LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday launched Apna Rozgar (self-employment) Scheme worth Rs31 billion under which 50,000 vehicles are being provided to the unemployed youth through computerised balloting.

Formally launching the scheme, he said that “like other programmes and projects of the Punjab government”, it too would be free from influence, corruption and political interference and provide a source of earning to 50,000 families.

Shahbaz Sharif said that under the scheme vehicles were being provided on soft terms and Rs70,000 below the market rate and their markup was also being paid by Punjab government.

He recounted his government’s other schemes like distribution of laptops, interest-free loans, tractors for rural youth on concessionary rate and a ‘Youth Commission’ meant to resolve the problems of the youth.

50,000 lucky winners picked out of 150,000 applicants

He said no government in the world could solve unemployment problem on its own and it is through its policies that job opportunities were created in private sector. He said the scheme was an important step in that direction.

He recalled that during his last tenure, 25,000 vehicles were distributed among the unemployed youth two years ago and their recovery rate remained higher than 99pc.

More than 150,000 applications were received under the scheme out which 50,000 lucky winners were picked through computerised balloting. Ten percent additional quota has been allocated to south Punjab.

The CM said an excellent business model had been developed for the scheme, adding the provincial government had saved Rs2.5 billion of public money after successful negotiations for the scheme.

Admitting that kickbacks were taken in big deals, he said, however, the Punjab government held successful negotiations with the lowest bidders for laptop scheme, transport, solid waste management, solar park and other projects and saved billions of rupees which were being spent on the welfare of the masses.

The chief minister said unfortunately last six months of the nation were wasted due to sit-ins which created hurdles in the development projects and undermined the efforts for progress and welfare of the masses.

He said Pakistan was facing serious challenges of extremism and terrorism and the aim of national progress and prosperity cannot be achieved without elimination of this menace.

He said that nations face different challenges but overcome them successfully through hard work and struggle.

He said that national leadership is united and determined to eliminate terrorism which will be rooted out and the country will again become a haven of peace and harmony.

Later, the chief minister inaugurated the balloting by pressing a button and issued a computerised list of the winners. The CM also talked to two lucky winners through his cell phone and congratulated them on their success in the balloting.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2015

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