Budget 2023-24: Here are relief measures taken by govt

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday presented thefederal budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 with a total outlay of more than Rs14 trillion as the country goes through severe economic and political crises.

However, the federal government — which is hopeful that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would resume the stalled bailout programme — took some relief measures for the inflation-stricken nation as well.

Here are the relief measures

• Increase in BISP allocation from Rs400 billion to Rs450 billion
• Targeted subsidy on wheat flour, ghee, pulses, rice through USC
• Increase in salaries of civil servants in the form of Ad-hoc Relief Allowance
• Increase in rates of following allowances

1. Daily and mileage allowance
2. Additional charge current charge allowance
3. Orderly allowance
4. Special conveyance allowance for disabled

• Increase in pension and increase in minimum pension to Rs12,000
• Minimum wage increase from Rs25,000 to Rs30,000 in ICT Loan write-off scheme for widows
• Health insurance card for working journalists and artists

Prime minister's initiatives — Planning Development and Special Initiatives (PSDP)

Salaries of govt employees

The federal cabinet increased the salaries of government employees up to 35%.

• Pension — 17.5%to Rs12,000
• EOBI pension — Rs10,000
• Increase in salaries foremployees of grades 1-16 — 35%
• Above 17 —30%
• Minimum wage set toRs32,000
• Increase inmedical and conveyance allowances — 100%
• Increase in ad hoc allowances —10%
• Debts of widows to be paid up to Rs1 million
• Deposit limit in national savings accounts for martyrs —Rs7.5 million
• Limit for Behbud Savings Certificate —Rs7.5 million
• Targeted subsidy programmeto provide daily-use items — Rs25 billion