Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has announced several welfare programs to improve living standards in the province. During a cabinet meeting, three major schemes were approved: the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing project, the Green Tractor Scheme, and the Children’s Heart Surgery Programme. In addition, the Punjab government has taken strong actions against illegal weapons and kite flying.
| Program | Details |
| Housing Loan | Rs1.5 million, Rs14,000/month |
| Green Tractor Scheme | 9,500 tractors, Rs1 million subsidy |
| Children’s Heart Surgery | 12,000 surgeries planned |
| Penalties for Kite Flying | Rs2-5 million fines, 2-5 years jail |
Contents
Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Housing Project
The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar project is one of the largest housing initiatives in Punjab. This scheme aims to provide 500,000 affordable homes to people across the province. The government will offer loans up to Rs1.5 million, with easy monthly installments of Rs14,000 over nine years. The project will ensure people can build or buy homes without high interest rates. This step will help many families fulfill their dream of owning a house.
Green Tractor Scheme for Farmers
The Green Tractor Scheme is another major initiative by the Punjab government to support farmers. The program will distribute 9,500 tractors to farmers who own up to 50 acres of land. Each tractor will come with a subsidy of Rs1 million to make it affordable. The scheme aims to boost agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ living standards. The tractors will be distributed through a fair balloting process, with the first draw taking place on October 20th.
Children’s Heart Surgery Programme
In addition to housing and farming, the Punjab government is focusing on healthcare, especially for children. The Children’s Heart Surgery Programme was approved to address the 12,000 pending surgeries for children with heart issues. The program will bring in international surgeons to perform these surgeries and improve healthcare facilities in Punjab. This will ensure that children receive the urgent medical attention they need.
Strict Penalties for Illegal Weapons and Kite Flying
To enhance safety in the province, the cabinet has introduced strict penalties for illegal weapons and kite flying. Offenders involved in illegal arms manufacturing or possession could face three to five years in prison and fines ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs700,000. Kite flying, which has been linked to several accidents, will now be punishable by imprisonment of two to five years, along with fines of Rs2 million to Rs5 million. These measures are designed to improve public safety and reduce crime.
Appointment of Vice Chancellors and Employee Regularisation
The Punjab cabinet has also made decisions regarding educational and public services. A search committee will be formed to appoint Vice Chancellors for universities like the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Mir Chakar Khan Rind University of Technology Dera Ghazi Khan. The cabinet has also approved the regularisation of 583 contract employees of the public health engineering department. These steps will ensure better management in educational institutions and public service sectors.
Transportation and Public Welfare Actions
In another meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz directed a crackdown on transporters who were overcharging passengers after the federal government reduced transport fares. New reduced fare schedules were issued for 37 cities, and authorities acted against violators by banning 30 vehicles and sealing a transport service. The government is taking steps to ensure fair transport fares and improve public services across the province.
Conclusion
The welfare projects announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reflect the government’s commitment to improving the lives of citizens in Punjab. From housing and agriculture to healthcare and safety, these initiatives aim to provide long-term benefits for the people. The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar project will allow thousands of families to own homes, while the Green Tractor Scheme and heart surgeries for children will improve livelihoods and health services. By introducing strict penalties for illegal activities, the government is also working towards a safer and more prosperous province.
Also Read: How to Secure Government Subsidy Under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” Program 2024
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing loan?
Any citizen of Punjab who has a valid CNIC and meets the income criteria can apply for the housing loan.
2. What is the subsidy amount for the Green Tractor Scheme?
The Punjab government is offering a Rs1 million subsidy per tractor under the Green Tractor Scheme for farmers with up to 50 acres of land.
3. How many children will benefit from the heart surgery program?
Around 12,000 children with heart conditions are expected to receive surgeries through the Children’s Heart Surgery Programme.
4. What are the penalties for illegal arms manufacturing?
The penalties include imprisonment of three to five years and fines between Rs500,000 and Rs700,000 for those involved in illegal arms manufacturing or possession.