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Sunday November 17, 2024

Punjab govt makes significant achievement in public welfare, transparency, efficiency

By Asif Mehmood Butt
November 18, 2024
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presides over a provincial cabinet meeting on September 17, 2024. — Screengrab via Facebook@TheMaryamNSharif
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presides over a provincial cabinet meeting on September 17, 2024. — Screengrab via Facebook@TheMaryamNSharif

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has made significant strides in public service delivery, governance, and welfare reforms, with a strong emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and accessibility. Key to the successful implementation of these initiatives has been the dedicated team of civil servants headed by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhter Zaman, whose strategic oversight has ensured that the vision of the Punjab government is brought to fruition with exceptional results.

A hallmark of this governance reform is the e-Procurement system, which has trained over 10,700 officials and registered 13,500 suppliers, streamlining public sector procurement and safeguarding against corruption. The system has initiated over 68,000 procurements, valued at a staggering 978 billion rupees, reflecting a significant leap in ensuring transparent and efficient use of public funds. Chief Secretary Zahid Akhter Zaman’s leadership has been pivotal in overseeing these reforms, ensuring their effective execution across multiple government departments.

In addition, the e-Filing & Office Automation System has revolutionized internal government operations, dispatching over 3.5 million note sheets and scheduling more than 54,000 meetings. These advancements have simplified bureaucratic procedures, reduced delays, and improved communication between government officials and the public, furthering transparency in government dealings.

This initiative, too, has benefited from the seamless coordination and support of the civil services under the Chief Secretary’s guidance.

The Punjab government’s focus on public welfare is evident through programs such as the CM Kissan Card Scheme, which has verified over 487,000 applications, assisting thousands of farmers with financial support, and the CM Himmat Card Program, which has facilitated BOP accounts for over 37,500 people with disabilities, providing them with much-needed financial assistance and empowerment.

The Children’s Heart Surgery Program, another important initiative, has directly benefited 396 children by providing life-saving surgeries, with the civil services playing a key role in coordinating healthcare efforts to ensure that vulnerable children receive timely medical interventions. Additionally, the Clinic on Wheels program has made a tremendous impact on rural healthcare, with over 5.4 million visits and nearly 4.6 million outpatient visits recorded, while the Field Hospital initiative has offered emergency medical services to thousands across the province.

In the realm of education, the CM School Meal Program has distributed over 19 million meal packs to schoolchildren, ensuring that nutritious food reaches those in need. This program, along with the CM Internship Program, which has enrolled over 55,000 young people in internships, reflects the government’s commitment to providing opportunities for youth and addressing key social issues.

Under the leadership of Chief Secretary Zahid Akhter Zaman, the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry has also registered over 2.3 million families, providing crucial data for targeted welfare initiatives. The Maryam ke Dastak program, aimed at offering government services at the doorstep of citizens, has successfully facilitated thousands of people, with over 16,000 services requested. These initiatives are designed to bring the government closer to the people, ensuring equitable access to services and resources across Punjab.

The government has also focused heavily on infrastructure development through the Roads Restoration Program (RPR)and Roads Rehabilitation Program (RPR-II), which have already rehabilitated thousands of kilometers of roads, enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth. Additionally, the Plant for Pakistan initiative, with over 36 million trees planted, has made a significant contribution to environmental conservation.

Other welfare programs like the CM e-Bikes Scheme have empowered thousands of students, with nearly 190,000 applications registered and loans approved for e-bikes, supporting youth mobility and access to education and employment. These programs have been made possible by the diligent work of the civil services under Chief Secretary Zahid Akhter Zaman, whose leadership has ensured that these projects are implemented with precision and attention to detail.

From healthcare to education, infrastructure to welfare, the civil services in Punjab, led by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhter Zaman, have played an instrumental role in executing Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision. Their coordination and efficient management have been crucial in ensuring that these initiatives not only meet their targets but also deliver lasting benefits to the people of Punjab.

As a result of these combined efforts, the Punjab government has significantly advanced its goals of creating a transparent, accessible, and welfare-driven governance model, impacting millions of lives across the province. With continued leadership and collaboration, Punjab is poised for even greater achievements in the years ahead.