The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a package of Rs 1.2 billion for textile sector provide relief in interest rate for loans to spinning sector, and research and development (R&D) support to textile and clothing industry. Under the package, mark-up reimbursement facility has been extended till June 30, 2009, and the spinning sector will be allowed reimbursement @ 3 percent, for which approx Rs 1.2 billion will be required.
Giving details of the Cabinet meeting, held with Prime Minister in the chair, Minister for Information Sherry Rehman said that measures to provide relief in the interest rate for loan to spinning sector and R&D support to textile and clothing industry has been approved.
She said that the meeting decided in principle to reinstate all government employees sacked after dismissal of Pakistan People''s Party''s government in 1996. All those employees, who were provided employment by PPP during 1993-96 and were removed from service later, would be reinstated with seniority and back financial benefits.
She said that the sacked employees of Sui Southern Gas Company were also included in the package and the Prime Minister has constituted a special committee to assess the financial implications, oversee the decision, and ensure its implementation.
She said that the government has also decided to release 50,000 tons sugar in the market to bring down sugar prices, whereas 3.4 million tons wheat stock is available with the government.
Moreover, the Cabinet also approved a bill against harassment of women, and the government would present a set of legislations on sexual harassment at workplace. The legislation titled ''Protection from Harassment at Workplace Act'' (PHWA), would also include amendments in Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP).
The government would also introduce ''Smart Electricity Meters'' (SEM) to eliminate complaints of inflated and manipulated billing to consumers because such complaints have been received in the big cities of Karachi and Lahore.
The Minister dispelled impression that a huge Cabinet was a burden on the kitty. She said that the government was criticised for not appointing allministries when it was running the affairs with 15 ministers. Now, it is being criticised for appointing ministries for all divisions.
The Minister said that the present cabinet was neither biggest in the history of Pakistan nor salaries of Ministers would be more than the Members of National Assembly. She explained that the salary of a minister is less than an MNA.
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