LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet, which met here on Tuesday with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in the chair, accorded approval to “the Chief Minister Punjab Climate Leadership Development, Internship Programme,” under which three months internship to 2000 students at Rs 25000 per month will be given, along with issuing them certificates on completion in order to help them get admission in good foreign universities.

The cabinet directed the Punjab government to pay all charges except insurance cost in the e-bike scheme. Now the Punjab government will pay charges for documentation, registration and number plate etc. Approval was also given to add 10,000 more electric bikes in the scheme.

The cabinet also approved “the Chief Minister District Sustainable Development Goals Programme,” under which about 3000 projects including roads parks, drainage, clean water, street lights, tube wells and others will be completed in the districts at a cost of Rs 80 billion. The completion period of this development project is fixed at one year; no project shall exceed its completion period.

“Price control and law & order are my main focus,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while chairing the 12th meeting of the provincial cabinet to discuss important projects. She added, “Failure to control rates in a district will be considered failure of the Deputy Commissioner concerned. Vegetables should be grown locally as per demand of every city, so that transportation costs can be reduced.”

The CM said, “Government is like a mother, it has to take care of everyone. An artist is not only a member of her family, but of the entire nation.”

She directed the department concerned to draft guidelines for establishing a housing scheme for artists. She also directed all departments to start paid internship programme to better engage fresh graduates.

The Urban Unit is tasked to monitor the successful execution of this first comprehensive plan for the sustainable development of districts. It will not only monitor but would also evaluate the projects with the help of Geographical Information System (GIS).

The cabinet was briefed, “People who are not able to work will get stipend through Himmat Card.”

The cabinet gave a go-ahead to increase the quarterly stipend of Himmat Card holder to Rs 10,500. The CM directed the authorities concerned to go to the doorsteps of special persons for their verification to issue them Himmat Card.

The provincial cabinet approved the establishment of Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority, which will work at provincial, district and tehsil levels. It also approved Higher and School Education e-Transfer Policy. It approved amendments to section 144 under the Criminal Code, 1898, under which Deputy Commissioner is entitled to impose Section 144 for 30 days, Home Secretary for 90 days, and the Cabinet for a longer period of time.

It empowered the National Highway and Motorway Police, Punjab Transport Authority and Traffic Police to inspect records of official vehicles and impose fine in case of any violation. It also gave approval of the proposed amendments in clauses 12, 14, 25, 59, 67 of the Procurement Rules 2014 to streamline the procurement process.

The cabinet approved application for residence of a renowned singer Tassawar Khanum, besides granting approval of the appointment of vice-chancellor of the University of Wah/Wah Cantt. It also approved the appointment of chairperson of Punjab Revenue Authority.

Moreover, the CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, while approving the construction of three new road corridors in Punjab in a special meeting, said, “Roads connecting big cities will not only make it easier for the people to travel but would also play an important role in their socio-economic development.”

The CM said, “The Government of Punjab will complete these three roads at a cost of Rs 210 billion by December 2025 in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Under the project, dual-carriage roads from Sahiwal to Chicha Watni, Rajana; from Rajana to Layyah; and from Shorkot to Jhang Chiraghwali will be constructed.”

She added, “The single road from Depalpur to Vehari will also be converted into a dual-carriage road.”

She directed the authorities concerned to start the construction of the new corridor within next three months.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024