The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, has approved several important projects to benefit the public. These include housing, farming, healthcare, and education initiatives. The decisions were made during the 15th provincial cabinet meeting, showing the government’s commitment to improving people’s lives in Punjab.
| Project Name | Key Features |
| Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar | Housing loans for people with low incomes |
| Green Tractor Program | Subsidized tractors for small farmers |
| Children’s Heart Surgery Program | Expediting surgeries for children |
| Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) | New admission policy for medical students |
Table of Content
Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar – Affordable Housing Scheme
One of the key projects approved is the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” housing scheme. This program is designed to help people in Punjab get their own homes. The scheme offers housing loans of up to 1.5 million rupees. What makes this unique is that the loans are based on ownership papers and a copy of the borrower’s ID card. The monthly payment for the loan is just 14,000 rupees, and people have up to nine years to repay. The CM has made sure that no extra charges are applied, making it easier for families to afford a home. The government plans to build 500,000 homes in five years, with a uniform design to ensure quality.
Green Tractor Program – Support for Farmers
Another major initiative is the “Green Tractor Program.” This program aims to provide small farmers in Punjab with tractors at a reduced cost. The government is offering a subsidy of 1 million rupees per tractor to farmers who own up to 50 acres of land. A total of 9,500 tractors will be distributed initially, with a goal of providing 30,000 tractors to farmers across the province. The distribution will be done through a lottery system, with the first lottery scheduled for October 20. This project will help farmers increase their productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Program
In the healthcare sector, the cabinet has approved the Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Program. This program focuses on providing free surgeries for children with heart conditions. Over 12,000 children are waiting for these surgeries, and the CM has ordered that the process be sped up to help as many children as possible. The government is also looking to bring international surgeons to help treat children with neurological disorders, ensuring that the best medical care is available to the people of Punjab.
Key benefits of the Children’s Heart Surgery Program:
- Free surgeries for children with heart conditions
- Faster processing of over 12,000 pending cases
- International specialists to assist with complex cases
MDCAT Policy – New Rules for Medical College Admissions
The cabinet also discussed changes to the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). A new policy has been approved to make the admissions process fairer for students applying to both public and private colleges. This step is expected to improve the quality of medical education and make the process more transparent. The new policy will ensure that deserving students are given the opportunity to pursue their careers in medicine without any bias or unfair practices.
Amendments to the Punjab Arms Ordinance
The government has also made changes to the Punjab Arms Ordinance of 1965. The penalties for illegal possession and manufacture of weapons have been increased. Those caught with illegal weapons will now face 3 to 5 years in prison, along with fines of up to 700,000 rupees. These stricter rules are aimed at reducing the spread of illegal weapons and improving public safety. The cabinet hopes that these measures will help control crime in the province.
Kite Flying Ordinance Revisions
Another law that has been updated is the Kite Flying Ordinance of 2001. The penalties for illegal kite flying have been raised to include prison sentences of 2 to 5 years and fines ranging from 2 to 5 million rupees. The stricter rules are meant to reduce accidents caused by kite flying, especially during festivals. These new regulations are expected to make kite flying safer for everyone while reducing the risk of harm caused by dangerous kite strings.
Also Read: Apna Ghar Apni Chat Program Registration and Eligibility Criteria 2024-25
Conclusion
The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz, has approved several important projects aimed at improving the lives of the people of Punjab. From affordable housing and support for farmers to healthcare and stricter laws, these initiatives are expected to bring positive changes across the province. The government’s focus on public welfare, safety, and development is evident through these projects, which will benefit a large portion of Punjab’s population.