Punjab Approves Rs20,000/Acre Flood Aid, Welfare Plans

LAHORE: On Monday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz led a cabinet meeting that greenlit a comprehensive 171-point agenda, addressing flood relief, economic reforms, and an array of welfare and development initiatives. Key economic measures included slashing solar power tariffs by Rs2 per unit and reducing the Rent-a-Car service tax to 15%. The Lahore Development Authority was instructed to exempt beauty salons from taxes, while a proposed hike in MBBS fees for overseas Pakistanis to $20,000 was rejected, fixing the fee at $10,000. The cabinet also mandated the MDCAT test for medical applicants from other provinces.

Significant focus was given to the 2025 floods, which devastated 4.67 million acres of crops across 27 districts and impacted over 4.7 million people. Relief operations rescued 2.6 million residents and 2.1 million livestock, with 417 camps established province-wide. Starting October 17, financial compensation will be disbursed, offering Rs1 million for families of the deceased, Rs500,000 for permanent disability, and Rs300,000 for partial disability. Homeowners will receive Rs1 million for fully destroyed homes and Rs150,000 to Rs500,000 for partially damaged ones. Livestock owners will get up to Rs500,000 for large animals and Rs50,000 for smaller ones, while farmers will be compensated Rs20,000 per acre for 25% crop loss. The government also waived water rates and agricultural income tax in 2,855 flood-affected localities and banned construction in riverbed zones.

Maryam Nawaz announced a Rs15,000 monthly salary increase for Civil Defence workers, recognizing their voluntary efforts during the flood crisis. She commended provincial officials, ministers, and rescue teams for keeping fatalities low despite the disaster’s scale, noting that cities like Narowal and Muzaffargarh were heavily inundated. She highlighted that 1.15 million victims received medical treatment, describing it as a record achievement, and stressed Punjab’s solidarity with other provinces, expecting reciprocal support.

The cabinet approved new initiatives, including the Maryam Nawaz Ration Card pilot project in Lahore and an interest-free electric taxi scheme. Recruitment was authorized for 8,084 college teaching interns, new school interns, 444 environmental law enforcement officials in 10 sensitive districts, and 77 positions in the Punjab Transport Company. The judiciary will expand with 379 district and sessions judges and 872 civil judges-cum-magistrates. Under the “Khelta Punjab” programme, e-bikes will be distributed to athletes.

Additional decisions included extending contracts for 14 employees in the Energy Department’s Reconciliation Cell and relaxing hiring rules for the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority and Counter Terrorism Department.

Looking ahead, Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to finalize anti-smog measures before the season and ensure filtration plants remain operational, authorizing NGOs to undertake repairs where necessary. She rejected a proposal to expand Chief Minister’s Office staff, prioritizing public resources over administrative growth.