LAHORE, Nov 22: The Punjab government has devised a system to conduct surprise inspections of all the development schemes in the province so as to ensure their timely completion.

This was stated by Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi at a meeting with MNAs from Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, here on Saturday.

They were Sardar Nasrullah Dareshak, Sardar Jaffar Khan Leghari and Ms Meena Leghari. Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Sardar Shaukat Husain Mazari and Sardar Sher Ali Mazari were also present there.

The chief minister said adequate funds had been provided for health, education and other facilities for people in backward areas. “Improving the economic condition of the common man is the central point of the government’s programme,” he added.

The conditions for investment in the province were favourable and world financial institutions were fully cooperating with it in the water, power, agriculture and education sectors, he said.

Mr Elahi also said the irrigation system was being expanded in the province in view of the growing needs of water and power. The process of electrification of villages had been accelerated and major project of the repairs of all barrages, headworks and bricklining of canals was being launched.

He said the development and management of the water sector would help meet the growing needs. The flat rate of abiana had given a relief to the farmers and the government was following the policy of eliminating unnecessary interference of its departments in the public affairs, said the chief minister.

Sardar Jaffar Leghari appreciated the provincial government’s reform initiatives, and demanded construction of Kot Chhota bypass and provision of Sui gas in Rajanpur.

Ms Meena Leghari sought action against some corrupt officials in Dera Ghazi Khan, which the chief minister promised. Sardar Nasrullah Dareshak demanded a special development package for Rajanpur.

The chief minister accepted the MNAs’ invitation to visit Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur.