Budget 2024-25: Sindh government announces free solar systems for 26lac families

KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced plans to distribute free solar systems to 26 lakh households in the region in the budget 2024-25.

Many governments are promoting solar panels amid campaigns for renewable and clean energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.

In his budget speech, the Sindh Chief Minister announced an allocation of Rs 25 billion over five years for the free solar initiative. This move is in line with the PPP policy of offering free solar systems.

Sindh Solar Scheme 2024

Additionally, the provincial government of Sindh also planned to introduce subsidized solar panels to promote solar energy. The initial allocation for solar projects is Rs 5 billion, with 200,000 solar panels to be distributed where the government covers 80 percent of the cost.

The aim of this effort is to solve the problem of electricity access to 500,000 households in Sindh. The government also plans to set up solar parks and mini-grid stations across the province, including Karachi, to improve the quality of life of residents.

Additionally, the government will provide 100 units of free electricity to the public, which will reduce the financial burden on low-income families.

The budget also includes provisions such as the Mazdoor Card program for workers, increase in employee salaries and allocations for various sectors including agriculture, education, health, transport and local government. The total budget for the province is estimated at Rs 3.056 trillion, with significant allocations for the education and health sectors.

Sindh Budget 2024-25: Key Takeaways from Sindh CM speech

• 959 billion rupees have been allocated for development projects with emphasis on infrastructure and social services.
• Revenue is estimated at over Rs 3 trillion, with 62 percent from federal transfers and 22 percent from provincial receipts.
• Breakdown of expenditure: 1.9 trillion rupees for current revenue (63 percent), 184 billion rupees (6 percent) for current capital and 959 billion rupees (31 percent) for development.
• Sector wise allocation: Rs 519 billion for education, Rs 334 billion for health care and Rs 329 billion for local government.
• 58 billion rupees have been allocated for agriculture, including 32 billion rupees for current expenditure.
• The energy sector receives Rs 77 billion, of which Rs 62 billion is for ongoing expenditure.
• 94 billion rupees allocated for irrigation, 36 billion rupees for current expenditure.
• Works and Services gets Rs 86 billion, and Planning and Development is allocated Rs 30 billion.
• Social security: Rs 34.9 billion for pro-poor initiatives and Rs 116 billion in subsidies.
• Major relief measures: Increase in minimum wage by Rs 37,000, increase in salary by 22-30 percent, and increase in pension by 15 percent.
• Latest initiatives: Rs 8 billion Hari Card scheme for farmers, Rs 5 billion enclave in Korangi, Rs 485 million for financial decentralization for police stations, Rs 5 billion solarisation initiative, Rs 5 billion for water supply to Karachi. Hub Canal Project, and the Rs 5 billion Mazdoor Card Programme.
• Investment in human capital: Rs 190 billion in grants for education and health care, including Rs 35 billion for universities.
• The budget reflects a holistic approach to development, social welfare and economic recovery, reflecting the government’s commitment to the welfare of citizens.