Zubair Yaqoob
In a cabinet meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Sindh government approved a series of significant financial allocations and strategic initiatives, including a retest for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), the reconstruction of flood-damaged roads, and the creation of a centralized job portal. The cabinet sanctioned Rs6.63 billion to repair and rebuild eight critical roads affected by recent heavy rains and flooding, with emergency procurement measures in place. The roads, spanning across districts such as Dadu and Sanghar, include the Johi to Chhini Road, the Tando Adam-Shahdadpur route, and other key transportation links. Additionally, Rs1.25 billion has been allocated to improve the Sanghar Chotiyariyon Road, enhancing connectivity in these regions. A budget of Rs232.14 million was approved for IBA Sukkur to reconduct the MDCAT exam within six weeks, addressing concerns over the previous test. The Chief Minister also directed the Health Department to collaborate with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to form vigilance committees to oversee the test’s administration. In compliance with court orders, Shah emphasized that the exam would follow the provincial syllabus, with no reliance on previous years’ validations. In efforts to modernize job recruitment, the cabinet approved the establishment of the Sindh Job Portal, an online platform developed with IBA Sukkur, which will streamline application and selection processes for government jobs. The portal will feature a user-friendly interface, automated tracking, and data analytics, offering a secure environment for applicants from grades 1 to 15. On environmental initiatives, the cabinet approved the formation of the Sindh Environmental Protection Council under the Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014. Comprising 25 members, the council will focus on enforcing the Sindh Climate Change Policy, 2022. Chief Minister Shah also highlighted ongoing upgrades within the Directorate General of Climate Change, including staff expansion. For public revenue management, the cabinet endorsed a Service Level Agreement extension with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) for e-stamping services, allowing the Sindh IT Department time to establish in-house e-stamping operations by the new deadline.
