LAHORE (BMZ REPORT )
Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, gave approval to various important measures for the promotion of information technology in the province.
The meeting decided in principle to launch “Khadim-e- Punjab Metro Wi-Fi Network Programme” in Punjab and also granted approval to the programme of giving tablets to teachers of mathematics and science subjects from Class-VI to X. Boy and girl students of Class V to VIII of public sector schools obtaining prominent positions in annual examination will also be given tablets.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said Metro Wi- Fi Network Programme would initially be started in Multan, Rawalpindi and Lahore. Under this programme, Wi-Fi facility would be provided at important educational institutions, hospitals, railway stations, airports, metro bus routes, bus stands and other places and the scope of this programme would gradually be expanded, he said and added the students would have Wi-Fi facility free of charge.
He said the purpose of this programme was to promote education in the province with the help of modern technology as use of the latest technology was a need of the hour, adding that effective measures were being taken for the promotion of information technology in view of its importance.
Shahbaz Sharif said the Punjab Information Technology Board had started the programme of digitalization of textbooks with the cooperation of Punjab Textbooks Board and it was of key importance.
He said under this programme, Punjab government had digitalized all textbooks of science subjects and mathematics from 6th to 10th Class while CDs of the books had also been produced.
He said information technology was being fully utilized for ensuring good governance, adding that necessary measures would also be taken for the promotion of information technology for the capacity-building of departments besides improving efficiency of institutions at district level.
He said a programme was also being evolved for benefiting from information technology at tehsil and district levels as maximum use of information technology was among the priorities of the government.
The chief minister issued instructions for setting up of a committee headed by the chief secretary for submitting final recommendations with regard to promotion of information technology in provincial departments and districts at the earliest.
The chairman PITB gave a detailed briefing about measures for the promotion of information technology.
Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmad, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, Secretary Finance, Secretary Schools Education and concerned officers were present.