Chief minister was briefed by the PITB chairman on the “Maryam Ki Dastak” programme’s extension plan       Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz seen in this image from December 19, 2023. —Facebook/Maryam Nawaz Sharif

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the start of 65 services under “Maryam Ki Dastak” in all districts of the province by December 2024.

She passed these directions while chairing a meeting to review services provided to citizens through the “Maryam Ki Dastak” mobile application. She directed further improvement of services under the programme, besides approving the extension of their number. She directed an increase in the number of services in Lahore to 40 and then to 65 by August 2024.

The chief minister was briefed by the PITB chairman on the “Maryam Ki Dastak” programme’s extension plan. He apprised, “From August 14, ‘Maryam Ki Dastak’ services will start in every division. Services of police, revenue, municipalities, excise, TMA, development authorities, and other departments will be available through ‘Maryam Ki Dastak.’

He briefed, “Services like domicile, e-stamping, birth, death, and marriage certificates, property tax, token tax, motor vehicle transfer, and new vehicle registration facilities can be availed through the Dastak app.”

It was further briefed, “Citizens can apply for these services through an appointment with a representative of ‘Maryam Ki Dastak,’ web portal, mobile app, or call centre 1202.” Maryam has also directed the construction and rehabilitation of 1,000 government schools within six months.

She directed the start of weekly and monthly competitions in government schools. She passed these directions while chairing a meeting to review the Public Schools Reorganisation Programme in Punjab.

The chief minister directed for a comprehensive mapping of schools to determine facilities and needs across Punjab. She called for a plan to regularise 14,000 AEOs and SSEs in Punjab.

She also approved the launch of the Green School Programme, under which each student will plant at least one sapling, and digital mapping of the plants will be done.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was apprised, “The CM Punjab School Nutrition Programme’s pilot project in Rajanpur, Layyah, and Bhakkar will start in August.” Proposals for the introduction of spoken English and character-building classes in government schools were also reviewed. She directed the authorities concerned to restore 603 non-functional schools across Punjab.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “The introduction of 12 technology courses at the matriculation level will be ensured.” She also agreed to make school management councils functional and effective. She added, “It will be possible to create a classroom, IT lab, and SMC at low cost.” An agreement was also reached on teacher meetings and quarterly student report cards in government schools.

it was decided in the meeting to form PECTAA by merging the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board, Quaid-e-Azam Academy of Educational Development, and Punjab Examination Commission.

The Chief Minister was briefed in detail by the Provincial Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, on the Education Restructuring Programme.

Meanwhile, in a message on International Day for Women in Diplomacy, Maryam said, “This day reminds us of the steps taken for gender equality in the diplomatic field.” She highlighted, “The role of women in diplomacy is important in promoting peace.”