LAHORE: The Punjab government has planned to start some new landmark projects of social welfare with a huge allocation of Rs 635 billion for the Annual Development Programme 2017-18.
As per budget documents, Khadim-e-Punjab Kissan package with Rs 15 billion, Prime Minister’s SDGs Programme with Rs 15 billion and SME Credit Scheme with Rs 3 billion will be started for the people of the province.
Under the Regional Development Programme for less-developed districts, Rs 5 billion has been allocated, assigning the highest priority to the districts situated along the western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with an allocation of one billion rupees.
In order to modernise police infrastructure and enhance its capabilities, Punjab Safe City Project is being implemented with Rs 50 billion allocation.
An amount of Rs 5 billion has been allocated for educational scholarships for deserving and talented students. Also, in collaboration with UNESCO, Rs 100 million has been earmarked for science, education, technology and innovation. For improvement of public school infrastructure, construction of classrooms and provision of missing facilities, an allocation of Rs 15 billion has been made.
For establishing state-of-the-art Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) Lab, an allocation of Rs 2 billion has been made.
To protect the rights of women and manage operations of Violence Against Women Centres (VAWC), funds have been allocated for establishment of the Women Protection Authority. An allocation of Rs 41 billion has been made for irrigation sector development.
An amount of Rs 9 billion has been allocated for provision of quality health services and revamping of all DHQ hospitals and 50 THQ hospitals in the province.
Allocation of Rs 25 billion has been made for provision of clean drinking water under the Khadim-e-Punjab Saaf Pani Programme, while a comprehensive rural sanitation and solid waste management programme is being launched with an allocation of Rs 15 billion.
