Punjab to provide interest-free loans to farmers

LAHORE:Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman has announced measures to support farmers and families of deceased employees during the fourth meeting of the Standing Committee on Law and Privatisation.

The minister stated that interest-free loans will be provided to farmers during the crop season, and financial assistance will be ensured to the families of deceased employees within three months.

Regarding housing schemes, the minister clarified that stamp duty exemption cannot be granted, but specific schemes for martyrs can be exempt. He also directed the Secretary of Primary and Secondary Healthcare to determine the benefits of the Chairperson of the Drug Courts in consultation with the Secretary of Finance and the Secretary of Law.

The meeting discussed a nine-point agenda, including the execution of the Kissan Card scheme with the Bank of Punjab, the approval of the Jalalpur Irrigation Project with Pakistan Railways, and amendments to the Social Security Ordinance 1965 and the Punjab Heritage Act 2005.

The Minister for Local Government, Zeshan Malik, emphasised the importance of paying taxes, stating that citizens should consider it a national duty. The Minister of Law, Sohaib, appreciated the proposed amendments to the Punjab Employees Social Security Institute for the establishment of a medical college in Faisalabad.

The minister directed the Secretary of Tourism to ensure the effective use of available resources and promote sites that are part of Punjab’s true cultural heritage. He also stressed the need to promote religious tourism in the province.