Islamabad, Oct 23: Punjab Cabinet Crackdown on Vehicle Fitness and Plastic Waste
The 18th provincial cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saw the adoption of several important measures, most notably those pertaining to environmental betterment.
Penalties for vehicles operating without a Vehicle Fitness Certificate were one of the main points. Following a one-time notice, these cars may be subject to fines and perhaps confiscation.
A new policy for Punjab’s management of single-use plastic was also adopted by the government. To enforce these rules, district plastic management committees will be established.
Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) will serve as the leaders of these committees. Additionally, traders and other pertinent authorities will join them as members.
The committees will have the power to close factories that make dangerous or subpar plastic bags and to sanction offenders. Additionally, they will lower registration and renewal costs for manufacturers of environmentally friendly plastic bags.
The hiring of 310 environmental inspectors and the acquisition of 250 electric bikes and inspector uniforms were authorized in order to facilitate environmental control.
The Punjab Chief Minister’s Laptop Scheme and the establishment of the Punjab Examination, Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA) were both authorized by the cabinet in the field of education. The Chief Minister gave officials instructions to give out the laptops to kids as soon as possible.
The sanctioning of the Khelta Punjab Games 2024, an Under-16 Talent Hunt Program, was another significant move. More than 150,000 young athletes have signed up for the competition, and the sports department will award 6,000 internships with a Rs. 25,000 monthly salaries. 50 young athletes will also receive free education and access to sports facilities from private universities.
The Chief Minister Punjab Livestock Card, which aims to produce 200,000 animals annually, was also introduced by the government for small farmers. Larger farms will also be included in this program.
The Punjab Development Act 2024, which creates the Punjab Development Authority, Water & Sanitation Authority, and Horticulture Authority, was also adopted at the meeting.
The government announced a celebration card for the Sikh and Hindu populations in favor of religious minorities. 2,200 families will receive Rs. 10,000 as part of this effort on Guru Nanak’s birthday and during Diwali.
The cabinet also authorized the hiring of teachers for grades 1–15 at Joharabad’s Wildlife Park and the creation of new technical colleges in Punjab.
