In a 5-hour long cabinet meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, several important decisions were made that aim to address key developmental and administrative challenges in the province.
1. Directorate of Inclusive Education for Mildly Autistic Children The Sindh Cabinet approved the establishment of the Directorate of Inclusive Education, aimed at addressing the issue of denying admission to mildly autistic children in regular government and private schools. This initiative seeks to promote inclusive education for children with special needs.
2. Death Quota Implementation Approved In line with the Supreme Court’s orders, the Sindh Cabinet gave its approval for the implementation of the death quota. This decision will ensure adherence to court directives related to employment quotas for individuals whose family members have died while in government service.
3. Sindh People’s Rural Civic Services Company The cabinet endorsed the formation of the Sindh People’s Rural Civic Services Company under the Sindh Transformation Accelerated Rural Services (STARS) initiative. The company will focus on providing clean water and sanitation facilities to rural populations, particularly targeting the 61% of Sindh’s rural population. The World Bank will contribute $400 million to this effort, with work set to begin in the Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Mirpurkhas districts.
4. Change in Vice Chancellor Appointment Process The Cabinet approved amendments to the Vice Chancellor appointment procedure for public universities in Sindh. New criteria have been set, including specific academic and administrative qualifications, to ensure the selection of qualified candidates. The changes also include a 4-year tenure with a possible extension, based on merit and performance.
5. Establishment of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Institute for Democracy and Federalism A new autonomous institute, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Institute for Democracy and Federalism (SBBIDF), will be established to honor the legacy of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The institute will merge the existing Benazir Bhutto Chairs from Karachi University, Sindh University Jamshoro, and Shah Latif University Khairpur. The cabinet allocated Rs 300 million for the institute’s establishment during the financial year 2024-25.
6. M.H. Panhor Institute of Sindhological Studies The M.H. Panhor Institute of Sindhological Studies was approved to foster research in both the natural and social sciences. This institute aims to contribute to Sindh’s intellectual development, promoting regional and international cooperation. The institute has already digitized over 6,000 rare books, which are accessible online.
7. Expansion of General Screening Test MoU with Sukkur IBA The Sindh Cabinet approved the extension of the MoU with Sukkur IBA for conducting General Screening Tests. The screening tests, crucial for appointments in provincial departments (grades 5 to 15), will continue beyond February 25, 2024, ensuring transparency and merit-based recruitment.
8. Feasibility Study for LPG, LNG, and RLNG Port at Keti Bandar The Cabinet greenlighted a feasibility study for the development of a port for LPG, LNG, and RLNG at Keti Bandar by Pakistan Gas Solutions Limited (PGSL). The study will be fully funded by PGSL, with no financial liability for the Sindh government. Following the study, the government will negotiate a financial agreement based on the potential benefits.
9. Coal Mining Concession Rules Amended The Sindh Cabinet amended the Sindh Coal Mining Concession Rules 2020, focusing on the Lakhra and Jhampir coalfields. The amendments aim to improve coal production monitoring. Automatic electronic weighing machines will be installed to enhance transparency in coal extraction processes.
10. Major Healthcare Projects The Cabinet also approved a Rs 2.3 billion grant for the construction of the Hassan Suleman Memorial Hospital in Malir, to be built on 2.25 acres of land. This facility will significantly improve healthcare services in the region.
11. New Appointments and Board Members The Cabinet approved several key appointments:
- Tariq Manzoor Chandio was appointed CEO of Trans Karachi.
- Dr. Nabila Shah Jilani was made a non-official member of the Sindh Coal Authority Board.
- Retired Secretary Ijaz Memon was appointed Chairperson of the Commission for Protection of Journalists and Other Media Workers.
- Retired Senior Judge Dharman A. Akhani was appointed as a full-time member of the Drug Court.
12. IT and Research Initiatives Amendments were made to the Sindh IT Department Rules of Business, with the goal of fostering greater collaboration between government, academia, and industry. This includes the establishment of science labs, IT parks, and a stronger focus on research and development in science and technology. New measures will also ensure improved data security policies and enhanced quality of government websites.
13. Land Allotments The Cabinet approved the allotment of four acres of land to HESCO (Hyderabad Electric Supply Company) for the establishment of KV 132 grid stations in Deh and Tapu Bhat Shah, Taluka Hala, District Matiari, at a rate of Rs 4 million per acre.
The Cabinet’s decisions signal a commitment to infrastructure development, governance reforms, and the betterment of public services across Sindh, particularly in the fields of education, health, energy, and research.
