“Compile authentic data of special persons,” said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif while chairing a special meeting to have a detailed briefing on the Social Welfare and Baitul Mal Department. She announced to issue “Himmat Card” and “Nigehban Card” for special persons under Baitul Mal.
Madam Chief Minister also announced to launch a loan scheme for those persons with disabilities who are eligible to work. She said, “Special individuals will be given a loan of Rs 1 to 2 lakh for financial independence.”
The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif decided to provide wheelchairs and other assistive devices to disabled persons. Recommendations for the formation of Women Protection Authority Task Force was considered in the meeting. She approved the establishment of VAWC centers in each division for the prevention of violence against women. The proposal to establish drug rehabilitation centers in each division was also reviewed.
A proposal to make Skills Development Centers in Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad operational, besides establishing them in other districts, and an audit proposal for the NGOs working for special persons were reviewed in the meeting. Madam Chief Minister sought a report on the implementation of ban on ramps and special persons’ bathrooms in government buildings. She said, “Bathrooms and ramps for disabled people must be made mandatory in every new government building.”
Madam Chief Minister gave In-principle approval for the digitization of Social Welfare and Bait ul Maal Department.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Baitul Mal Sohail Shaukat Butt, MPA Sania Ashiq, Principal Secretary, Secretary Social Welfare and other officers concerned attended the meeting.