EVER since Maryam Nawaz assumed responsibility as Chief Minister of the province, Punjab has become a nerve centre of innovative ideas and welfare programmes aimed at resolving day-to-day problems of the citizens. Her Government has successfully launched a series of programmes and initiatives during this short period sparking confidence among people about a positive change in their lives.
‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ programme envisages smooth delivery of services to citizens through a mobile application and realizing its potential to immensely benefit the people, the Chief Minister has issued directions to start delivery of 65 services under the programme in all districts of the province by December 2024. From August 14 when the services will start in every division, services of police, revenue, municipalities, excise, TMA, development authorities and other departments will be available through ‘Maryam Ki Dastak’. The inclusion of services like domicile, e-stamping, birth, death and marriage certificates, property tax, token tax, motor vehicle transfer and registration of new vehicles means people will have access to these facilities online saving their time, energy and money. As the web portal in question would be manned by the office of the Chief Minister, it is hoped it would have a deterring effect on the implementing agencies and they would show due interest in providing prompt services to the people. In a related development, the Chief Minister is taking extraordinary interest in improving education sector through a number of initiatives of far-reaching importance like a comprehensive mapping of schools to determine facilities; Green Schools programme; CM Punjab School Nutrition programme; introduction of spoken English and character-building classes; introduction of twelve technology courses at matric level; and activation of school management councils ensuring transparency in the working and performance of educational institutions. All this, indeed, is the beginning of a silent revolution in Punjab.
