Special persons to get quota in housing schemes

[Salman]

Special persons to get quota in housing schemes

LAHORE - Punjab Cabinet has decided to allocate separate quota in housing schemes for special persons in addition to approving establishment of an Engineering and Technology University in Multan and making legislation in other areas of national development.
The cabinet which met with Chef Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in the chair here on Monday also decided to undertake effective legislation for awarding deterrent punishment to the elements involved in the sale of meat of dead and Haram (forbidden) animals. The cabinet decided to frame law to legislate on issuing non-bailable arrest warrants for the offence of selling Haram meat as well as awarding severe punishment to the offender.
The meeting granted approval to Management and Disposal of Land and Properties Development Authorities Act, 2014, Punjab Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of non-Smokers Health Amendment Act 2012, Punjab Mental Health Amendment Act 2012, Punjab Industrial Relations Act, Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act 2006, Punjab Livestock Breeding Bill 2013 and amendments in Punjab Civil Servants Act 1974.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said that Management and Disposal of Land and Properties system would be given an organisational form as well as made highly transparent. He said that a large portion of Punjab’s population is associated with livestock sector as such all out efforts would be made to earn maximum foreign exchange from this sector as well as to the benefits of farmers. A comprehensive plan keeping in view future needs of the country would be evolved for livestock and dairy development.
The CM also took notice of selling Haram meat in the province and called for fixing strict punishment for this offence. He said no leniency could be given to the elements playing with the lives of the innocent people. He hoped that the legislation in this regard would yield positive results. The chief minister directed cabinet committee to formulate final recommendations for awarding stringent punishment to those selling meat of dead and Haram animals.
The chief minister briefed the meeting about the measures government had taken to obtain electricity through traditional and alternative means and the expeditious completion of these projects and the government efforts to produce cost effective electricity.
He said Punjab government would establish two coal power projects of 660 megawatt in Sahiwal with its own resources while work was also being undertaken on Nandipur Power Project round the clock. The chief minister said that he believed that Allah Almighty helps those who are sincere and determined. He said Punjab government was establishing a 100 megawatt solar project at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Cholistan with its own resources. He said link roads and bridges of the solar park had been completed and the contract of the project would be awarded till March 23 while electricity production in the first phase would start from June 2014.
Secretary Health, Secretary Labour, Secretary Regulation Wing, S&GAD, Secretary Livestock, Secretary Higher Education, Director General Lahore Development Authority and concerned officers gave briefing on the draft laws. Provincial ministers, special assistants, advisors, chief secretary and secretaries of concerned departments were present.