The Finance Department in the Punjab caretaker setup has yet to take action on the passage of the budget for the next three months.
This delay has raised serious concerns, especially given that the current three-month fiscal estimate is set to expire on October 31. Financial experts and observers have expressed their restlessness over the apparent inaction of the caretaker government in this critical matter, as the deadline for the current financial plan draws nearer.
The urgency of the situation lies in the fact that should the caretaker administration fail to pass the budget for the next quarter, it will have far-reaching consequences. Government offices will be unable to disburse salaries and pensions, creating financial instability for countless individuals. Furthermore, the pause in budget approval would also mean that there will be no funds available for development projects, and all ongoing uplift schemes may come to a standstill.
Caretaker governments, by their order, are responsible for passing budgets for a three-month period, and no longer. This limitation adds to the urgency of the situation, as time is running out for the necessary approvals.
To address this critical issue, the Finance Department has taken a step forward by sending a summary requesting permission to present the provincial budget for the next quarter. The summary has been directed to the office of the Advocate General Punjab. The Advocate General’s role is pivotal in determining whether the caretaker setup can indeed present a budget for the next four months.
Once the Advocate General and the Law Department have provided their input and approval, the Finance Department will proceed to present the provincial budget for the upcoming quarter. The decision in this matter holds great significance as it will not only impact the smooth functioning of government offices but also the financial well-being of countless employees and the progress of development projects. The forthcoming discussions and decisions will shape the fiscal landscape in Punjab for the months to come.
