LAHORE: In a significant move to enhance rural infrastructure, the Punjab government has sanctioned Rs23.85 billion for the Khushhal Dehat Programme. The initiative targets the development of 475 villages in its first phase, with each village receiving Rs50 million for infrastructure improvements such as paved streets and proper sewerage systems.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced that the programme’s initial phase would commence with the release of funds to village development committees by November. A committee, headed by the additional deputy commissioner for social services, will oversee the projects, comprising five government members and four private individuals, including the union council chairman and the concerned sub-engineer.
The chief minister has also called for a development plan for an additional 2,000 villages in the subsequent phase of the initiative. She emphasized the importance of providing essential infrastructure across Punjab, ensuring that development efforts extend to both urban and rural areas without political bias.