Punjab Assembly in its session here on Tuesday rejected three cut motions moved by opposition and, in consequence, passed three demands for grants on police, health and education. Three cut motions out of total six by the opposition and 40 demands for grants, out of total 43, would be deliberated in the House on Wednesday.
Prayers were held for Benazir Bhutto during the session where former minister Riaz said her mission would be accomplished. Sanaullah, Law Minister, said that Punjab Police Force was the second largest in the world. He said that its actual strength is 1,77,492. In its budget, 84.86 percent is spent on its pays, while 7.5 percent is spent on petrol. He said out of total 19 explosions in the province, 12 were traced I which 72 terrorists were arrested. He said in encounters from July 3, 2010 to 2011 May, 30 police personnel have been killed while 60 have been injured.
He said pay of a constable these days is Rs 16,850, adding that present CM has taken valid measures to boost wellbeing of the police staff. The minister said that a large number of police personnel have been penalised, or retired for their inefficiency. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was in the House. Sanaullah said that strong measures have been taken by the provincial government to eradicate crime pointing that this menace had spread like cancer and now it would take time to curb.
MPA Dr Saeed Elahi rejected opposition's rhetoric and said that the present government had provided medical facilities to every citizen with both eyes. He said that measures had been taken to enhance facilities in dialysis. He said generators, air conditioners have been provided while pays have been increased of doctors. He said besides mobile health units, facilities have been enhanced in the hospitals. Elahi optimised that funds would be increased for hepatitis patients, too.
Education Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehmman rejecting the opposition claims of literacy level having been dropped said that it was 62 percent at present. He said that with spending of Rs six billion, 5,00,000 children would benefit through Punjab Education Foundation.
He mentioned about positive role of Punjab Endowment Fund, initiated for enhancement of education in the province. He stated that besides holding of debates, brilliant students were being sent to Turkey for study. Punjab Education Minister stated that 6,00,000 books were distributed amongst children in the flood hit areas by the provincial government. He said that 50,000 teachers, kept on contract, have been regularised. He stated Rs two billion free books would be provided in the coming fiscal year.
Three adjournment motions one by MPA Sajida Mir on interest were deliberated in the House during the session. Law Minister said that five persons have been arrested in Badami Bagh area due to this. MPA Uzma Bokhari stated about certain threats given to her by the law minister. To this allegation the Minister stated that if they form a committee, he would come and answer these allegations. The House was adjourned later for Wednesday.