LAHORE: The Punjab government is planning to provide free transport to schoolchildren and officials concerned have been asked to prepare a comprehensive proposal in this respect.

The direction came in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif here on Thursday.

The meeting reviewed various programmes for promotion of education as well as educational matters pertaining to Cholistan area in Bahawalpur division. The meeting also approved ‘meals programme’ for schoolchildren across the province and provision of schoolbags.

Shahbaz hoped the schoolchildren from far-flung and remote areas would benefit most from the Khadim-i-Punjab School Sawari Programme and the initiative would help promote education. He said a pilot project of the programme would be started from six select districts, which would be made public later.

The chief minister also sought a programme for introducing technical education in schools from class VIII to X.

The meals programme comprising provision of energy biscuits and packets of milk to students of Muzaffargarh and Layyah districts would help improve their health.

The CM called for innovative approaches to ensure 100 percent school enrolment in Cholistan, involving local non-government organisations.

He termed mobile schooling as a good initiative and sought increase in number of such schools in Cholistan.

Another meeting, chaired by the chief minister, reviewed law and order in the province and steps taken for security on Jummatul Wida, Al-Quds Day and Eid prayers.

Shahbaz directed 100pc implementation of the devised security plan and making arrangements for provision of food to the security staff during Eid holidays. He said special arrangements should be made to maintain traffic flow at tourist places, especially in Murree. Those found doing wheelie, he said, should be strictly dealt with in accordance with the law. He sought inspection of public parks and swings also to avoid any untoward incident.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2017