KARACHI, June 17: Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that a micro-credit bank is being established in Sindh soon with an aim of extending interest-free loans for the promotion of cottage industry and agriculture and to provide self-employment to jobless people.

"I have talked to a banker and asked him to workout a plan in this respect," he said while speaking at a dinner hosted by him for senior journalists, editors and newspaper owners at the Chief Minister's House on Wednesday night.

"I would try my best to see this idea is materialized," he said, adding that funds for this purpose would be sought from the federal government and other resources. "My idea is to grant the loans on interest-free or soft terms basis."

Dr Arbab said his government realized the gravity of unemployment problem and would make efforts to create maximum number job opportunities. However, he added, induction of all jobless people in government departments was not possible. "We have to generate other avenues to address this problem."

Reiterating his resolve to re-establish the writ of government, maintain law and order and dispense justice, the chief minister said that all this depended on good governance. He said it would be his prime duty to serve people without any discrimination and restore their confidence.

"I feel that the entire system has almost collapsed. No department is functioning well. There is no government writ. I have to restore it and for the purpose, cooperation from all the corners is direly needed," he said.

Regarding law and order, the CM said that deep-rooted ills would certainly take time to be rooted out. "I have taken over just a few days back. It would be unfair to expect results so early. However, I assure Sindh people that they would see the results in due course of time."

Dr Arbab said he did not believe in politics of victimization and would like to concentrate on serving people instead of wasting time by indulging in confrontation. He said he would welcome constructive criticism from media, opposition and any other quarters and would also take corrective measures in the light of such criticizm.

Speaking about his government's priorities, he said that besides law and order, he attached top priority to irrigation sector. "If there exists any dispute among the provinces over water distribution, it is for the federal government to resolve it keeping in view the interests of all the provinces.

But before taking up this case, I would like to take corrective measures with regard to the fair distribution of available water in Sindh," he said. The chief minister pointed out that whatever the share, water was not properly distributed among the consumers and there was always a hue and cry from the tail-enders.

"I removed irrigation secretary because he was most corrupt," he remarked, adding that he (the secretary) was responsible for releasing poisonous water of Manchhar lake into river Indus that had caused death of many people in Hyderabad.

"I was surprised to learn that irrigation staff are charging Rs1,000 per hour for releasing water to (the lands of) big land-owners in upper Sindh areas, thus earning huge amounts. I ordered a forthwith halt to this illegal practice."

He observed that the LBOD was being wrongly operated and he would try to bring about an improvement in the system. Important steps would be taken soon for the progress and wellbeing of Sindh and the province would be led to the path of prosperity, he added.

The editors and media chiefs from all over Sindh appreciated the chief minister's spirit and assured him of their full cooperation. They also put forth a number of proposals and suggestions. -APP/PPI