SARGODHA: A rural economic development plan, Sargodha Model, has been devised for the four districts of Sargodha division.

The project aims to implement reforms in five key areas: improving access from farms to markets, restoring village infrastructure, implementing a comprehensive sanitation system, strengthening the numbering system, and promoting economic activities in rural areas.

Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti discussed the plan at a meeting where Sargodha Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shoaib Ali, Director of Local Government Asif Iqbal Malik, Prof Masood Sarwar Awan from the University of Sargodha, and representatives of highways, agriculture, education, health, livestock, and revenue were present.

DCs of Khushab, Mianwali and Bhakkar participated via video link.

Under the plan, assistant commissioners would oversee the rural economic development project, while DCs would directly monitor its progress.

The Sargodha model includes various measures such as the construction and repair of roads connecting farms to markets, identification of new agricultural areas, and the promotion of the agricultural industry in villages across the four districts.

The rural infrastructure maintenance plan involves repairing village streets, maintaining sewage systems, removing encroachments, approving rural house maps, and forming charitable organisations comprised of local officials.

The integrated sanitation system in villages will include the formation of committees comprising village headmen, patwaris, union secretaries, and dignitaries to manage sanitation responsibilities and funds, ensuring the sustainable development of the sanitation system.

Regarding the restoration of the numberdari system, the plan focuses on making the dera of numberdar (village headman) the centre for all activities. Weekly committee meetings will be organised at the dera to address various issues related to agriculture, health, livestock, and revenue.

The model also emphasises promoting e-commerce in villages, enabling farmers to sell their produce through social media platforms. Alongside the agricultural industry’s guidance, other measures will be implemented to increase employment opportunities in rural areas.

PFA: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) intercepted a vehicle near Mangani Bridge, which was transporting adulterated milk and dead chickens destined for Lahore.

The PFA confiscated the vehicle, motorcycle, and other items associated with the transportation of dead chickens. Two people fled, while one person was caught at the scene.

Penalties were imposed on the milk carriers for storing and selling adulterated milk. Approximately 970 liters of milk, which posed a health risk to the public, were destroyed.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2023