Azad Kashmir Finance Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed has said the new budget is people-friendly, relief-oriented and focused on development priorities.
Addressing a post-budget press conference in Muzaffarabad, the finance minister said billions of rupees had been allocated for education, health and infrastructure.
He said the government had approved an education package, university grants and the upgradation of health centres.
Qasim Majeed said approval had also been given to make 878 Forest Department officials permanent.
He said the budget included a police martyrs package, establishment of the Counter Terrorism Department and creation of 473 new posts.
The finance minister said the government had also approved the establishment of Riot Management Police, with 1,340 new posts.
He said Rs470 crore had been allocated for the purchase of weapons, anti-riot equipment and tear gas to maintain law and order.
Qasim Majeed said all requirements for making AJK Bank a scheduled bank had been completed, adding that the bank’s first online branch was expected to open in August.
He said the living allowance of 1989-90 refugees had been increased by Rs2,500.
The finance minister said a Rs3 crore increase had been proposed in the advertisement budget of the Information Department.
He said the government had made ad hoc employees permanent in a short period.
Qasim Majeed said the budget reflected the government’s priorities in public welfare, development and institutional strengthening.