Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that Punjab government is taking concrete steps to bring the younger generation into the mainstream of national progress and prosperity. He said, for the first time in the history of the country, consultation with the youth is being made on policy making matters.
He said internship programme has been initiated for students, completing their studies at academic institutions, to help them advance in their practical life. He said, under this programme, a total number of 50 thousand graduates would be granted internship, while they would also be given a stipend of Rs 10,000 per month. He informed that, so far, more than 31,000 girls and boys students of graduation have been issued internship letters, which include more than 16,000 young women and 15,000 young men. The Chief Minister was presiding over a high-level meeting to review internship programme, here on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretaries of Finance, Industries, Higher Education, Schools, Social Welfare and Agriculture Departments. Addressing the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif said that youth is the centre of hope for Pakistan, as national progress and prosperity can never be achieved, without providing them education and necessary skills.
He said, the PML-N government in Punjab has taken historic steps to ensure welfare and uplift of younger generation, which is now also been followed by the other provinces, which is an open vote of confidence in this programme of Punjab government. He said, Punjab government, by formulating the Youth Council has provided the younger generation a platform where they can apprise the government about their problems. He said the members of this council have very actively performed voluntary duties, during the times of national tragedies.
He said Punjab internship programme is successfully operating throughout the province under which girls and boys students are being extended necessary training and monthly stipend in various government and private institutions. He said the chambers of commerce and industry have also been urged to cooperate with regard to providing skill and training to the internees throughout the province. He said internees are being provided training in private institutions, so that they can achieve professional experience in practical life.
He said the steps which have been taken for the welfare of younger generation is not any favour to them, but are their right. He said, unfortunately, at the federal level, such elements are in power who have no other interest, but to fill their own pockets, and in order to achieve their selfish interests they can do anything, as they do not care about the pressing problems of the people. Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to achieve the targets of internship programme as soon as possible, with a view to enable the students, during their training, to effectively meet the challenges of future.