RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: A meeting was held here Saturday with Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in the chair. The meeting reviewed progress on different steps taken for the promotion of education in the province as well as different programmes including construction of additional classrooms, installation of solar panels in schools and provision of stipend to the girl students under "Khadim-e-Punjab Schools Programme".

The CM gave approval to extension in New Schools Programme (NSP) of Punjab Education Foundation as well as installation of solar panels in schools in South Punjab in the first phase. Addressing the meeting, the CM said that solar panels would be installed in 17 thousand schools throughout the province and this programme is being started from the schools of South Punjab. He said that provision of solar panels to the schools in far-flung and remote areas is of very importance; therefore, installation of solar panels programme would be forwarded on fast-track.

Shahbaz said that steering committee constituted for this purpose will hold its meeting fortnightly and he will preside over the meeting. He directed that the assignment of installation of solar panels in 17 thousand schools should be completed as early as possible. The CM said that Punjab government has increased the monthly stipend to Rs1000 for girls studying in sixth to secondary classes in Southern Punjab districts and a sum of more than five billion rupees has been earmarked for this programme. He said that this programme is very beneficial for equipping the girl students with education.

He said that construction of additional classrooms in schools is continuing under "Khadim-e-Punjab Schools Programme," and added that missing facilities will also be provided in the schools where additional rooms are being constructed. Construction of additional classrooms will help to provide better educational facilities to male and female students, he added. He said that high standard should be maintained in the programme of construction of additional classrooms at all costs.

The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Schools Education Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Chairman Punjab Education Foundation, Engr. Qamar ul Islam MPA, Chairman P&D, Secretaries of C&W, Schools Education, Finance and Energy Departments, besides concerned officials.