Punjab Approves Lifelong Pension Scheme for Widows of Govt Employees

The Punjab cabinet has greenlit a lifelong pension scheme for the widows of government employees. This decision came during the 28th session of the provincial cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

In recognition of their dedication, rescue workers assigned to flood relief will receive a reward of Rs 50,000. The cabinet also moved forward with plans to formalize academic assessments, approving official examinations for students in grades five and eight—fifth graders will undergo a review, while eighth graders will sit for standardized exams.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz further directed the creation of a structured industry within prisons, aiming to provide inmates with productive opportunities. The cabinet also gave the nod to a new system allowing online applications for setting up petrol stations.

On the academic front, the meeting endorsed a proposal to recruit Vice Chancellors from the open market, stipulating that candidates must secure at least 80% marks to qualify. Additionally, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) received approval to allocate Rs 2.6 billion for flood relief efforts.