LAHORE–Chief Minister has given approval to a grant of Rs1 billion under a comprehensive project for improving the condition of graveyards throughout the province in Annual Development Programme 2012-13.
Under this grant, an amount of Rs34.4 million has allocated for Bahawalpur, Rs27.3m for Bahawalnawar, Rs45.04m for Rahim Yar Khan, Rs23.8m for DGK, Rs15.9m for Layyah, Rs38.4 million for Muzaffargarh, Rs15.4 million for Rajanpur, Rs72.7 million for Faisalabad, Rs12.2 million for Chiniot, Rs24.4 million for Jhang, Rs20.9 million for Toba Tek Singh, Rs47.09 million for Gujranwala, Rs26.68 million for Gujrat, Rs10.8 million for Hafizabad, Rs14.5 million for Mandi Bahauddin, Rs16.05 million for Narowal, Rs36.32 million for Sialkot, Rs93.02 million for Lahore, Rs32.19 million for Kasur, Rs15.8 million for Nankana Sahib, Rs27.9 million for Sheikhupura, Rs42.6 million for Multan, Rs27.5 million for Khanewal, Rs16.06 million for Lodhran, Rs28.5 million for Vehari, Rs46.18 million for Rawalpindi, Rs16.6 million for Attock, Rs13.78 million for Chakwal, Rs.12.01 million for Jhelum, Rs23.8 million for Sahiwal, Rs29.6 million for Okara, Rs17.2 million for Pakpattan, Rs33.84 million for Sargodha, Rs14.37 million for Bhakkar, Rs11.5 million for Khushab and Rs13.94 million for Mianwali.
The chief minister directed the commissioners concerned to implement this scheme, asking them to immediately complete survey of graveyards as per ratio of population in every district and ensure implementation on this scheme within shortest period through DCOs. The DCO of every district will get constructed boundary walls of graveyards at tehsil level, identify encroachments and their removal, construct cemented place and shed for ‘Namaz-e-Janaza’, drainage of water from graveyards and proper arrangements for lighting.
In case of shortage of funds, such graveyards will be given priority where at least 40 percent place is vacant and could be utilized in future. Punjab Chief Minister has also directed that Planning and Development Department will give approval to the standard design of boundary wall for the graveyards and DCOs will ensure uniform implementation. Similarly, Planning and Development Department will also inform about the cost of per unit construction whereas DCO of each district will start work up to January 31, 2013 and Divisional Commissioner will submit fortnightly report about the pace of work on the project to the Chief Minister Punjab.
Youth Helpline set up: Punjab government has set up Youth Helpline for providing guidance and counseling to youth for resolution of physical, emotional, psychological and professional problems. The Punjab Youth Affairs, Sports, Archaeology and Tourism Department has launched the first official toll free helpline with the collaboration of an NGO, Plan International. The services of the helpline 0800-12145, would be available seven days a week from 9 to 5 and experienced psychologists and career counselors would listen to the problems of youth besides guiding them.