Summary CM Maryam Nawaz announced Rs23 billion package for Katcha areas focusing on development, security, education and infrastructure improvements.
LAHORE (Dunya News) - Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a major Rs23 billion development package for Punjab’s Katcha areas aimed at improving infrastructure and law and order.
She also launched the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” programme, directing that 14,500 acres of government land be allocated to local residents.
Under the Katcha Area Development Programme, schools, hospitals, roads and bridges will be constructed, while transport and “clinics on wheels” will also be provided.
On her directives, mobile veterinary hospitals and laboratories will be introduced in the region.
For security, solar-powered drone surveillance with over 24-hour flight capability will be deployed, while modern armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and police vehicles will be equipped with surveillance cameras.
Police stations and check posts in Katcha areas will be linked to the Safe City monitoring system.
According to the plan, Rs7.1 billion will be spent on law and order, Rs13.9 billion on social infrastructure and Rs1.7 billion on other initiatives.
In the education sector, 6,551 female students will receive school meal packs, while 300 students will be awarded scholarships and another 300 laptops.
The project also includes construction and rehabilitation of 65 schools, establishment of 16 new schools and two girls’ colleges.
Development schemes include 108 kilometres of road soling and completion of 27 projects spanning 144 kilometres.
Under a model village initiative, sewerage, drainage and sports projects will also be launched, along with a Rs125 million skills development programme.
Additionally, NADRA registration services will be introduced in the area to facilitate issuance of CNICs and B-forms.
Officials said a hard area allowance for personnel deployed in Katcha areas has been approved, while a special plan has been devised for the return and digital monitoring of illegal weapons.
As part of security measures, cultivation of tall crops along main roads in Katcha areas has been banned to improve visibility and safety.
