KARACHI, Jan 22: Sindh chief secretary K. B. Rind has directed reduction in the expenditure of the Sindh government departments.

In a high-level meeting held on Wednesday to review the reforms in the departments of the Sindh government, he also directed that cent percent results in health, education, social welfare and other sectors be ensured.

Addressing the meeting, additional chief secretary Fazal-ur-Rehman, said that rates of receiving stamp duty, property tax and agricultural income tax had increased after the introduction of the rules of ‘rectification’ and ‘justification’ in the system.

He informed that encouraging steps were taken to enhance the annual development funds and observed that the presentation of Sindh government’s financial system was praised at every forum including the World Bank.

Secretary education Nazar Hussain Maher said the Sindh government had announced free primary education and measures were also being taken to provide furniture and other facilities in the newly established ten colleges of Karachi. He added that 50 per cent old and new schemes were being implemented in consultation with elected representatives.

The representative of the health department stated that 35% additional medicines were provided this year as compared to the previous year. “76 % target of immunization has been achieved while the training programme of medical and paramedical staff has been expedited,” he said.

Secretary industries Raja Abbas said that provision of infrastructure in the small industries status was being ensured.

“Need for Metro radio cabs and CNG buses has been reviewed. These vehicles will help reduce pollution”, he added.

The representative of the department of constructions and communications informed the meeting that reforms had been introduced in road construction and repairing through which development projects would be completed on time.—PPI