KARACHI, July 16: Sindh Chief Secretary Fazalur Rehman on Saturday exhorted officials of the department of culture, sports, youth affairs and social welfare to fulfil their responsibilities with full dedication towards protection of cultural heritage and assets, antiques and rarities, besides promoting cultural traditions. He was speaking at a meeting of the officials at his office. Secretary of the department Mehtab Akbar Rashdi and Director General N. D. Jatoi, as well as Secretary of Services and General Administration (S&GA) Abdul Qadir Mangi and Coordinator for Sindh Social Welfare Qurban Ali Memon, were also present on the occasion.

The chief secretary asked them to adopt an effective strategy for the resolution of problems in this regard so that people could fully benefit from the services of the department.

Giving him a briefing, Ms Rashdi dilated upon the Sindhi Language Authority, Sindh Tourism Development Corporation, Sindh Sports Board, Mehran Arts Council, Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium and Studio, Sindh Museum, Bhit Shah Cultural Complex, 12 Libraries of the department, Keenjhar Lake resorts, Annual Development Programme, Cultural Complex, Runni Kot and various social welfare projects.

It was decided to take immediate and concerted steps to make the Sindhi Language Authority functional for which appointment of a full-time chairman would be ensured. It was also decided that work on compiling of a dictionary for children would be undertaken by the SLA.

The meeting decided to strengthen research activities and hold inter-district competitions to promote sports and cultural activities and bring talent to the fore. It also decided to make Sindh Museum more functional.

According to another decision, the secretary culture will examine whether social welfare should remain with the same department or annexed with some other relevant one.

The meeting decided to seek cooperation of S&GA secretary in meeting the shortage of staff and integrating all offices of the culture department at one place.—APP