Punjab cabinet okays 1,220 flats for industrial workers

LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has given approval to provide 1,220 flats to industrial workers in Punjab.

The decision was taken at the 28th meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz to discuss and decide 130 agenda items. She said: “Workers will get flats in Labour Complex Sundar, Kasur, and Labour Colony Taxila through balloting.” She rejected a proposal to collect the price of flats from workers, and directed authorities to take immediate steps to build 3,000 more flats for industrial workers.

The provincial cabinet approved an increase in the salary of workers in skilled, semi-skilled and 102 other categories to Rs40,000. The CM announced a reward of Rs50,000 each for rescue workers performing flood duties. The cabinet lauded Rescue 1122 for flood relief operations after torrential rains. It also approved official conduct of Class 5 and 8 exams in Punjab, assessment of Class 5 students and regular examination of Class 8 students. The cabinet approved lifelong pension to employees’ widows. The CM directed authorities to establish regular industry for prisoners in jails. She said: “Prisoners working as labourers will also get wages.” She directed introducing a third-party monitoring system in jails. She directed taking a historic step to promote investment in the province by approving the establishment of petrol pumps, for which the potential investors will have to submit only six documents instead of 16. “Investors will be able to get NOCs by applying online.” The cabinet approved for the first time in Punjab comprehensive rules for the safety of workers.

The CM said: “Punjab should approve Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2024.” She directed ensuring safety of workers working on sewer lines and construction sites. She directed the Labour Department to form an enforcement force to ensure safety of workers.

The cabinet gave approval to the draft of Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Rules 2024 to prevent child labour, besides approval to implement a uniform procedure for the appointment of treasurer, registrar and controller examinations in government and private universities. She directed authorities to take necessary steps for monitoring audit reports across Punjab. The cabinet agreed to a proposal of hiring from the market for the appointment of vice chancellors. It also approved obtaining at least 80% marks for the post of vice chancellor.

The chief minister said: “An AI traffic management system will be implemented on Punjab roads within 90 days.” She directed ensuring immediate implementation of the Excel Load Management System on roads, and approved establishing Wasa in five divisions of Punjab. She added: “The Wasa will be established in 13 more cities.” The cabinet approved paid internships for nurses in government hospitals.

The chief minister noted: “Various colorful events are also underway in schools, colleges and universities in connection with the Independence Day. This is not just a celebration of independence but also an opportunity to renew an ideology. Like dignified nations, we must acknowledge the kindness of those who built Pakistan.”

Message on Kashmir Exploitation Day: “I salute the sacrifices of brave brothers and sisters of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir,” said Maryam in her message on the Kashmir Exploitation Day. She said: “The freedom of IIOJ&K has been inscribed on the tablet of destiny. Despite a relentless increase in Indian atrocities since August 5, 2019, the courage of Kashmiris is commendable. Kashmir will decide, we stand together and will continue to stand together. The issue of IIOJ&K is a question of global conscience. Indifference and criminal silence of the international community on Indian atrocities in Occupied Jammu & Kashmir is a dark chapter in human history.”

Maryam said: “The sun of freedom will rise soon for Kashmiri brothers and sisters. A solution to the Kashmir issue is essential for lasting peace in the subcontinent. The sacrifices of thousands of Kashmiri martyrs will not go in vain.”