LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet has fixed wheat support price at Rs3,900 per 40kg.

“It is my commitment to ensure that the interests of small farmers are protected at all costs,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while presiding over a cabinet meeting here on Wednesday.

The minimum support price of wheat for the year 2023-2024 was fixed by the cabinet at Rs3,900 per 40 kg. It also approved wheat procurement policy 2024-25.

The cabinet also accorded approval to establish special speedy trial courts in Punjab for the logical conclusion of criminal cases related to rape, child abuse, domestic violence and electricity theft.

The Punjab advocate general briefed the cabinet about the proposed amendment in the defamation law and the establishment of special trial courts.

He said in a defamation case, the degree must be completed within 90 days and the trial within 180 days. “Defamation notices will be given simultaneously through major newspapers, social media, courier service and registered post to avoid complaints of non-receipt and delay.”

The advocate general apprised the cabinet that this amendment would be presented soon in the Punjab Assembly. The CM said the culture of false accusations must end.

The cabinet also accorded approval to formation of a cabinet standing committee on legal affairs and amendments to the Alternate Dispute Resolution Act, 2019. Approval to remove the Gujranwala drug court chairman on complaints of misconduct was also given by the cabinet.

Meanwhile, the CM sought reforms in the 13,000 non-performing government schools in coming three months.

It was principally decided to contact with the donors for the provision of unavailable facilities in the government schools along with reviewing the proposal to finalise a partnership with the educational NGOs.

Punjab Minister for School Education Rana Sikandar Hayat apprised that a plan for the provision of curriculum textbooks in the government schools had been prepared. The CM expressed her concern over the ghost enrolment of students in the schools.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2024