CM fixed 8% growth rate for the next four years

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that target of 8% growth rate in the next four years has been fixed in the province. He said that besides improving living standard of the masses through speedy development and comprehensive reforms, more resources will be provided for the development of less-developed areas.

He was presiding over a meeting to review Annual Development Programme of Punjab for 2014-15. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Punjab government is implementing various progerammes for the development of the province and improvement of living standard of the masses.

He said that special attention will be paid to skill development and 20 lakh youth will be made skillful during the next four years. He said that fifty percent share under Skill Development Programme will be fixed for women so that they could also play a practical role for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Shahbaz Sharif said that in order to strengthen provincial economy, priorities are being set on realistic basis under the ADP of the fiscal year 2014-15 so that targets of expeditious development could be achieved. He said that proper and transparent utilization of funds will be ensured for strengthening the economic foundations of the province. He said that more resources will be allocated for the uplift of less-developed areas.

The Chief Minister directed that provincial departments should set their short-term and long-term targets and an effective mechanism be adopted for their achievement so that better services could be provided to the citizens. He said that more than 60 percent population of the province comprises youth and skill development programme is continuing speedily to enable them stand on their own feet. He said that 20 lakh youth will be made skillful during next four years to make them self-reliant while 50 percent share will be allocated for women under Skill Development Programme.

For the purpose of effective implementation of Skill Development Programme and achievement of the targets, the Chief Minister set up a high level committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary Energy and directed the committee to work on war footing for skill development. The committee will submit its final recommendations at the earliest.

Shahbaz Sharif stressed the need for paying due attention to value addition for the progress of livestock, dairy development and other important sectors. He said that there is a need to work hard for achieving the desired results of the four years’ growth plan besides running the departments associated with social sectors in a professional manner.

The Chief Minister directed that resources of the province will be increased for providing maximum funds for public welfare. He said that schemes aimed at betterment of the masses will be completed expeditiously and the performance of all departments will be monitored on regular basis.

Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah Khan, Rana Mashhood Ahmad, Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha MPA, Chief Secretary, economists and senior officers attended the meeting. Chairman Planning & Development Irfan Elahi gave a detailed briefing on Annual Development Programme.