Minister Industries Chairs a Meeting to Review the Performance of Mines and Minerals Department

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Mian Aslam Iqbal in the committee room of Punjab Board of investment and Trade today in which the performance of Mines and Minerals Department, implementation on schemes and future course of action were reviewed. The meeting decided to increase the death grant of mineworkers from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 1.5 million and this death grant will be provided by the employer. Monthly financial assistance for disable mine workers will also be increased up to Rs. 20,000. Provincial Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal directed to present a plan to increase the death grant and financial assistance to disabled miners in the next meeting and said that expeditious steps should also be taken with regard to insurance of mine workers. Every necessary step should be taken to provide better facilities to the mineworkers. He said that the economy of the province could be strengthened by utilizing the hidden treasures in the land. Therefore, complete mapping of mineral treasures in Punjab should be done so that they can be fully utilized. He said that digitization would bring transparency in departmental affairs. Therefore, modern technology should be promoted. Briefing about the departmental digitization and implementation of old and new schemes, the Secretary Mines and Minerals said that along with promoting the use of modern technology in the Department of Minerals, one window operation would also be established. Last year 5 schemes were completed while this year 10 new schemes are being started. Head of Special Monitoring Unit Fazil Asif, DG Mines and Minerals and concerned officers attended the meeting.