Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Budget removed the ambiguity regarding conveyance allowance

            The Chief Minister KPK, Finance Minister KPK deserve praise for presenting such a balanced budget in which the rates of various taxes were reduced relating to the lower strata of the society like motor cycle, rickshaw or small vehicles etc. or increased amount for compensation in case of deaths of police officials.

            When the whole budget is kept in view, the intention of the present Government for granting relief either in one shape or in another is evident from it. Actually, the people were expecting very harsh measures from the Government but the budget brought no bad news to the people.

            The increase in the salaries of the Government Servants is a welcome measure but the Teachers of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have grievance against the Finance Department and the Accountant General in shape of not allowing Advance Increments to them or giving less number of increments against the Judgment of the Supreme Court.

            The Finance Minister removed the apprehension about the conveyance allowance, which was hitherto admissible to the Government Servants in the big cities, but those serving in the villages or small towns had been kept deprived from it. That was a discriminatory act of the Government perpetrated so far but this Government of the ANP-PPP has done justice to the Government Servants by allowing the conveyance allowance to all the Government Servants irrespective of their place of service.

            The Government should not boast on the good measures done for the people when the people praise the Government nor should become oppressive on bad measures when the people bitterly criticise it. Government should pay attention to the demands of the people for good governance.

            The Finance Minister made the mention of the Agriculture Tax but should have to announce/adopt cogent methodology for its collection.

            I have one suggestion for the collection of any fees, tax, cess, amount by any department. A proper receipt for every amount taken by the Tax Collecting department should be given to the person who pays the amount.

            I noted much inconvenience in the office of the Motor Registration Authority Swabi. Some people are given numbers of their vehicles in days while some are agonised for the years which is evident from the people visiting the office. When a person pays tax and he is not encouraged but is discouraged by visiting the office again and again, naturally it hurts the sentiments of the person paying tax.

            Any delay or complaint against the officials needs to be properly investigated if the Government wishes the people to pay tax on proper time.

Manzoor Ahmad Yousafzai.

Marghuz Balar Khel, District Swabi.

Saturday, 11 June 2011