LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has established a ministerial committee for the policy input on wheat procurement and other related issues.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired the fourth meeting of the provincial cabinet here on Tuesday which formed the ministerial committee. Headed by the provincial food minister, ministers for finance, agriculture and information and industries will be its members.

It was agreed in the meeting that MPAs and all other stakeholders will be consulted before formulating a workable policy in this regard.

The chief minister said: “It is important to decide on the quantum of wheat cultivation after ascertaining its true requirements. AI and other technologies should be used to determine crop requirements.”

She said a campaign should be started to install safety guards on motorcycles to protect riders from metallic kite string, and effective legislation would be enacted to ensure safety of sanitary workers.

The cabinet agreed on the proposal of holiday on Easter for Christian employees. Decision was also taken to use cameras and other AI tools in examination centres to prevent cheating.

She directed the ministers, MPAs, deputy commissioners, district police chiefs, and other officials concerned for strict action against all those involved.

The cabinet approved sending recommendation to the federal government for the award of Quaid-i-Azam Police Medal to ASP Syeda Shehrbano Naqvi, SDPO Gulberg, Lahore, for her outstanding role in the Ichhra incident.

The cabinet also approval extension in contract of employees of Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department, working in Dealer Vehicle Registration System, and Motor Transport Management Information System.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2024