Stipend for differently-abled citizens increased

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has increased the monthly stipend for deserving differently-abled people to Rs7,500 from Rs6,000.

Presiding over a meeting to review the Chief Minister Himmat Card project, she directed the authorities concerned to pay monthly stipends to special persons for three years in the first phase.

”About 30,000 special people will get a monthly stipend of Rs7,500 for three years,” she added.

The chief minister called for an awareness campaign for the provision of wheelchairs to deserving people. ”Needy people can use the helpline of Chief Minister's Office at 0800-02345 to register themselves for the wheelchairs,” she said.

”Special persons will also be given 14 types of assistive devices in the second phase,” she added.

The chief minister said wheelchairs, hearing aids, tricycles, Braille and other devices will be provided to make easier the life of the differently-abled people.

”Subsidised public transport facilities and loans will also be provided to special persons in a phased manner,” she added.

Presiding over another meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz sought a comprehensive report on electricity theft based on authentic data.

The CM was briefed by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman and Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar about the ongoing crackdown against electricity thieves in the province.

The officers informed the chief minister that 660 police officials were assisting in the campaign against electricity thieves in each district. They also submitted a report about five electricity distribution companies, including LESCO.

Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information and Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari and MPA Sania Ashiq attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2024.