Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has announced three major welfare projects during a cabinet meeting. These include the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme, the Chief Minister’s Green Tractor Scheme, and the Children’s Heart Surgery Programme. The cabinet also made decisions to increase penalties for illegal weapons and kite flying, showing a strong stance on safety and welfare. The housing project, in particular, aims to build 500,000 houses over the next five years, making homeownership accessible to many.
| Scheme Details | Information |
| Housing Scheme | Apni Chhat Apna Ghar |
| Green Tractors Distributed | 9,500 in Phase I |
| Subsidy Amount for Tractors | Rs 1 million |
| Target for Homes | 500,000 houses in 5 years |
Contents
Apni Chhat Apna Ghar: Affordable Housing for All
The Apni Chhat… Apna Ghar project is a key initiative by the Punjab government to make affordable housing available to the public. In this scheme, people can get housing loans based on plot ownership and a copy of their CNIC. The loan amount is Rs 1.5 million, with a monthly installment of Rs 14,000 for nine years. The government has made the loan process simple and has set up a revolving fund, ensuring that there are no extra charges for borrowers.
Green Tractor Scheme for Farmers
The Green Tractor Scheme is another significant project approved by the Punjab cabinet. Under this programme, 9,500 tractors will be distributed to farmers with a subsidy of Rs 1 million per tractor for those owning up to 50 acres of land. The scheme will officially launch on Friday, and a balloting process will be held on October 20 to allocate the tractors. The government’s goal is to provide a total of 30,000 tractors to farmers in future phases to support agricultural growth.
- Scheme offers 9,500 tractors in Phase I
- Farmers can receive Rs 1 million in subsidies
- Landowners up to 50 acres are eligible
- Balloting for tractors scheduled on October 20
Children’s Heart Surgery Programme
The Punjab cabinet also approved the Children’s Heart Surgery Programme. This initiative focuses on addressing the backlog of 12,000 pending heart surgeries for children. To ensure quality care, the government plans to invite international surgeons to conduct these surgeries in Pakistan. The programme aims to provide much-needed medical support to children with heart conditions, making sure they receive timely and proper treatment.
Increased Penalties for Illegal Weapons and Kite Flying
The cabinet has introduced stricter laws regarding the possession of illegal weapons and kite flying. The amendments made to the Punjab Arms Ordinance 1965 declare these offences non-bailable, with penalties of three to five years imprisonment and fines ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs 700,000 for illegal arms manufacturing. The offence of kite flying has also been penalized, with prison sentences of two to five years and fines of up to Rs 5 million, reflecting the government’s commitment to public safety.
Recruitment and Educational Initiatives
In addition to welfare projects, the Punjab cabinet has approved several recruitment and educational initiatives. This includes hiring an assistant comptroller for the Chief Minister’s Office and regularizing contract employees in the public health engineering department. The formation of a search committee for appointing the vice chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad was also approved, alongside other educational posts. These measures aim to improve administrative efficiency and support the development of educational institutions.
Also Read: Apna Ghar Apni Chhat Affordable Housing Solution for Punjab
Conclusion
The recent decisions made by the Punjab cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlight the government’s commitment to welfare and development. With major projects like the Apni Chhat… Apna Ghar housing scheme, Green Tractor Scheme, and Children’s Heart Surgery Programme, the government is addressing the needs of its citizens in areas such as housing, agriculture, and healthcare. These initiatives, along with stricter safety regulations and educational reforms, promise a brighter future for Punjab.