Akhtar, Advocate Chaudhry Tahir and Capt Muhammad Ali Chaudhry (retired) alleged that the budget has been enforced and not approved.