Maryam Aurangzeb meets global expert Sir Michael Barber to discuss Punjab reforms

PML-N leader Maryam Aurangzeb met with renowned international expert Sir Michael Barber to discuss reforms in various sectors including education, in a high-level meeting. The meeting saw the minister expressing gratitude for Sir Michael Barber's past collaboration with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and thanked him for technical assistance across education and other sectors. 

They briefed him on the agenda for fundamental reforms in governance, including education, youth empowerment, and environmental initiatives. Maryam highlighted the launch of a mega project ensuring quality education for every child in Punjab, aimed at reforming the entire education system to ensure the availability of facilities and teachers in schools. 

She noted the initiation of a program providing meals and milk to children in the most deprived districts, funded with Rs20 billion. Additionally, they have introduced the "Early Years Education System" to provide global standard education in the early years.

She further informed that students from Punjab's 10 universities will receive international scholarships and emphasized the introduction of modern technology in agriculture, including the provision of quality seeds, fertilizer, and machinery through farmer credit cards.

Maryam also announced the launch of the "Himmat Card Program" and school development initiatives, alongside the commencement of extensive programs promoting information technology through Digital Punjab, aimed at delivering government services to homes via digital means.

Regarding healthcare, the minister mentioned the overhaul of the entire healthcare system by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with treatments already provided to millions through clinics and field hospitals. 

New facilities for maternal and child health in cities and rural areas, along with free medicines and advanced diagnostic equipment, have also been made available.

She briefed the delegation on using IT scorecards to monitor the performance of departments and agencies, overseen directly by the chief minister to achieve performance targets.

Regarding public health, efforts are ongoing in vaccination and treatment for various diseases such as measles, polio, and others, with work also underway on a multi-sectoral smog action plan to combat air pollution and smog.

The delegation appreciated the public services and foundational changes in governance and IT projects under Chief Minister Punjab's administration.

Sir Michael Barber, beyond his role as a delivery unit head under UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, has contributed to reforms in government sectors in over 50 countries worldwide.