UCs to be given loader rickshaws for ‘Suthra Punjab’ programme

LAHORE:The Punjab government has decided to provide loader rickshaws to union councils for the ‘Suthra Punjab’ programme. The decision was taken during a video link meeting of divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman at the Civil Secretariat on Thursday.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of reduction in the price of roti, ‘Suthra Punjab program’ and measures to improve governance. The secretary industries, additional IG Special Branch and officers concerned attended the meeting while the secretary local government, all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video link.

The chief secretary said that ‘Suthra Punjab’ programme is among the top priorities of the government. The programme aimed to provide facilities in rural areas on the pattern of cities. He directed that all available resources be utilised to make the ‘Suthra Punjab’ programme a success.

The chief secretary praised Commissioner DG Khan Dr Nasir Mehmood Bashir for ensuring the sale of roti at a lower price in DG Khan than other divisions. He said that in DG Khan and Rajanpur, the roti is selling at Rs13 while in Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu and Layyah it is available at Rs12.

The chief secretary said that as per the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister, the performance of the administrative officers would be reviewed on a daily basis and the districts would be ranked on the basis of their performance.

He said that stray dogs are becoming a threat to human lives. He asked the deputy commissioners to devise a strategy for preventing the incidents of dog biting and ensure availability of anti-rabies vaccine in all hospitals.

The officials of industries and local government gave a detailed briefing at the meeting. They said that the prices of roti are being closely monitored. They mentioned that the price of roti has been fixed at Rs15 in 35 districts of the province.