The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday passed with majority vote a resolution, by a PML-N legislator, seeking stoppage of use of mobile phones in educational institutions. The mover pointed out that use of mobile phones in educational institutions was affecting education of the students. So their use in institutions should be barred, he stressed.
The cadre of PPP, agitating against depleting law & order situation in the province, boycotted the proceedings. Opposition leader Riaz criticised increasing dacoities and thefts in the province. Despite assurance from the Chair to hold discussion on law & order on Wednesday, PPP MPAs continued their boycott.
A resolution by MPA Khalid Saleem Bhatti regarding establishing of Water Treatment Plant in Burewala was passed. Another resolution by MPA Waris Kaloo regarding establishing of a cardiology centre in district Khushab was passed by the House. Another resolution by Ijaz Ahmed Kahloon regarding establishment of Sargodha Development Authority was also passed. Punjab Agriculture Minister Ahmed Ali Aulakh pointed that Punjab government, since 2008, has taken effective measures to curb adulteration of pesticides. He stated that there were four pesticide testing laboratories--in Faisalabad, Kala Shah Kaku, Multan, and Bhawalpur.
The minister said that different varieties of maize were being harvested in the province. He said that Punjab government does not fix the price of cotton and rice, and added that it was federal government which fixes these prices. Regarding facilities accorded to farmers in the provinces, he said that Rs 2,00,000 subsidy was being given on purchase of tractor to a farmer.
He said that Rs 50,000 subsidy was being given to farmers for purchase of agricultural tools. He said that market committees in notified areas collect licence and market fees from farmers entirely dealing in agricultural products. Aulakh told the House that in 2011-12 cotton was produced on 6.2 plus million acres, adding Drip Irrigation Scheme was introduced to increase cotton produce in Punjab. He said that to improve hostel situation of University of Agriculture Faisalabad, five new hostels were being built. He said there were six market committees in Faisalabad, at present. The House was adjourned for Wednesday morning.