KARACHI, The caretaker cabinet of Sindh, led by Chief Minister Justice Maqbool Baqar, has resolved to allocate Rs4.5 billion for the repatriation of illegal immigrants. In addition, the cabinet has approved the retirement of Rs. 25 billion in liabilities under the wheat subsidies, set a new minimum wage at Rs32,000, and appointed Prof Tahir Saghir as the new Executive Director of the NICVD.
According to Chief Minister House Sindh, the cabinet meeting was attended by provincial ministers, Chief Secretary Dr. Fakhre Alam, PSCM Agha Wasif, Chairman P and D Shakil Mangejo, Secretary Finance Kazim Jatoi, among others. At the start of the meeting, the cabinet unequivocally denounced the Israeli attacks on Gaza, labeling it a “grave crime against humanity.” The cabinet’s statement underscored that the Israeli occupying forces even targeted hospitals and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Detailing the key agenda items:
Repatriation of illegal foreigners: The Home Secretary informed the cabinet about the federal government’s decision to repatriate illegal foreigners starting November 1, 2023. While the logistics costs will be shouldered by the provinces, an amount of Rs4.5 billion was needed for the repatriation from several divisions, which the cabinet approved.
Wheat Release Policy and Issue Price: The cabinet approved the release of wheat at Rs10,500 per 100/kg bag from November 10 and fixed the support price of wheat for crops 2023-24 at a rate of Rs4000 per maund.
Retirement of wheat loan: The Chief Minister, collaborating with the cabinet, decided to allocate Rs. 25 billion for retiring unsecured liabilities in 2023-24 and ordered the immediate release of Rs. 5 billion for payment to banks.
Compensation: Following an incident in Sakrand, District Nawabshah on September 28, 2023, which resulted in the death of four individuals, the cabinet approved compensation rates.
Minimum Wage and Amendments: The cabinet sanctioned a minimum wage of Rs 32,000 per month and approved amendments to the Sindh Prohibition of Non-degradable Plastic Products Rules 2014.
Transfer of EPI funds: The cabinet green-lighted the transfer of Rs5.1 billion to the Ministry of National Health Services for the procurement of vaccines for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) during 2023-24.
Thar Coal and Energy Board and Advisory Council Appointments: The cabinet confirmed the nominations of various members to the Thar Coal and Energy Board and the Provincial Advisory Council for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.