LAHORE: During the 28th meeting of Punjab’s provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a comprehensive 130-point agenda was approved, including significant initiatives to support laborers and improve administrative processes.
In a decisive move, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the rapid development of 3,000 residential units specifically for workers in industrial zones across the province. She also approved the allocation of 1,220 flats in Labor Complexes situated in Sundar, Kasur, and Taxila, which will be distributed via a ballot system.
Rejecting proposals to recover costs from workers for these flats, CM Nawaz emphasized immediate action to ensure the construction of the additional flats for industrial laborers. The cabinet also approved a minimum monthly salary of Rs40,000 for skilled and semi-skilled workers.Recognizing the efforts of Rescue 1122 during recent flood crises, the Chief Minister announced a reward of Rs50,000 for each official involved in flood response operations. The cabinet also approved that government examinations for Class 5 and Class 8 students will be conducted by respective education boards, with assessment for Class 5 and regular exams for Class 8.
A decision was made to provide lifelong pensions to the widows of government employees. Additionally, the establishment of industries within jails was approved, allowing inmate workers to earn monthly wages. CM Nawaz also ordered the implementation of a third-party monitoring system within correctional facilities.To streamline investment procedures, an online application process was approved for setting up petrol stations. Investors will now only need to submit six documents instead of sixteen, and they can obtain NOCs electronically.
The cabinet endorsed the Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2024, emphasizing worker safety, especially in sewer lines and construction sites. The Labor Department was instructed to form an enforcement team to ensure compliance, with a clear focus on translating laws into effective action.Measures to combat child labor were reinforced through the approval of the Punjab Restructuring on Employment of Children Rules 2024. A standardized procedure for appointing key university officials—including Treasurers, Registrars, and Examinations Controllers—was also sanctioned for both government and private institutions.
The Chief Minister directed strict monitoring of audit reports across Punjab and proposed hiring qualified professionals from the market as Vice Chancellors in various universities, with an 80% passing criteria for these appointments.
Technology initiatives received priority, with approval for the deployment of an AI-based Traffic Management System across Punjab roads within three months. Additionally, the Excel Road Management System was greenlit for implementation. Furthermore, the cabinet approved the establishment of Water and Sewerage Authorities (WASAs) in five divisions, with plans to extend these to thirteen more cities, aiming to improve urban infrastructure and service delivery.
