LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a historic development package worth Rs23 billion for the Kutcha areas, aimed at improving infrastructure, security and socio-economic conditions.
The chief minister also announced the launch of Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar initiative and directed that 14,500 acres of state land be allotted to residents of the Kutcha belt. She ordered the initiation of Nadra registration services in the area, along with the deployment of transport facilities, mobile clinics, mobile veterinary hospitals and laboratories.
According to the plan, Rs7.1 billion will be spent on law and order, Rs13.9 billion on social infrastructure and Rs1.7 billion on other sectors. Some 27 road schemes spanning 144 kilometres will be completed. Additionally, 65 schools will be upgraded, 16 new schools established and two girls’ colleges constructed.
For the first time, modern solar-powered drone surveillance has been introduced in Kutcha areas. Safe City monitoring will also be implemented at police stations and check-posts, while advanced armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and police vehicles will be equipped with surveillance cameras.
The chief minister approved the launch of a model village project in the Kutcha belt, along with skills development programmes worth Rs125 million. She approved a hard area allowance for personnel performing duties in the region and imposed a ban on cultivating tall crops along main roads for security purposes.
During a meeting chaired by the chief minister to review development and law and order in the area, it was noted that no untoward incident had occurred in the past five months, marking a significant improvement in the state’s writ. A briefing highlighted that 6,551 female students will receive school meal packs, 300 students will be awarded Honhaar scholarships and another 300 will be provided laptops. Sewerage, drainage and sports projects will also be undertaken.
The chief minister also approved a plan for the voluntary surrender of illegal weapons, with digital monitoring at police stations and compensation based on the value of surrendered arms.
“Development and prosperity are the right of every individual in Kacha areas, just like the rest of Punjab. We will transform the region into a safe, developed and model area,” the chief minister said, adding that the people of the Kacha belt would now have access to dignified employment and improved living standards.
