LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced the launch of the ‘Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar Programme’ aimed at empowering farmers by transforming tenant farmers and laborers working on others’ lands into landowners.
This initiative was discussed during the 32nd Punjab cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Under this scheme, government agricultural land will be distributed across the province to enable farmers to cultivate their own fields. Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to expedite the process of providing land to 50,000 farmers.
In addition to land distribution, the cabinet approved the creation of numerous new positions for youth in departments such as CCD, Excise, Tourism Police, and the Home Department. The government also decided to introduce green electric buses at the tehsil level, with a plan to deploy 1,000 such buses in districts to promote eco-friendly transportation. From March 25, a cashless payment system will be implemented on these electric buses, including the use of T-cash and bank cards, with cash payments incurring higher charges.
The Chief Minister emphasized efforts to ease business laws and promote cultural activities, instructing the organization of horse and cattle shows in all districts to showcase Punjab’s livestock and heritage. Additionally, she called for the development of new tourist destinations beyond Murree to attract visitors.
The cabinet paid tribute to the government’s achievement of creating one million jobs within two years. It approved the recruitment of constables for 216 vacant posts in the Excise Taxation and Narcotics Control departments, along with around 1,000 new positions in the Crime Control Department and 980 in the Murree Tourism Police. New posts in the Information Technology and Innovation Departments were also sanctioned, including contractual roles in the TDCP.
Furthermore, employment of ICT Cell staff from the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department was approved to continue, along with relaxed recruitment rules for departments related to Tourism, Archaeology, and Museums. A significant amendment was made to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance to allow driving permits for individuals aged 16 to 18.
The cabinet also approved regulations for selecting Vice Chancellors of government medical universities and established the post of Director Agriculture in the Auqaf Department. Security concerns were addressed as 141 dacoits surrendered in Kachha area, and hostages from Sindh were identified using thermal drones and cameras and subsequently released. Rainfall in the Potohar region is expected to improve wheat crop yields.
Further decisions included amendments to the School Management Council Policy, a salary increase for staff from Rs2,000 to Rs4,000 per month, and the extension of services for employees involved in the Vehicle Registration System and Motor Transport Management in the Excise and Narcotics departments.
