Lahore, (PR) : Provincial Minister for Minorities, Ramesh Singh Arora, presided over an important steering committee meeting at his camp office to review the progress of the verification of applications, distribution of minority cards, and the implementation of the Biometric Verification System (BVS). The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including District Commissioners (DCs) from various districts of Punjab, who participated via video link. The meeting was aimed at ensuring smooth coordination and transparency in the distribution of minority cards, addressing any issues surrounding the verification of applications, and overseeing the deployment of the BVS, which will streamline the process and ensure accuracy in the delivery of services to the minority community. Among the attendees were representatives from the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), Punjab Bank, and the Social Welfare Department, Secretary HR&MA Ali Bahadur Qazi, Assistant Secretary Rizwana Naveed, were also in attendance, contributing to discussions on the technical and administrative aspects of the program. Minister Arora opened the meeting by expressing his gratitude to all the participants for their hard work and dedication towards the success of the initiative. He also took the opportunity to commend the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, whose unwavering support for the minority community has been instrumental in advancing these initiatives. He remarked, “Under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz, the provincial government has shown a deep commitment to the upliftment and empowerment of minorities. Her vision has guided us in bringing these crucial programs to fruition, and we are thankful for her constant support.” Minister Arora reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring that every minority citizen receives their due rights. He stated, “We are committed to making the process of receiving minority cards and other services as transparent and efficient as possible. Through initiatives like the BVS, we are not only securing the rights of the minorities but also making sure that our services reach them without any barriers.”
Looking ahead, Arora assured the attendees that the provincial government would continue to strengthen the systems in place, work on resolving challenges, and ensure that the minority communities are well-served. “We will continue our efforts to address any obstacles, enhance communication at the district level, and provide all the necessary support to ensure the smooth distribution of minority cards and services,” he added.
The steering committee also discussed challenges related to the biometric verification process, application handling, and outreach efforts, as well as strategies for improving efficiency and ensuring that all eligible individuals receive their cards in a timely manner.