Free solar lights will be provided to the stdents:CM Punjab

Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has said that in view of the sever energy crisis, final shape has been given to the Chief Minister’s Ujala Programme for providing relief to the poor people. Under this programme, solar panels would be provided to the poor people and solar lights to the boy and girl students of matric free of cost to the backward and far flung areas. The Chief Minister directed that tendering process of Ujala Programme be completed at the earliest and this public welfare programme should be started immediately without any further loss of time.

He was presiding over a meeting with regard to reviewing the progress of energy projects in the province, here today. Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretaries of Finance, Energy, Local Government and Schools as well as concerned officers attended the meeting. Secretary Energy Jehanzeb Khan gave a detailed briefing with regard to investment in hydro power projects and progress of ongoing energy projects in the province.

Addressing the meeting, Muhammad Shahbaz Sahrif said that severe energy crisis has increased the problems of the nation manifold. He said besides decreasing the trade and economic activities, male and female students are also facing difficulties in getting education. He stressed that under these circumstances, implementation of the energy projects is of utmost essential. The Chief Minister said that Chinese company has offered an investment of 50 million dollars in energy sector. He directed the concerned authorities that talks should be held with the Chinese company regarding its proposal of investment in energy sector and all aspects should be considered. He said that Germany has expertise in solar energy. Shahbaz Sharif said that an agreement regarding investment in Punjab has been made with German Solar Company during his visit to Germany and representatives of German company will soon visit for this purpose.

The meeting decided to use solar energy in all government offices. The Chief Minister directed that a comprehensive plan should be formulated with regard to utilization of solar energy in government offices including secretariat and presented to him for its speedy implementation. He said that the programme of use of solar energy in government offices will initially be started from Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan. The meeting also discussed in detail the energy crisis, investment in hydro-power projects and the progress of the on-going energy projects.