Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has accorded approval to Khadim-e-Punjab Ujala Program under which ten thousands schools of the province will be shifted to solar panels. The decision was made in a meeting presided over by Chief Minister here on Tuesday.
This program will be completed by the end of this year. The programme commenced with the schools of Southern Punjab and will move forward in phases. An effective mechanism is being devised for its monitoring, he added. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Khadim-Punjab 'Ujala Program' is of paramount importance which will lit-up schools deprived of electricity with Solar Panels in far-flung areas. He said that a road show will be organised for it in China where all the renowned companies will be invited. Consortium will be developed to move the program forward effectively and for operative execution of this program, a survey of selective sites will be conducted in 09 divisions with consultation of advisors and Quaid-i-Azam Solar Park Company to seek help if needed, he added.
Shahbaz Sharif stressed that these students are our future and we will put all our resources to provide them with a conducive environment for their education so that they could focus on their education and contribute in bringing glory to their country. He said that this project of shifting schools to solar panels has already been delayed and now without any further delay we need to work hard round the clock for its completion. He directed to present final recommendations emphasising its important features within seven days and also adopt same transparency policy in this program which is hallmark of Punjab Government's development projects. Earlier, Secretary Energy presented a detailed briefing about Khadim-e-Alaa Ujala Program. Provincial Ministers Rana Mashood Ahmed, Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Advisor Dr Umer Saif, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, secretaries of concerned departments and other concerned officials attended the meeting.