LAHORE: The caretaker government has announced launching a cleaning and sanitation programme in Punjab`s rural areas from Aug 14.

The 22nd provincial cabinet meeting, which was presided over by caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi here on Wednesday, made a decision to the effect.

It granted approval for the commencement of this programme in rural union councils across the province.

Emphasising the importance of a successful programme, the CM instructed formulation of a robust strategy.

The proposal to levy fees for cleaning and sanitation on smaller households was rejected by the CM. A ministerial committee has been established during the meeting to devise protocols for the admission process in medical and dental colleges.

The creation of the board of management for Dera Ghazi Khan Medical College was also sanctioned.

The cabinet also entrusted the manage-ment of Rawalpindi Institute of Urology to Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, and authorised the recruitment of 6,000 nurses to address the shortage in Punjab.

The meeting stressed swift completion of the nurses recruitment process.

Approval was also granted for the admission policy for government medical and dental colleges in the current fiscal year. Furthermore, the reconstruction of Lady Willingdon Hospital was included in the annual development programme (ADP).

The cabinet also approved amendments to the Punjab Drugs Rules of 2007. The establishment of a university in Gujranwala was given the go-ahead and included in the current fiscal year`s ADP.

The formation of Chief Minister`s Task Force for Forests and Wildlife was also approved.

Restructuring of the Punjab Film Censor Board was approved.

In the meeting, reissuance of funds to the tune of Rs2.1 billion for the programme `ASPIRE` of the Department of Schools Education and Rs7bn for 19 projects of cooperation of various international development partners was approved.

To enhance the training of ASIs and SIs, amendments to the Police Rules of 1934 were ratified.