Punjab cabinet meeting Tuesday approved immediate appointments for doctors for far-flung areas of the province, 24NewsHD TV channel.

The cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and lasted for four hours. It covered a 56-point agenda, focusing on healthcare, minority rights, and social welfare.

The meeting okayed the contractual appointment of doctors for remote areas.

The participants approved additional allowances for doctors working in Basic Health Units, Rural Health Centers, and certain Tehsil Headquarters hospitals, aiming at enhancing healthcare delivery in underprivileged areas.

The Punjab cabinet also gave its nod to the introduction of the Kissan Card, a move to support the agricultural sector.  

This initiative is expected to provide significant benefits to farmers across the province, improving their financial stability and access to resources.

The cabinet also agreed upon the Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Registrar Rules 2024 and the Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Rules 2024, making Punjab the first province worldwide to implement the Sikh Marriage Act.

The cabinet took several measures to address environmental concerns and regulatory requirements. This includes transitioning auto-rickshaws and Qingqi (Chingchi) rickshaws to eco-friendly alternatives and implementing fitness certificates for motorcycles to reduce smog.

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed that the process for obtaining motorcycle fitness certificates be simplified.

The cabinet agreed with a plan to provide electric bikes to orphan students.

A decision was made not to extend the allocation of government houses to employees after retirement. Both the CM and the cabinet surrendered their powers to extend such allotments.

 For the first time, a transparent process for the appointment of Directors of Public Instructions, CEOs, DEOs, and DDEOs was approved.

Administrative officers in the Higher Education and School Education Departments will now have to pass an IT screening test, a written exam, an interview, and a psychological test. Successful candidates will receive training from LUMS.

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the importance of making decisions in the public and national interest, stating that such decisions receive divine blessings. The cabinet also agreed to initiate a meal program for children in Rajanpur, Layyah, and Bhakkar and adopted the revised national curriculum for grades 9 to 12.

Provincial ministers, chief secretary, IG and concerned secretaries, and other officials attended the meeting.

Reporter: Rao Dilshad