Orders have been issued to departments to implement the three percent job quota for the disabled; legal action will be taken against violations; ‘Himat Card’ program has been launched to provide a monthly stipend of Rs 4,000 to special individuals
The Social Welfare Department has submitted a report to the Lahore High Court. Petitioner Azhar Siddique has approached the Lahore High Court for the implementation of the court order to provide rights to the disabled. In this, Additional Secretary Social Welfare Muhammad Qayyum Qudrat submitted the report to the court. The report states that a final deadline has been issued to all departments to implement the three percent job quota for the disabled.
A complete database of vacancies for disabled people in government departments has been prepared. The three percent job quota will be strictly implemented in the private sector as well, while legal action will be taken against violations. The Chief Minister’s Secretariat will monitor recruitments under the three percent quota. The ‘Himat Card’ program has been launched to provide a monthly stipend of Rs 4,000 to special individuals, for which initial funds of Rs 500 million have been allocated. The report states that ‘one class’ has been made mandatory for disabled children in educational institutions, a special education wing has been established to provide special training to teachers, screening centers will be activated in all hospitals within two months for timely diagnosis of disability, ramps, dedicated washrooms and elevator facilities have been made mandatory in government and private buildings, and new regulations have been issued to building control authorities for approval of plans.
According to the report of the Social Welfare Department, free travel and reserved seats for special persons in public transport will be provided, additional funds of Rs 445 million have been approved for free provision of artificial limbs, wheelchairs and hearing aids, an online portal has been developed with the support of PITB to facilitate the acquisition of disability certificates, the social welfare helpline 1312 has been linked to Rescue 15, and special persons will be provided ‘doorstep’ facilities in emergencies.
Dar satisfied with sugar production
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday expressed satisfaction that sugar production this season has been encouraging, noting that this would ensure adequate supply in the market to meet domestic demand while helping maintain price stability.
The deputy prime minister chaired a high-level meeting to review sugar production at the conclusion of the current crushing season, a DPM’s Office news release said.