Latest news with #SuthraPunjab
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab PA Speaker distributes cheques among sanitation workers
LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan distributed award cheques among hardworking sanitation workers in Kasur under the 'Suthra Punjab Programme' initiated by the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in recognition of their excellent cleanliness arrangements during Eid-ul-Azha. On this occasion, the Speaker not only distributed the award cheques on behalf of the Punjab government but also announced an equal amount of personal reward for each worker — a gesture that was warmly appreciated by the attendees. Addressing the workers, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan paid tribute to the leadership of the Government of Punjab and stated that the vision of public service envisioned by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is now being implemented in letter and spirit. The successful execution of the 'Suthra Punjab' initiative is a prime example of this. The Speaker commended the efforts of the Suthra Punjab workers, stating that hardworking individuals are the backbone of a province's progress and development. 'Loyal and dedicated individuals like you are our pride,' he said. 'The true beauty of our society lies in the hands that serve silently and selflessly.' Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan especially acknowledged the commitment, discipline, and sense of duty demonstrated by these workers during the Eid holidays. 'Their performance is truly commendable,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
24-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
LWMC to clean railway station
People board a train at the Lahore Railway Station as they return home ahead of Eidul Azha. PHOTO: NNI The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has assumed control of cleanliness operations at Lahore Railway Station as part of the provincial government's Suthra Punjab initiative. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Pakistan Railways and the LWMC to ensure sustained cleanliness at one of Pakistan's busiest transport hubs. The agreement aims to provide a hygienic and welcoming environment for the thousands of passengers passing through the station daily. The signing ceremony was attended by Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, LWMC Chief Executive Offcier Babar Sahib Din, and Pakistan Railways CEO Aamir Ali Baloch. Under the new arrangement, the LWMC will deploy a dedicated team consisting of a manager, five supervisors and 105 sanitation workers operating in three daily shifts to maintain cleanliness throughout the facility. The scope of work includes platforms, reservation counters, waiting halls, washrooms, parking areas, railway tracks and administrative offices. Night shift teams will also conduct regular washing of platforms and tracks. The Pakistan Railways CEO praised LWMC's performance on Eidul Azha and cited its modern monitoring systems as a key factor behind the decision to outsource the station's sanitation.
Express Tribune
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Rewarding' waste workers
Listen to article In what was touted as a gesture of gratitude, the Punjab government recently awarded Rs10,000 worth of cheques and a meal to each of the 1,000 sanitation workers of the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company for their good work during Eid-ul-Azha. While the ceremony under the 'Suthra Punjab' campaign was no doubt well-intentioned, this token appreciation cannot and should not be mistaken for genuine support. A one-time handout cannot substitute for systemic support. Sanitation workers perform one of the most demanding and dangerous jobs in our cities, often without job security, protective equipment or access to basic benefits. Offering them a meal and a token sum may seem like a kind gesture, but it falls far short of what these workers actually need and deserve. If they are indeed the "true heroes", then why are they still denied the most basic protections under the law? Many continue to work without formal contracts, with wages below the minimum threshold. They are excluded from the social safety net, and most are not enrolled in EOBI pensions, depriving them of long-term financial security. Their work is essential to public health and urban sanitation, yet they remain among the most marginalised segments of the workforce. True recognition requires more than ceremonial praise. These workers must be brought under formal labour protections. This includes regularised employment and enforcement of the minimum wage along with occupational health coverage and inclusion in EOBI and other government support schemes. While symbolic gestures may generate headlines, they do little to change the material conditions of those they aim to honour. The government must move beyond performative appreciation and enact policies that reflect real respect for labour. That is the only way to repay the people who keep our cities clean day in and day out, without fail and without fanfare.
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Garbage tax to be collected from July
The Punjab government will begin collecting 'garbage tax' from urban and rural areas across the province from July 1 under the 'Suthra Punjab' project. According to sources, the local bodies have started formulating their strategies to collect the service charges to ensure the project's success. The Punjab Cabinet Standing Committee on Finance and Development has already approved the tax collection plan. After coming into power, the provincial government had initiated the Suthra Punjab project to provide sanitation and waste management facilities with an initial budget of Rs200 billion. The local bodies and waste management companies purchased machinery and started door-to-door garbage collection in several districts, including Lahore. However, the facilities have not been fully provided to residents across Punjab due to delays in starting the work by local governments and waste management companies. Since the Punjab government had set a timeline for the project, with tax collection scheduled to begin from July, instructions have been issued to the local bodies and waste management companies to complete all arrangements for garbage tax recovery by July 1, for which work has begun. The new tax will be imposed on small and large businesses, as well as residential areas, both urban and rural, across Punjab. However, residents of all informal settlements in Lahore and other parts of the province will be exempt from the levy. For residential rural areas, monthly garbage tax of Rs200 will be collected from houses measuring two to five marla. For houses measuring 10 marla or more, the tax would be Rs400. Small businesses of rural areas will be taxed Rs300, medium-sized businesses Rs700 and large enterprises, factories and industries Rs1,000 per month. The rate is higher for urban areas, where a house measuring up to 5 marla would be taxed Rs300 and houses measuring five to 10 marla Rs500 per month. Houses measuring 10 marla to one kanal would be taxed Rs1,000, one to two kanal Rs2,000, and larger residences Rs5,000 per month. In commercial areas across Punjab, a tax of Rs500 will be collected from shops. Medium-sized businesses will be charged Rs1,000, while factories, industries and large businesses will pay Rs3,000 per month. According to Local Government Secretary Mian Shakeel Ahmad, the garbage collection services are part of the Suthra Punjab project initiated on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Under the project, sanitation facilities have been provided to rural areas on the same lines as cities. Door-to-door garbage collection is also under way, and service charges will be collected from residents and commercial establishments across Punjab from July 1. All relevant authorities have been issued instructions in this regard, the official said. Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) Chief Executive Officer Sahibdin Babar said an excellent sanitation system had been launched in the division. Along with sanitation, door-to-door garbage collection is also under way, and the waste is being taken to dumping points. From July 1, the service charges will be collected from residents and commercial businesses for these facilities, he said, adding that the charges would be collected by the LWMC.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sanitation workers get cash rewards
A special ceremony was organised in Rawalpindi to honour sanitation workers from the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) for performance during Eidul Azha under the "Suthra Punjab" campaign. According to a statement, at the event, 1,000 sanitation workers were each given a cheque of Rs10,000 along with a meal, in a gesture of solidarity from the government. Special Secretary for Local Government Punjab, Asia Gul; MNAs Tahira Aurangzeb and Raja Qamarul Islam; former mayor Sardar Naseem Khan; Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema; and RWMC CEO Rana Sajid Safdar were present to distribute the cheques. Also in attendance were Municipal Labour Union President Raja Haroon, Chairman Changez Bhatti, Khan Majeed, Bilal Khawar, Bilal Niazi, Amir Naik, Hassan Sardar, Nasir Mahmood, and others. Special Secretary Asia Gul described sanitation workers as the "true heroes of Punjab," emphasising the government's commitment to recognising their service. MNA Tahira Aurangzeb noted that no system can function without sanitation workers and vowed government efforts to resolve their issues and secure permanent employment for them.
