LAHORE: Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman on Tuesday visited Lahore, Kasur, Okara and Sahiwal to monitor the provision of free flour.

He reviewed the process of distribution of free flour in Manga Mandi, Jhambar, Renala Khurd, Jinnah Stadium, Okara, and Sahiwal Stadium and issued orders on the spot to redress the grievances of people.

The chief secretary expressed dissatisfaction over the facilities at Jhambar flour point and directed the Kasur deputy commissioner to improve the arrangements immediately.

He said the purpose of distribution of free flour under the Ramazan package is to provide relief to the deserving people, adding that full attention should be paid for the convenience of people at flour points.

He ordered that the process of provision of flour be completed in minimum time to avoid rush.

The chief secretary appreciated the arrangements at the flour point established at Jinnah Stadium, Okara, and said that the arrangements should be improved at all points.

He also issued instructions regarding keeping a complete record of distribution of flour bags. He said that more than 2.5 million flour bags have been distributed across the province so far.

He said citizens should show discipline in case of rush.

Earlier, the CS assigned the administrative secretaries of the departments the task of monitoring the distribution of free flour.

Presiding over a meeting of the administrative secretaries’ committee in the Civil Secretariat, the CS asked the secretaries to pay visits to districts and send reports regularly.

He said the distribution of free flour is a great initiative of the government and it is the responsibility of the administrative officers to give deserving people their right.

He directed that keeping in view the rush, the number of counters at flour points be increased as much as possible and the evening shift also be started for the convenience of the working people.

While issuing instructions to all the departments to start paperless working, the CS said the use of IT is inevitable to improve the governance and performance of departments.

He said the e-procurement system is being introduced to ensure transparency.

The chief secretary also issued instructions to resolve the issues of the special education department on a priority basis.

He said there is a need to pay special attention to the education and training of special children, adding that special blocks would be constructed for children suffering from autism in DPS schools in the districts.

The CS also issued orders to the departments to dispose of pending pension cases and inquiries as soon as possible. The additional chief secretary, additional chief secretary (south Punjab) and secretaries of all departments attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2023