Meal, transport for schoolgoers in Punjab

Shahbaz approves pilot project for lunch in Muzaffargarh and Layyah; six districts to be selected for Khadim-e-Punjab School Sawari Programme as CM seeks comprehensive plan; orders foolproof security during last days of Ramazan, Eid holidays; US delegation eyes cooperation with provincial govt in energy sector

LAHORE: A meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the Meals Programme in schools across the province and also decided to launch transport service for students.

The chief minister said the pilot project of Meals Programme for the school children would be started from Muzaffargarh and Layyah districts, under which they would get packets of energy biscuits and milk. He directed the officials to devise a foolproof mechanism to best implementation of the initiative.

He said under the Khadim-e-Punjab School Sawari Programme, free transport would be provide to school students, which would especially benefit those living in far-flung areas. The pilot project would cover six selected districts, for which a comprehensive plan should be presented, he added.

The meeting reviewed various programmes meant for promoting education promotion and the matters concerning to the Cholistan area of Bahawalpur Division. It also approved provision of school bags to students.

Shahbaz said technical education would soon be provided in schools from 8th to 10th classes, for which 39 institutions had already been identified. He stressed innovative approach to achieve the target of enrolling 100 per cent male and female children of Cholistan in schools. “I want every Cholistani boy and girl to be in the schools,” he added.

The chief minister appreciated the initiative of mobile schooling and said their number should be increased in Cholistan. He directed to constitute a committee which would recommend different proposals for the promoting education after visiting Cholistan.

In another meeting, Shahbaz reviewed the progress on different aspects of Khadim-e-Punjab Ujala Programme which, he said, should be completed with speed and ensuring quality through collective approach. He also stressed the need for devising an effective monitoring mechanism for the purpose.

Separately, a US delegation led by former ambassador Teresita C Schaffer called on Shahbaz Sharif and showed its interest in enhancing cooperation with the Punjab government in energy sector, especially in the field of solar power.

Schaffer commended the chief minister for his tremendous efforts in the energy sector. “I know that you have been moving ahead with hard work and passion. And due to your efforts, investment has been enhanced in the energy sector,” she remarked.

On the other hand, the chief minister has ordered ensuring foolproof security arrangements during Jumma-tul-Wida, Youm-e-Al Quds, Chand Raat and Eid holidays. Chairing a meeting, he said additional staff should be deputed at important buildings and marketplace.

The meeting reviewed the overall situation of law and order and different steps adopted for protecting life and property of the people. It decided to further boost the security of mosques, imambargahs and other places of worship.

Shahbaz ordered strict action against one wheeling and inspection of public parks. He said the security plan should be implemented at tehsil, district and division levels, adding that commissioners, RPOs, deputy commissioners and DPOs should remain in the field.

He directed for setting up control rooms at divisional and district levels and said central control room at the provincial level should remain active 24 hours a day. Crackdown should be conducted against street crimes, he added.