The Sindh government has introduced 'Land Grant Policy' for poor farmers in the 2008-09 Budget for 'absolute' elimination of feudalism from the province. "Absolutely, this is to eliminate feudalism and change this (feudal) mindset," Sindh Minister for Information Shazia Marri told Business Recorder when asked if the Policy, under which 212000 acres land would be granted to landless farmers, could be termed as a step towards elimination of feudalism in the province. Earlier, during the post-budget press conference, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah was confident enough to tell media persons that the new budget (for 2008-09) was realistic, pro-people and pro-poor, and was "not for the big people, as they are already big." He said that as envisioned by Benazir Bhutto, his government would undertake various short-, mid- and long-term programs to bring relief to the people who are facing big problems like inflation, poor law and order, unemployment, etc. On the agriculture front, he said that at least 212000 acres land, coupled with other supporting "inputs" like credit facilities, etc, would be allotted to the farmers, preferably to women who constitute 50 percent of the country's population, with the aim to empower them. He said that the Sindh government would ensure strict and immediate implementation of the 'Land Grant Policy', with responsibility. Under rural development program, small plots would also be given to poor peasants, he added. On energy, he said that with the help of federal government his government would try to end load shedding, or to minimise it to one hour at maximum, by the end of this year. He said that to overcome the current 3,000 mw shortfall the government was in talks with various joint ventures for establishing 2 or 3 power generation plants under a mid-term plan. "After the completion of mid-term project, we will be able to export energy for valuable foreign exchange," he added. In the industrial sector, the CM said various incentives and funds had been allocated for the sector and two industrial sites, Sukkur and Kotri, would be developed. He said that under urban development program the government would develop a double, elevated road under Karachi Mass Transit Program to provide sustainable solution to traffic congestion for the next few decades. He said Asian Development Bank would transfer second tranche of its financial support in October 2008 to develop the cities. In social sector, he said, the budgetary allocation had marked 130 percent and 88 percent increase for the health and education sectors, respectively. He said hospitals, Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs) would be upgraded on district level. He said private sector would be entrusted with management of the BHUs and RHCs with Sindh government remaining the fund provider. He said in view of an epidemic nature of Hepatitis B and C, Rs 5 billion had been allocated to control the chronic disease. Qaim also announced that special incentives, in terms of salaries and residential facilities, would be given to those teachers and doctors who would perform their duties in the far-flung areas, like Thar. He said it would also be made mandatory for doctors and teachers, who usually seek transfers to the urban areas, to serve in remote areas of the province for at least three years. On education, he said that the European Union would grant Pakistan funds for improving the education sector. On-merit induction of teachers would be carried out soon, while those appointed earlier with due transparency would be allowed to continue their duties. Vowing rehabilitation of Ghulam Medical College, he said that Chandka Medical College would be given university status, as colleges were the most neglected side in the past. He said that under various skill development programs, there was a plan to train more than 100,000 youths within two years in different financial sectors. This year, 61,000 youths would be trained and referred to the private sector from both local and international markets, according to the latter's demand. On the development side, the chief minister said, the portfolio was 23 percent higher than the Revised Development Budget of Rs 72.3 billion for 2007-08. In terms of Provincial and District annual development program, he said, the allocation stood at Rs 67 billion against Rs 50 billion of 2007-08 marking an increase of 34 percent. About water shortage, he said the government would raise allocations for construction of dams, besides accelerating the ongoing process of lining of the watercourses. He said Rohri Canal and Nara Canal would also be lined for conserving water. When asked for commenting on an 'illegal budget', tabled by his government, he said his party had some reservations on presenting a budget without National Finance Commission Award, but it did not mean that other relief packages would also not reach the masses in the face of a fiscal document. Later, Shazia, terming the new budget as a reflection of democratic environment in the country, assured the journalists of having the issue of Karachi Press Club lease resolved soon. She said the government would also ensure infrastructure development in the Hawkes Bay Colony, where journalists have been allotted plots. Inviting suggestions from the media, Marri said special arrangements would also be made for ensuring establishment of Sindh Media Centre within shortest possible time.