Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, recently approved a surplus budget of Rs34.73 billion for the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) for the current fiscal year. This decision came during the 99th meeting of the PHATA Governing Body. The meeting discussed the budget, which includes an estimated income of Rs17 billion and expenses amounting to Rs13.55 billion. The surplus budget is seen as a positive step toward improving housing and town planning efforts in the province.
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Approval of the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ Program
In addition to the surplus budget, CM Maryam Nawaz also approved the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ program. This initiative aims to provide affordable housing for the people of Punjab. So far, 544,000 people have registered through the program’s portal, and 280,000 applications have been received for building houses. Another 76,000 applications are in draft form. The program is expected to significantly address the housing needs of the population, particularly for low-income families who struggle to afford homes.
The chief minister has instructed PHATA officials to create a detailed plan to complete the housing projects in collaboration with the private sector. She has also given permission for the necessary agreements to be signed to ensure smooth progress in the project. This partnership is expected to speed up the construction of houses under the program, providing a much-needed boost to the housing sector.
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Ensuring Quick Verification of Applicants
During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of a fast and transparent verification process for applicants of the housing program. She instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that the credentials of all applicants are verified efficiently to avoid delays. By speeding up the verification process, the government aims to help eligible families receive their housing benefits sooner.
The chief minister also approved the decision to upgrade the scale of PHATA data entry operators and announced the recruitment of civil sub-engineers under the PHATA Services Regulation 2004. This move is expected to improve the management and execution of the housing projects, ensuring that they are completed on time.
Changes in the PHATA Governing Body
One of the key decisions made during the meeting was that the approval of the PHATA budget would now be handled by the PHATA Governing Body instead of the provincial cabinet. This shift aims to make the process more efficient by reducing bureaucratic delays. Additionally, the chief minister approved refunds for applicants of previous housing schemes who were unsuccessful in the balloting process, ensuring fairness and transparency in the system.
To streamline the hiring process for PHATA Project Management Unit (PMU) staff, Maryam Nawaz directed the use of the job hiring portal. This will ensure that the recruitment process is transparent and that qualified individuals are selected for these roles. Furthermore, the pending housing schemes will be approved on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that only viable projects move forward.
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Planning for Disaster Management and Emergency Situations
In a separate statement on the International Day of Disaster Reduction, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the importance of preparedness for natural disasters. She mentioned that the Punjab government is planning to deal with emergency situations more effectively by upgrading systems and ensuring that the province is ready to respond to disasters. She emphasized that awareness, planning, and preparedness are key to managing natural disasters.
The government is taking steps to modernize the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and control rooms for various institutions are being upgraded to ensure a quick response in times of need. The chief minister also pointed out that the introduction of air ambulance and motorway ambulance services in Punjab is a major step in this direction, aiming to provide better emergency care to the public.
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Addressing Climate Change and Protecting Future Generations
Maryam Nawaz also discussed the government’s efforts to combat climate change. She stated that effective measures are being taken to protect the people of Punjab from the effects of climate change. The government is focused on reducing the risks associated with natural disasters and creating a safer environment for future generations. The chief minister emphasized the importance of community partnership and awareness campaigns in disaster management, which will help in building a safer and more resilient society.
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Conclusion
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has taken significant steps to improve housing and town planning through the approval of a surplus budget for PHATA and the introduction of the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ program. With a focus on efficiency, transparency, and collaboration with the private sector, these initiatives aim to address the housing needs of the province. Additionally, the government is actively planning for natural disasters and addressing the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring a safer and more secure future for the people of Punjab. These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens.
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FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ program?
The ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ program is aimed at providing affordable housing to the people of Punjab, especially low-income families. It allows individuals to apply for government-supported housing construction under a transparent system.
2. How is the Punjab government addressing natural disasters?
The Punjab government is upgrading the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and introducing air and motorway ambulance services to better respond to emergency situations. The focus is on preparedness, planning, and raising awareness about disaster risks.
3. How will the PHATA surplus budget improve housing in Punjab?
The surplus budget of Rs34.73 billion will allow PHATA to fund new housing projects, recruit necessary staff, and collaborate with the private sector to speed up the construction of affordable homes for the people of Punjab.