The Provincial Minister for Finance Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha has said that Graduation and Assets Transfer Scheme has been formally launched for making the disabled persons self-sufficient benefiting from "Khidmat Cards" issued by the Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA).
She said under this scheme, more than 2500 cows and buffalo will be distributed in collaboration with Livestock and Dairy Development Department among disabled women of 35 to 55 years of age in rural areas who are able to look after these cattle. The Provincial Minister said the first batch of 60 cattle has been handed over to deserving women of Gujranwala Division in Wazirabad, the process of distribution will be completed in other districts of the province at the end of current fiscal year.
Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that Graduation Scheme will not only provide honourable job to the unattended women and rid them of the problems of daily routine life, but they will also be able to earn livelihood for their families. She expressed these views while addressing a review meeting in connection with progress of the projects of Punjab Social Protection Authority.
The Finance Minister said that Khidmat Cards Scheme of Punjab Social Protection Authority, Khadim-e-Punjab Zewar Taleem Programme, Education and Training of Children, Financial assistance for brick-klin Labourers for eradication of bonded labour, vocational training for deserving youth and provision of interest-free loans are such revolutionary programmes of Punjab government which will not only play an important role in eliminating poverty from the country but also be helpful in achieving the fixed targets of growth strategy of the province.
Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said promotion of corporate sector is impossible without improvement of social sector; therefore, prosperity of common man is important for economic development. Chief Administrator PSPA Dr Sohail Anwar told the meeting that besides bringing disabled persons benefited from Khidmat Cards under self-sufficiency schemes, Social Protection Authority is also planning to provide scholarships to the senior citizens, unattended women suffering from acid throwing, children working in auto workshops, hotels and vocational institutions. He said that more thousands of families living under poverty line will be included in these schemes during next financial year so that economic development could be ensured by minimizing poverty rate.
Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha congratulated Dr Sohail Anwar and his team for successfully and transparently launching of Graduation and Assets Transfer Scheme in Gujranwala Division. She expressed her satisfaction on their future projects and directed to accelerate the process of setting up Khidmat Centers in all districts of the Province.