Punjab government is launching a big vocational and skill development programme: Dr. Ayesha Ghaus

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Finance, Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha has said that Punjab government is launching a big vocational and skill development programme, under which, two million skilled labour will be provided to the country during next two to three years.

She said that such skills will be imparting which will be required inside and outside the country. She said that services of government and non-government institutions including TEVTA will be acquired.

Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that after training, youth will be provided interest-free loan for starting their own business and earned their livelihood without any loss of time. She said that besides self-employment scheme of the Chief Minister, help of the institutions like Akhuwat Foundation will be sought.

She expressed these views while expressing technical session of 3^rd Pakistan Urban Forum on her return from trade visit to Britain. The Minister said that 60 percent population of the country comprises youth and more than half on women and the dream of strengthening national economy cannot be materialized without benefitting from their abilities.

Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that Punjab government is fully aware of the problems of women and besides bringing them into economic race after equipping them education and training, their confidence is also being restored by ensuring the implementation of existing laws in letter and spirit. She said that Punjab government has introduced a Women Empowerment Programme, under which such atmosphere is being created through which women can work freely. She said that a special quota has been allocated for women in skills programme.

The Provincial Minister said that the Chief Minister Punjab is determined to eliminate child labour from the province till next year. She said that the children will be brought to schools and make them skillful. She said that parents are forced to send their innocent children on work due to poverty. She said that data of such people is being compiled and a formal network is being developed so that best jobs will be provided to the parents on the basis of their skills.

Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said that setting up of a social welfare authority under the control of Punjab government is part of it. She said that effective steps are also being taken for primary healthcare in Punjab. She said that partnership with private sector is being made for achieving all these goals. At the end of the session, the Provincial Minister addressing to the youth, said that we all will have to  take forward Pakistan jointly, therefore, they should work hard for the progress of the country.