The 12th provincial cabinet meeting was chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where several important decisions were made and big projects approved. Here are the significant points:
Scheme of Artists’ Housing
- She directed the introduction of a housing scheme for artists.
Chief Minister’s Climate Leadership Development and Internship Program
- The approval was given to the Chief Minister’s Climate Leadership Development and Internship Program.
- A comprehensive plan worth Rs80 billion for 3,000 district projects was presented.
E-Bike Project
- Maryam Nawaz said the government should bear all charges for the E-Bike project except insurance.
- She increased the monthly stipend under the “Himmat Card” to Rs10,500.
E-Transfer Policy for Education
- Higher and school education e-transfer policy has been approved.
Chief Minister’s Internship Programme
We approved a three-month internship program for 2,000 students, offering a monthly stipend of Rs25,000 per intern. We directed all government departments to start paid internships.
Students will not have to pay the initial charges for the E-Bike project; however, the Punjab Cabinet will cover the insurance costs.
Chief Minister’s District Sustainable Development Goals Program
The Chief Minister has approved the launch of the District Sustainable Development Goals Program, which will complete around 3,000 projects in various districts with a budget of RS80 billion. This program includes roads, parks, drainage systems, clean drinking water supply schemes, street lights, tube wells, and more.
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
The urban unit is assigned as the monitoring agency for the first comprehensive sustainable development plan, which uses a Geographic Information System (GIS).
E-Bike Scheme Expansion
Approval was given for including additional 10k electric bikes in the E-bike scheme. The government will cover the documents-related charges, such as registration number plates.
Himmat Card for Special Individuals
Unique individuals will be verified for the Himmat Card at their doorstep. Stipends will also be given to those who are unable to work.
Amendments in Section 144
Amendments approved in section 144 CrPC-1898 empower DCs to impose it for 30 days, HS for 90 days, and Cabet for the duration.
Authority for Inspections and Fines
NHMP, PTA, and Traffic Police are authorized to inspect records and impose fines on government vehicles.
Procurement Rules Amendments
Proposed amendments to procurement rules-2014 (12,14,25,59,67) approved to simplify the Government Procurement Process.
Housing Request For Tasawar Khanum, Famous Singer
- Approval of housing request for Famous Singer Tasawar Khanum.
Appointments
The authorities have approved the appointments of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Wah/Wah Cantt and the Chairperson of the Punjab Cabinet Revenue Authority.
Government’s Commitment:
The government is like a mother and must take care of everyone. Artists are not just individuals but national assets. Price Control & Law and Order are her top priorities. If prices were not controlled, then it should be deemed as a failure of DC. She directed that vegetables should be cultivated according to the demand of each city so that transportation costs can be reduced.
Recommending Earlier Gatherings
- The 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and also the 11th cabinet meeting minutes were affirmed.
Verification of Audits
- The Pakistan province and district government accepted unique audits, performance audits, and audit reports for the financial years 2016-17 to 2023-24. The Climate Change, Environment & Disaster Management Organization Punjab received acknowledgment for its audit covering both 2022-23 and 2023-24. The authority sanctioned an extension of duties for the Acting General Manager of the Punjab Pension Fund.
Highway Corridors’ Projects
- 450 Km long, three new road corridors’ construction approved.
- A double carriageway will be built from Sahiwal to Chichawatni, Rajana to Layyah via Rajana.
- Depalpur to Vehari single road will be made Dual Carriageway.
- Shorkot to Jhang Chiragwali dual carriageway will be constructed afresh.
- These projects worth Rs.210 Billion shall be completed by December 2025 jointly with ADB and Punjab Govt.
- The work on the new corridors will start within three months. They will link major cities through public transport facilities.
