The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has called upon the government to prioritize social protection, education, and health sectors in the upcoming budget, urging for increased budgetary allocations towards these areas. They emphasized the need for ensuring decent employment opportunities and labor rights for all citizens.

During a press briefing on the upcoming budget, CPD recommended allocating more funds for education and health, exceeding 3% and 2% of GDP, respectively. Additionally, they urged for an increase in allocation for social protection programs, surpassing 3% of GDP.

CPD suggested restructuring the social security allocation by separating the pension fund from total social security funds to focus on addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities. They stressed the importance of creating an accurate database of these communities to improve program delivery and sector-specific allocation.

Concessional loans should be provided to disadvantaged groups, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (CMSMEs), farmers, women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), transgender individuals, and parents of child laborers, CPD recommended.

To support farmers and entrepreneurs, especially women, CPD proposed establishing market hubs to facilitate fair pricing and sales of their products. They also underscored the significance of enhancing technical and vocational skill development to address the 27.4% NEET (not in employment, education, or training) youth population.

In terms of subsidies, CPD suggested increasing support to sectors such as agriculture, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and food security programs.

To ensure the continuity of child-focused projects, CPD advocated for the establishment of a Child Benefit Contingency Fund and the development of a child financing strategy.

Furthermore, CPD recommended the establishment of accessible and safe healthcare facilities for hijra and transgender communities, along with the formation of a women's commission to prevent violence against women.

In terms of budget implementation, CPD proposed citizen engagement in monitoring public service delivery at the local level to reduce corruption and ensure quality. They also suggested structural reforms, decentralization of budget and administrative power, and the establishment of monitoring cells for transparent and accountable implementation of the budget.