LAHORE: The Punjab government announced its fiscal plan for improving the lives of women and girls in the province. The total development budget announced was Rs115 million, while the current budget for ongoing projects is given as Rs315.3m. Therefore, the total allocation of the budget is Rs430.3m.

For the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-18, an amount of Rs675million was earmarked for the sector (total allocation). However, an additional Rs500m was also allocated by the social welfare department to the Other Development Programme (ODP) for the establishment of Violence against Women Centers (VAWC) at divisional headquarters.

In this regard FY2018-19 has reduced the allocation for women’s development by a huge chunk.

This year’s key initiatives include the launch of a ‘Women’s Empowerment Package’ and parallel legislative reforms; the establishment of working women hostels in all districts. The government states that initially only 16 daycare Centres across Punjab are to be established, besides the launch of an awareness campaign on women’s rights.

The Punjab Women Endowment Fund is poised to undertake new women development initiatives and a 15 percent quota will be ensured for women in all public sector jobs.

At the same time, however, steps are planned, including initiatives to be taken under health, education, labour and social welfare departments.

A new welfare project for the transgender community has also been planned comprising components of their protection, shelters, healthcare, schooling, skill-building and access to credit.

A figure of 2,400m (total allocation) has been announced for information and culture department, with a development budget of Rs200m, and current budget 2200m.

Key initiatives include the establishment of Alhamra College of Performing Arts with an affordable fee structure to teach performing, visual and fine arts. Artist Khidmat Cards for financial assistance of deserving artists will also be launched,besides conservation and restoration of the Lahore Museum, establishment of the Bhakkar Arts Council and the upgrade and improvement of the Open Air Theatre in the Lawrence Gardens, Lahore.

Additionally Rs1,200m has been announced for the environment protection department and Rs 500m for the human rights and minority affairs department.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2018