19 development schemes approved for G-B

The 9th conference of DDWP was conducted under the chairmanship of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Chief Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, wherein 19 schemes were recommended and approved.

The Special Protection Unit (SPU) which is estimated to be around Rs800 million was endorsed for approval. Implementation of this scheme would greatly enhance the performance of the police department. This includes the latest equipment and vehicles for them which will ensure foolproof security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route.

In consideration of the dearth of electricity in the region, the forum also recommended and approved schemes worth Rs1,055m. Their completion would ensure an additional 4.5MW of electricity to the people. Additionally, the installation of smart metres in Gilgit city would save electricity and curtail power theft.

The forum also approved two schemes worth R250m for the Social Welfare Department. These schemes would prove beneficial in the long run and create employment opportunities via the private sector. These schemes will impart artistic skills to citizens of 34 tehsils that would benefit 34,000 families. Moreover, through nongovernmental institutions, interest-free microfinance loans will be provided to 10,000 youngsters to start small businesses.

The chairman hinted at increasing the amount of such loans and taking it to approximately Rs100 million. Known as the ‘GB Special Youth Empowerment Fund’ the programme will catalyse entrepreneurship and facilitate local startups

Three schemes in the education department worth Rs480 million were approved. These schemes include a teacher training institute named College for Education for female teachers and two public schools in Hunza and Astore respectively.

The chairman issued orders that IT labs and computer labs should be included in all existing and future educational projects. It is mandatory for all primary and middle schools to have such facilities.

Infrastructure, materials, computers, and books would be provided by the government. There will be a centralised selection criteria for books that would be undertaken by education specialists to broaden the learning horizon of students and inculcate book reading habits.

The Works department had seven schemes worth Rs845 million approved. Completion of these schemes would improve the distribution of drinking water. It would also make accessibility better.