Punjab government to give free plots to journalists and media workers.
A group of senior journalists met with Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari today at the DGPR office in a positive and cordial atmosphere.
Azma Bukhari carefully listened to the journalists’ grievances and addressed their issues.
She clarified misunderstandings regarding the Maskan Ravi project.
During the meeting, it was agreed that in the Maskan Ravi Scheme, not only journalists but also all full-time media workers employed in media organizations will be allotted plots.
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The provincial minister assured that the Maskan Ravi project would be completed as soon as possible, under the supervision of RUDA, with no involvement from PJHF.
3,200 journalists will get benefit:
Bukhari further maintained that a total of 3,200 journalists and media workers will receive plots, with the plot size increased to 5 marlas to accommodate more beneficiaries.
Journalists and media workers from Lahore will be prioritized, with those from other cities receiving plots either in Maskan Ravi or in their respective districts’ residential schemes.
The minister added that appeals filed by petitioners in the Maskan Ravi project will be considered based on merit, ensuring no journalist is deprived of their right.
Additionally, plots under this scheme will be provided free of charge to all eligible media workers and journalists.
Delay in project:
She explained that the project was delayed by a journalist who obtained a restraining order against the project.
The Punjab Government and RUDA had nothing to do with the the delay.
However, she has directed her staff to seek High Court instructions for daily hearings and to expedite the case.
Bukhari expressed desire that journalists benefiting from the project would appear in court to support lifting the ban and dismissing the case.
Once the court ban is lifted, the Maskan Ravi scheme will be re-advertised for journalists and media workers who missed the application deadline.
Those who have already received information letters will not need to reapply.
Eligibility criteria:
Eligibility requirements include ten years of employment and one year’s salary slip, while the BA education requirement will be removed.
The Maskan Ravi delegation included Khalid Hasnain, Saber Awan, Kashif Malik, Rab Nawaz Khan, Kashif Selman, Faizan Waraich, and Gulzar Mustafai. Both parties agreed to continue consultations in the future. Only one plot will be allotted per family, even if both spouses are media workers.
The delegation acknowledged the efforts of Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, along with senior journalists Salman Ghani, Mujibur Rahman Shami, and others, in advancing the Maskan Ravi project.
