Rs100m earmarked for Auqaf Dept

LAHORE

The Punjab government has allocated Rs100 million for Auqaf Department in the budget of fiscal year 2016-17, including one mega scheme worth Rs40 million for establishment of Quran Museum/Library in the Punjab Institute of Quranic and Seerat studies for researchers, scholars and academicians. 

Moreover, Rs5 million has been allocated by the government for another related scheme titled “Documentation, Survey and Preservation of existing features of historical-cum-religious monuments to facilitate researchers, academicians and intellectuals” has been included in the ADP for 2016-17.

However, a block allocation of Rs38 million has been made for new initiatives.

During 2015-16, a total of Rs99.8 million was spent on 15 projects. These include: Completion of Quran and Seerat Complex, completion of reconstruction of the shrine of Hazrat Madhu-Lal-Hussain, and construction of retaining wall and electrification work at the shrine of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam.

The total allocation for this sector for the fiscal year 2016-17 has been fixed to Rs100 million. A total of two new schemes costing Rs45 million have been included in the department’s development portfolio for 2016-17. The most noteworthy addition to departmental schemes for 2016-17 has been the inclusion of the scheme titled “Establishment of Quran Museum/Library in the Punjab Institute of Quranic and Seerat studies for researchers, scholars, and academicians” for which Rs40 million have been allocated. The inclusion of this project reiterates the commitment of the Auqaf Department to facilitate researchers and academicians in the best possible manner by providing them access to information and other relevant resources needed to conduct research. 

Another related scheme titled “Documentation, Survey and Preservation of existing features of historical-cum-religious monuments to facilitate researchers, academicians and intellectuals” has been included in the ADP for 2016-17. In addition to this, a block allocation of Rs38 million has been made for new initiatives.

The Auqaf Department in its policy version stated that Auqaf Department was striving to provide improved standards of religious services and facilities at mosques and shrines.

The purpose of the department is to provide a peaceful environment for devotees. Repairing, re-habilitating and reconstructing shrines and mosques in neglected and remote areas also features on the department’s agenda.