Gilgit-Baltistan presents budget of Rs1.402 trillion for fiscal year 2024-25 on Monday. The total budget is Rs1.402 trillion. This includes Rs86.6 billion for regular expenses like salaries and administrative costs, and Rs34.5 billion for new projects to improve the region.
The development budget, which is part of the Rs34.5 billion, allocates Rs20 billion for local projects and Rs13.5 billion for projects supported by the Federal Government.
To help the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, the government set aside Rs19.07 billion for subsidizing wheat prices. This is aimed at making food more affordable for the local population.
The budget also specifies amounts for different departments:
- Education: Rs1.37 billion
- Health: Rs1.52 billion
- Agriculture: Rs597.9 million
- Food: Rs998 million
- Tourism: Rs260 million
- Mineral Resources: Rs110 million
- Irrigation: Rs1.728 billion
- Forestry and Environment: Rs1.524 billion
- Rural Development: Rs1.19 billion
- Information Technology: Rs1.316 billion
- Technical Education: Rs7.763 billion
- Social Welfare: Rs3.632 billion
- Power: Rs2.88 billion
- Communication: Rs5.63 billion
- Information: Rs41.4 million
- Prison: Rs536.8 million
- Law: Rs192.6 million
- Excise and Taxation: Rs57.4 million
Additionally, the government announced an increase in salaries for its employees:
25% increase for grade 1 to 16 employees
20% increase for grade 18 and above employees
This budget aims to support various sectors such as education, health, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure development. It reflects the government’s efforts to improve living conditions and boost economic growth in Gilgit-Baltistan.
