Government to launch “Khadim-e-Punjab Metro Wi-Fi Network Programme”

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting today which gave approval to various important measures for the promotion of information technology in the province. The meeting decided in principle to launch “Khadim-e-Punjab Metro Wi-Fi Network Programme” in the Punjab while also granted approval to the programme of giving tablets to teachers of mathematics and science subjects from Class-VI to X. Boy and girl students of Class V to VIII of public sector schools obtaining prominent positions in annual examination will also be given tablets.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Metro Wi-Fi Network Programme will initially be started in Multan, Rawalpindi and Lahore. Under this programme, Wi-Fi facility will be provided at important educational institutions, hospitals, railway stations, airports, metro bus routes, bus stands and other places and the scope of this programme will gradually be expanded. The students will have Wi-Fi facility free of charge. The purpose of this programme is to promote education in the province with the help of modern technology as use of the latest technology is the need of the hour. He said that effective measures are being taken for the promotion of information technology in view of its importance.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Punjab Information Technology Board has started the programme of digitalization of textbooks with the cooperation of Punjab Textbooks Board and it is of key importance. He said that under this programme, Punjab government has digitalized all textbooks of science subjects and mathematics from 6^th to 10^th Class while CDs of the books have also been produced. He said that information technology is being fully utilized for ensuring good governance. He said that necessary measures will also be taken for the promotion of information technology for the capacity- building of departments besides improving efficiency of institutions at district level. He said that a programme is also being evolved for benefiting from information technology at tehsil and district levels as maximum use of information technology is among the priorities of the government.

The Chief Minister issued instructions for setting up of a committee headed by Chief Secretary for submitting final recommendations with regard to promotion of information technology in provincial departments and districts at the earliest.

Chairman PITB gave a detailed briefing about the measures for the promotion of information technology. Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Finance, Secretary Schools Education and concerned officers were present.