GUJRAT: The finance committee of Punjab Cabinet has approved the schedule for establishment of a new administrative division Gujrat as 832 posts have been created in various departments for the new division.

Official sources say that the commissioner and regional police officer (RPO) of Gujrat division are likely to be posted within the next 10 days and the local authorities are busy making preparations for opening of their offices. Initially, the offices of the commissioner, RPO and other important positions would be established on a temporary basis until the construction of the divisional complex. For instance, according to the sources, the office of the chairman of Gujrat District Council has been recommended for the use of the commissioner and his staff while the RPO and his staff may use old or new building of the district police office. The option of renting a building for the RPO is also under discussion.

About 117 posts for the RPO and 96 for the commissioner office have been created whereas 75 posts in agriculture and 69 posts for food department’s divisional level establishment are sought.

The board of revenue had approved the establishment of Gujrat division on Aug 17 after bifurcation of Gujranwala division– Punjab’s largest divisional headquarters, comprising six districts. Gujrat is now a 10th administrative division of Punjab with three districts, namely Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin and Hafizabad.

Makeshift arrangements being made for commissioner, RPO offices

At least 73 acres of the state land at village Machiana near Kunjah have already been earmarked for establishment of divisional headquarters whereas 25 to 50 acres may be acquired by keeping in view the future needs.

A senior official of the land revenue department says land could be acquired in the same locality where state land has already been identified for the purpose.

It is learnt that the government has approved widening and carpeting of 52km long road connecting Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin and Gujrat since the available road infrastructure is in a dilapidated condition.

On the other hand, the Punjab government is trying to address the reservations of some PTI lawmakers from Hafizabad regarding the inclusion of their district into Gujrat division after separating it from Gujranwala. Some more uplift schemes and facilities are being offered to Hafizabad lawmakers for their respective constituencies.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2022