- CM approves establishment of Khidmat Marakaz in 36 districts
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting on Tuesday to review the progress in Punjab Saaf Pani programme. Addressing the meeting, he said that clean water is symbol of life, and for this purpose, a mega project has been evolved to provide clean drinking water to the citizens.
He said that programme will be started from tehsils of South Punjab. He said for the implementation of the project, the provincial government has constituted two companies – Punjab Saaf Pani Company South and North – and their capacity building is very necessary. He said talented human resource should be recruited for these companies purely on merit.
The chief minister directed to open regional office of Saaf Pani Company South in South Punjab immediately and said that the chief executive officer will remain in the field at least for three days a week and secretary Housing will pay visits to the field twice a week.
The CM expressed satisfaction over progress on Punjab Saaf Paani program and directed the concerning officials to work with more hard work and diligence.
Provincial Minister for Housing Syed Haroon Sultan Bukhari, Chairman Punjab Saaf Pani Company South Arif Saeed, secretary Housing, CEO Punjab Saaf Pani Company North and South, and concerning officials attended the meeting, while Chairman Punjab Saaf Pani Company North, MNA Major (r) Tahir Iqbal, ECSP managing director and P&D chairman participated in the meeting via video link.
Moreover, in another meeting, Shehbaz Sharif approved the establishment of Khidmat Marakaz in 36 districts of Punjab. As many as 17 services will be provided under one roof in every Khidmat Markaz.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said that provision of better services and facilities is mission of Punjab government and establishment of Khidmat Marakiz is a vital step in this regard. He said Khidmat Marakaz have been set up in six districts while state-of-the-art Khidmat Marakaz in remaining districts will be made functional by the end of current year.
He said that establishment of Khidmat Marakaz is a brilliant decision of Punjab government and problems of the people will be resolved under one roof and they will not need to visit various offices for resolution of their problems.
He said an awareness campaign should be launched to make people aware of Khidmat Marakaz. The chief minister constituted a committee headed by a chief secretary to present its report in one week on recommendations on new system of services, its monitoring system and other matters.
He said project management unit should also be constituted and necessary legislation is also being carried out for implementation of the programme. Draft of Right to Services Act 2017 is ready and it will be presented in the assembly for approval.
Dr Umer Saif, briefing the meeting, said an effective system has been made for applicants to know about the status of their applications submitted in Khidmat Marakaz.
Finance Minister Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, adviser Dr Umer Saif, chief secretary, additional chief secretary, acting IGP, concerning secretaries, and senior officials were present on the occasion.
