BAHAWALPUR: The Punjab government is set to launch from Aug 14 the first phase of the Khidmat Card scheme, under which disabled and deserving men will be of fered a monthly monetary assistance of Rs1,200 each across the province.

This was stated by Executive District Officer (EDO) Aftab Peerzada, of the community development department, here on Tuesday.

During briefing at a meeting presided over by District Coordination Officer (DCO) Imran SikandarBaloch ,the EDO said that under the scheme the Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) holders whose data with the NationalDatabaseandRegistration Authority described them as `disabled` would be entitled to the monetary allowance. But, he added, the CNIC holders not marked so would have to pass through an attestation process and later be issue d me dical certificates for which special medical boards would be constituted in each tehsil headquarters hospital.

Peerzada added that beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) but without a CNIC would also be part of the scheme. However, registration forthe scheme would begin later for those physically challenged who neither had identity cards nor were among beneficiaries of the BISP.

FLOOD: All government departments have been cautioned to take measures against possible floods to meet any eventuality.

Presiding over a meeting, the DCO asked assistant commissioners concerned to coordinate with officials of the irrigation department and finalise the data of people and livestock in areas along river banks. He also asked the veterinary department to intensify vaccination of animals.

In pursuance of the DCO`s instructions, City AssistantCommissioner Rao Tasleem Akhtar on Tuesday travelled to Jhangiwali, Sahlan, Weeslan and Khanowali villages along the bank of the driedup Sutlej river that could face a flood in the coming days.

He instructed the relevant government departments to undertake a survey about the human population and livestock to meet any emergency.

Meanwhile, Regional Police Officer Ehsan Sadiq directed the motorways and highway police to intensify patrolling on river and canal banks to ensure strengthening of dykes and embankments and be vigilant about suspicious activities near the dykes.