Punjab govt, World Bank agree to increase cooperation in different fields

LAHORE (92 News) - A World Bank delegation led by Country Director Najy Benhassine met with Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi at the Chief Minister's Office.

Both sides agreed to increase cooperation in different fields. A detailed discussion was held about the WB-assisted social and infrastructure improvement programme of the province. The country director assured to promote cooperation in education, health, family planning, irrigation, agriculture and construction of small dams while offering to give 35 million dollars to the Punjab government for cash transfer for flood victims.

Chief Minister Parvez Elahi said that 35 million dollars will be linked to the Punjab Ehsaas Program and distributed to the flood victims. "I have had a long-standing relationship with the World Bank. With WB support, beneficial reforms were introduced in education and health, and educational reforms were also acknowledged globally," he said, adding that the government wants to restart this cooperation.

The CM mentioned that his government announced making education free up to the degree level. "Meanwhile, permission has been granted to recruit ad-hoc doctors and other staff in the health department and make medicines free in emergency wards in hospitals. Similarly, special medical camps have been set up in flood-affected areas to prevent epidemics and a comprehensive plan has been drawn up for rehabilitation," he added.

He said that full attention was being paid to building dams to preserve water. "We will welcome the cooperation of the World Bank with the Punjab government at all levels. The province would move ahead while adopting short and long-term cooperation with the World Bank," he added.

The CM observed that there is a need to formulate a multi-pronged strategy in the context of climate change. "Water storage projects will be started to save flood and rainwater."

Najy Benhassine said that he will continue to cooperate with the Punjab government under the leadership of CM Parvez Elahi and added that education, health and social sector reforms of the Punjab government will yield positive results. "The World Bank will continue to work under close coordination with the Punjab government," he added.