The Sindh Provincial Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali, made several significant decisions in its recent meeting. One of the key approvals was the implementation of the Sindh Defined Contributory Pension Scheme (SDCPS) 2024, scheduled to begin from 1st July 2024. Under this scheme, civil servants will receive contributions from both the government and themselves in place of traditional pensions and gratuities. The provisional contribution rates are set at 12% for the government and 10% for employees.
Furthermore, the cabinet also sanctioned the designation of Karoonjhar Hills as a protected heritage, following a directive from the Sindh High Court. The culture department has been tasked with officially gazetting an area of 21,000 acres of Karoonjhar Hills as protected heritage.
In a move aimed at assisting underprivileged communities, the cabinet decided to provide free birth registration services. This initiative aims to simplify the registration process and make it more accessible to disadvantaged groups and low-income families. The decision is expected to enable accurate demographic data collection and ensure the legal identity of every person in Sindh.
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Addressing environmental and conservation concerns, the cabinet prohibited bottom trawling, a fishing method known for its detrimental impact on marine ecosystems. The ban aims to protect marine resources and biodiversity from the destructive consequences of bottom trawling.
The cabinet also reinforced the province’s anti-narcotics legal framework, approving stringent penalties for narcotics-related offences. Cultivation prohibition may result in seven years of imprisonment, while manufacturing and possession of narcotics drugs could lead to sentences of 10 years or more and hefty fines.
Finally, the cabinet approved the issuance of the Benazir Hari card to farmers with a maximum of 25 acres of land. This card will enable farmers to access various subsidies, relief, and government interventions tailored to support agricultural landholders and tenants.
