Punjab cabinet approves deregulation of wheat sector

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif presided over the 25th provincial cabinet meeting in which approval was granted to important decisions with regard to farmers.

The meeting expressed deep grief and offered Fateha on the death of Member of Punjab Assembly Arshad Warraich, uncle of Provincial Minister Sohaib Bherth.

The provincial cabinet congratulated Chief Minister Maryam on undertaking a successful visit to Turkey. The cabinet commended chief minister’s vision for girls’ education. The meeting approved an amendment to the Food Grains (Licensing Control) Ordinance, 1957, to ensure 25 percent wheat procurement for flour mills, under which the licenses of flour mills which do not purchase 25 percent mandatory wheat can be cancelled. Deregulation of the wheat sector was approved to protect the rights of wheat farmers.

The proposal for the implementation of the Electronic Warehouse Reset System (EWR) was approved, which will facilitate the farmers to store their wheat and the government will bear the storage costs.

The cabinet meeting took a principle decision to introduce Pakistan’s largest ration card for 15 lakh workers and labourers. It was agreed to provide workers with Rs10,000 per month through ration cards. Pakistan’s first Nawaz Sharif Early Education Centre of Excellence will be established in the Children Library Complex. The meeting approved feasibility study of mass transit system in Faisalabad.

Additional funds were approved for payment of dues for the purchase of medicines and drugs. Approval of funds was granted for the purchase of furniture and equipment for tertiary care hospitals in Punjab. The chief minister directed to provide required funds for the purchase of furniture and medical equipment in hospitals.

The cabinet approved the proposed amendments to the Punjab Consumer Protection Act 2005, under which Additional Sessions Judges will be delegated the powers of consumer courts.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said under the leadership of Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Punjab has been put on the path of development. She expressed these views in a meeting with the Members of Punjab Assembly from Faisalabad Division, Arif Mehmood Gul and Agha Ali Haider. She briefed them about the ongoing development work in the province and discussed with them over all political situation in the country.