Punjab Cabinet Approves “Apna Ghar Program” Launch

The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz presided over the 10th Punjab Cabinet meeting. The cabinet discussed a 56-point agenda for four hours. They approved the “Apna Ghar Program,” which will launch on August 14 and aims to provide housing.

Initiatives for Remote Areas and Farmers in Punjab

The meeting approved the immediate temporary appointment of doctors in remote areas and increased doctor allowances. The Punjab Kisan Card was also approved. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned the Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Registrar Rules 2024 and the Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Rules 2024, making Punjab the first province globally to implement the Sikh Marriage Act.

Health and Social Services Enhancements Punjab

The cabinet approved increases in allowances for doctors at primary health centers, rural health centers, and some tehsil headquarters hospitals. They also ordered management transfers for TB Hospital Sargodha, Jubilee Female Hospital Bahawalpur, and Mazang Hospital Lahore. Additionally, they approved amendments to the Registration Act 1908, facilitating property transfers and other revenue services for overseas Pakistanis from eight countries.

Environmental and Transportation Measures

The cabinet agreed to transition Qingqi rickshaws to eco-friendly transport gradually and introduced fitness certificates for motorcycles to combat smog. The Chief Minister instructed simplifying the motorcycle fitness certification process. A procedure for providing electric bikes to orphan students was also approved, with directives to expedite the process.

Legislation and Administrative Decisions

The Hindu Marriage Act will be presented for approval in the coming months. The decision was not to extend government housing allotment for retired employees, and the cabinet surrendered its powers regarding these extensions. The cabinet approved a transparent method for appointing Directors, Public Instructions, CEOs, DEOs, and DDEOs.

Education and Infrastructure Development

The cabinet approved promoting librarians (BS-16) to BS-17 upon earning a master’s degree and signing an MoU with Pakistan Railways for constructing railway crossings under the Jalalpur Irrigation Project. The Sadiqgarh Palace in Bahawalpur was declared a “protected ancient building.” The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz presided over the 10th Punjab Cabinet meeting. A 56-point agenda was discussed for four hours.

Planning and Development

The cabinet approved representation from the Planning and Development Board on the boards of PEDMEC and FIEDMEC. The cabinet agreed to audits for the Urban Unit, FIEDMEC, PEDMEC, and TEVTA. They decided to establish a plug-and-play garment city in Punjab. They also approved amendments to regulate mobile app taxi services and private vehicles under the Provincial Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965.

Miscellaneous Approvals

The cabinet approved extensions for the one-year contract period of Speedo bus operations from Bahawalpur to Lodhran and the service contract for the CEO of Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA). They also sanctioned the Saaf Pani Authority Act 2024. Additionally, they adopted the national curriculum for Pakistan 2023 (Phase III) for grades 9 to 12 and the revised/modernized religious education curriculum for grades 1 to 12.

Commitment to Public Interests

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that decisions with the public and national interest in mind are blessed by God. The cabinet approved recommendations to send 39 officers for Quaid-e-Azam Police Medals and President Police Medals to the federal government.

Inspection and Future Plans Punjab

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited the Children’s Library Complex unannounced, expressing displeasure over wasted resources due to unused rooms, libraries, and auditoriums with running lights, fans, and ACs. She called for a report on the complex. Additionally, she visited the Controlled Access Corridor Bund Road project, setting a July deadline for its completion.