In a landmark decision aimed at supporting farmers, the Sindh cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has announced plans to issue Kissan Cards within six months to farmers benefiting from various government schemes including subsidies, loans, and insurance.
The decision, made during the provincial cabinet meeting, entails issuing Kissan Cards to farmers owning up to 12 acres of land and cultivating it themselves. A survey and registration drive will be initiated within a week to facilitate the issuance of these cards within the stipulated six-month timeframe.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized the importance of Kissan Card holders in wheat procurement and assistance during natural disasters, affirming the directives of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for the issuance of Kissan Cards and the formulation of development plans for every district.
A committee has been formed to execute the party’s election manifesto, with a focus on implementing all ten points announced by the chairman. The committee, comprising the irrigation minister, senior member Board of Revenue (SMBR), and agriculture secretary, will spearhead data development and submission of recommendations.
Furthermore, the Kissan Cards initiative aims to consolidate recipient information for transparent and efficient implementation of government interventions. The provincial government will establish a digital platform accessible to all district administrations for entering farmer details, including demographics, contact information, landholding patterns, and agricultural practices.
In a parallel development, the cabinet approved Rs521 million for fuel indexation of intra-district Peoples Bus Service (PBS) and Rs5.027 million grant for JS Academy. The PBS project, a government-to-government initiative between the Sindh government and the National Radio Transit Authority (NRDC), aims to enhance public transportation infrastructure across cities including Karachi, Larkana, Hyderabad, and Sukkur.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon informed the cabinet that the project, operational since October 2021, has significantly improved intra-city public transport. To ensure smooth operations, the cabinet approved the release of funds for fuel indexation from January to June 2024.
Additionally, the cabinet approved a grant for JS Academy, an institution providing empowerment initiatives and free education to deaf students, to cover a shortfall in the current financial year.
These decisions underscore the Sindh government’s commitment to agricultural development, public transportation enhancement, and educational empowerment, reflecting its dedication to the welfare and progress of its citizens.
