Rs 157.73 billion allocated for social security programmes

The government has allocated Rs 157.73 billion for social security programmes including for senior citizen allowance. Presenting the annual budget for the coming fiscal year 2080/81 in the joint meeting of the federal parliament today, Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said a budget of more than Rs 230 billion as compared to current fiscal year has been allocated under this heading.

The government has given continuity to Rs 4,000 monthly allowance being provided to senior citizens above 68 years. Similarly, budget has been allocated for social security allowance being provided to Dalit, single woman, poor and marginalized community, who have completed 60 years. A total of Rs 134 billion was allocated for social security, medicine and financial assistance in the current fiscal year.

Minister Mahat said the government prepared the budget for fiscal year 2080/81 with the slogan of second-phase economic reforms and structural change in economy.