October 05, 2008	Sunday	Shawwal 05, 1429

TAXILA, Oct 4: The Punjab government has formally launched the ‘Green Tractor Scheme’ for farmers in Hassanabdal.

Sources in the local administration told this correspondent that under the directives of the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, applications under the ‘Green Tractor Scheme’ were invited from farmers. In response to the announcement, 134 applications were received out of which only 58 were found complete. The remaining 78 were rejected for having a number of discrepancies. Sources further said the list of unsuccessful farmers had been displayed and they have been advised to file their appeals before the district committee by October 10. These appeals will be disposed of by October 15 and computerised balloting will be held on October 23 in Attock.

ATTENDENCE REMAINS THIN: Attendance in the government, semi-government and private sector departments remained thin on Saturday, the first working day after Eid holidays.

An official in a government department said at least 20 of their employees had gone to other cities for Eid and they would return on Monday. Similarly, a large number of private offices located in Hattar Industrial Estate reported low attendance. Many universities, college and school students, both private and public, also preferred to stay at home.