The ECNEC meeting chaired by the finance minister Friday approved PM laptop scheme under which 4,00,000 computers will be distributed over a period of four years among the deserving students across the country. It will cost Rs 21,335.498 million with the condition that 100 per cent local assembling of computers and local manufacturing of parts (to the extent possible) by the 4th year would be ensured. The HEC will coordinate with federal/Punjab governments with a view to seeking joint procurement of laptop computers.
The ECNEC was informed by the National Highway Authority that 343 Kilometres of roads network damaged/destroyed in 2010 floods across the country, particularly in Sindh and Baluchistan, has been fully repaired/restored. Remaining 309 KMs will be restored in next two and a half years. It approved Sindh Barrages Improvement Project Phase-1 rehabilitation and modernisation of Guddu Barrage at a total cost of Rs 21,241 million. Possibility of financing by IBRD for this project will be explored. The ECNEC also approved a project for extension of water resources for Faisalabad City Phase-I.