The eighth budget meeting for the fiscal year 2024-25 was held at the District Council Hall, chaired by Chairman Syed Kamal Haider Shah. Council members presented various proposals, which were approved by a majority vote. Notable approvals included a grant of Rs 20 million for free medical treatment for underprivileged patients at Sukkur Blood Bank Hospital and Rs 5 million for constructing an additional emergency ward at Sukkur Civil Hospital.
The meeting also approved new taxes on industrial establishments, cold storage facilities, fueling stations, LPG outlets, poultry farms, and other commercial ventures in Sukkur. Additionally, revisions to the existing tax structure and rental fees for District Council shops were approved, along with the establishment of mud checkpoints for police security.
A proposal for transportation facilities for rural students enrolled in Aror University’s Art and Architecture programs was approved, with a bus allocated for this purpose. A lucky draw for Umrah tickets was held for District Council employees (grades 1-11), with two winners announced.
Chairman Syed Kumail Haider Shah discussed ongoing beneficial proposals, including a Sukkur to Karachi air ambulance service, and assured efforts to maximize public facilities using available resources. He announced plans to equip rural households with solar panels, batteries, fans, sewing machines, and water pumps, and collaboration with the Turkish organization Tika to install solar energy systems in schools and hospitals.
A special grant of Rs. 600 million from the Chief Minister Sindh has been sanctioned for the District Council. Flagship initiatives include installing an RO plant at Aror University, establishing a Dawood Engineering University campus, providing scholarships, and conducting CSS preparatory classes at IBA Sukkur University, all aimed at fostering education and development in Sukkur.
