LAHORE, Aug 23: The Punjab government has earmarked Rs273 million for social development and women welfare projects in the current fiscal year and allocated Rs720 million for 420 new vocational institutes.

This was stated by provincial adviser on law and human rights Rana Ejaz Ahmad while talking to a 10-member delegation of women social workers from various NGOs who called on him at his office here on Tuesday, said a handout.

He said Rs165 million were being spent on ongoing development projects in Lahore and other district of the province.

The Punjab Vocational Training Council would set up 420 new vocational training institutes (VTIs) with the collaboration of federal ministry of religious affairs, costing Rs720 million.

“The aim of these measures is to enhance the role of women in national reconstruction process,” he observed, adding that the local government system had played a significant role in empowering women.

Rana Ejaz said numerous welfare projects have also been launched for the weak and under-privileged elements in society, while a number of jail reforms were being planned with the collaboration of TEVTA for rehabilitation of women prisoners and other inmates.

He urged NGOs to play their due role for women’s welfare.—APP