In a significant development, the Sindh cabinet has approved the implementation of the Sindh Defined Contributory Pension Scheme 2024, which will be effective from July 1, 2024. Under this Contributory Pension Scheme, both the government and civil servants will contribute at provisional rates of 12% and 10%, respectively. This move is set to reform the pension structure for all newly appointed or regularized civil servants after the enactment of the Sindh Civil Servant (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The cabinet also sanctioned the insertion of a new subsection in the Sindh Civil Servant Act 1973. According to the amendment, any civil servant appointed after the Sindh Civil Servant (Amendment) Act 2024 will no longer be entitled to traditional pension or gratuity. Instead, they will be enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme, where they will receive both their own contributions and those of the government in the prescribed manner.
Regarding fisheries, the cabinet addressed the ongoing issue of overfishing and destructive fishing methods. Amendments to the Fisheries Rules 1983 were approved, imposing a ban on bottom trawling and the use of illegal fishing nets. These measures aim to protect vital fish stocks and ensure the sustainability of the province’s fisheries sector.
In another major decision, the Sindh cabinet declared the Karoonjhar Mountain a protected heritage site following the Sindh High Court Circuit Court Mirpurkhas’ directive. Covering 21,000 acres, the mountain range will now be protected, and the culture department was instructed to publish an official notification in the gazette.
The Sindh cabinet also resolved to pay outstanding amounts to sugar mills. It approved the release of Rs3.3 billion to the State Bank of Pakistan for distribution to the mills as part of the Cash Freight Support scheme at Rs 10.70 per kilogram. Additionally, Rs 281 million was allocated for further payments under the extra cash freight support at Rs 9.30 per kilogram.
In another important move, Rs434.1 million was allocated to operationalize the Islamkot Mega RO Plant in Tharparkar, which has the capacity to supply 1.5 million gallons of water daily. The Public Health Engineering Department was instructed to expedite the rehabilitation of the plant within the next three months to benefit the local population.
Also Read: Govt Plans Pension Reforms Ahead of IMF Talk
Furthermore, the cabinet approved the issuance of the Benazir Hari Card to farmers with up to 25 acres of land. This card will grant them access to various subsidies, including relief in wheat procurement and other government interventions aimed at supporting small-scale farmers.
Also Read: Govt Rightsizing Scheme with 4 Packages Awaits Approval
Finally, the administrative control of the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (SIPM&R) was shifted from the Health Department to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), in accordance with the SEPD Act 2018.
