Punjab Government release of initial fund of Rs.10 crore for the setting up of daycare centers

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has issued instructions for the release of initial fund of Rs.10 crore to the Provincial Department of Women Empowerment for the setting up of daycare centers in public sector universities, colleges and private universities. This fund will be used for the up-gradation of already existing daycare centers besides purchase of furniture and other necessary items for the new centers.

These views were expressed by Provincial Minister for Education, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan while addressing consultative meeting with Vice Chancellors of public sector and private universities of the province, principals of government colleges, Divisional Directors Higher Education and office-bearers of NGOs associated with education. He informed Chief Minister Punjab wants that Women Development Week to be held in connection with International Women Day on March 08 be celebrated in an enthusiastic manner and conferences and seminars on women uplift be arranged in educational institutions.

He said that safety of children during working hours is a big problem of working women and Punjab government has decided that financial assistance be provided in setting up of daycare centers in major educational institutions. He said that besides teaching and clerical staff, women employees of grade-iv will be provided facility of look after by trained staff of their children up to the age of six. He said that educationists should promote awareness about Women Package by holding seminars in their respective institutions. He said that under women package, besides economic empowerment of women, steps have been taken for ensuring provision of their share in inheritance.