BAHAWALNAGAR, Dec 14: Visiting Bahawalnagar district as part of election campaign, Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Wednesday spelt out several initiatives for the welfare of people.

Speaking at a public meeting at the Government Higher Secondary School, Donga Bonga, he gave details of the government’s initiatives and future plans in education, health and agriculture sectors.

He announced a development package for Donga Bonga, Khatan Town, Sondha and water-supply and sewerage projects for Gulab Ali. He also approved construction of a 50-kilometre link road in Donga Bonga and provision of electricity to 50 villages.

He said the Punjab government had enhanced education budget from Rs1 billion to Rs10 billion. He said 25,000 teachers would be recruited in the province.

The chief minister said canal water theft would be eliminated and the defaulters punished for three-year rigorous imprisonment instead of six months. Lauding the bricklining project, he said work on 400 watercourses would be done in Bahawalnagar alone.

He appealed to the people to cast their vote in favour of Chaudhry Ali Akbar Vaince, the official candidate, for byelection.

The chief minister also addressed a public meeting at Mehta Jheddoo and announced a Rs150 million development package for Chishtian tehsil. He also approved construction and repair of the link road to the tehsil, besides upgradation of high schools.

While unveiling the plaque of Sahoka Pattan bridge on the Sutlej (near Chishtian), he said Rs340 million would be spent on the construction of the bridge which would be completed within a year. He said it would reduce the distance between Lahore and Chishtian by 80 kilometres.

He said development projects worth Rs3 billion were going on in Bahawalnagar. He promised a building for the press club and housing scheme for journalists.

He appointed District Nazim Mumtaz Matiana and NA-189, Bahawalnagar-II, byelection candidate Chaudhry Ali Akbar Vaince, committee members who will look after the press club and housing society issues.