Punjab Approves Second Phase of Free Livestock Scheme

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has greenlit the second phase of the state's free livestock distribution scheme, set to benefit additional thousands of rural women. The program's objective is to empower women financially, alleviate poverty, and boost milk production in rural regions. The Chief Minister has tasked the Livestock and Dairy Development Department with finalizing all preparations for the subsequent phase.

During the inaugural phase, the Punjab government launched a Rs. 2 billion scheme to provide free livestock to 11,000 women in 12 South Punjab districts, targeting 4,870 animals initially. Priority was accorded to widows and divorced women to enable them to generate consistent income and aid their families through livestock farming.

The government now intends to broaden the scope of the program to accommodate more women, with the concerned department required to finalize the requisite arrangements for the expanded initiative.