The Punjab Cabinet, which met here Thursday, with Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in the chair, accorded approval to wheat procurement campaign 2020-21, fixed the wheat price at Rs1400 per maund, while the wheat procurement target was set at 4.5 million metric tons.

The Cabinet also approved to impose public health emergency in the wake of coronavirus and decided to take every possible measure and to provide the health department necessary resources to purchase medical equipment and to launch a public awareness drive. As per Cabinet decision, the flour mills were allowed to purchase wheat but there will be a ban on wheat trading for them. The meeting also decided to do away with the restriction of 'gardawari' and the farmers will be given gunny bags on 'first come, first served' basis. It was further decided to start wheat procurement campaign in southern Punjab districts at the end of this month.

Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said that provincial ministers will monitor the wheat procurement campaign while the district administration will ensure achieving the wheat procurement target.

The meeting approved G2G arrangements with National Radio Communication Corporation for the supply of vehicles; retro-reflective number plats and also decided to create a separate Tourism Department by bifurcating it from Youth Affairs & Sports Department. Approval of amendment in Stamp Act 1899 (Act II of 1899), Punjab Police (Special Branch) Intelligence Cadre Service Rules 2012 and schedule of Sub Inspectors and Inspectors (Appointment & Conditions of Service) Rules 2013 was given by the cabinet. Amendment in rules for the supply of water to power plants by Irrigation Department was also approved along with the endorsement of minutes of 25th and 26th cabinet meetings. Similarly, endorsement of decisions made in 25th and 26th Cabinet Standing Committee for Finance & Development and 21st meeting of Cabinet Standing Committee for Legislative Business was also given.

The Punjab Cabinet also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister Usman Buzdar for working for the establishment of Southern Punjab Secretariat.

Moreover, the CM has accorded approval to celebrate Punjab Cultural Day on 14th of March. Cultural shows will be organized at district and divisional levels under the auspices of the Information and Culture Department.

Folk artists will highlight the culture of Punjab.