ISLAMABAD, Jan 03 (Online): Federal cabinet has accorded approval to energy conservation plan.
Plan will stand enforced with immediate effect.
Under this plan it has been decided to close down markets by 8.30 pm and marriage halls and restaurants by 10 p.m
The electricity consumption in the government departments will be curtailed by 30 percent.
Federal cabinet met here Tuesday under Prime Minister (PM) Shahbaz Sharif and accorded final approval to electricity conservation plan.
Giving briefing to media after cabinet meeting Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif said the production of inefficient electricity fans will be stopped from the first of July. He said additional duty will be levied on the inefficient electric fans which will help save fifteen billion rupees.
Khawaja Asif indicated a campaign will be launched on the print, electronic and social media to create awareness amongst the people about the energy conservation plan.
The Defence Minister remarked water rates will be reviewed in order to ensure the conservation of water.
He added building control authorities will bring necessary reforms in by laws of housing societies to ensure efficient use of water.
He went on to say Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the cabinet meeting directed to reduce the usage of electricity in all federal departments by thirty percent.
He pointed out the Prime Minister also directed to avoid unnecessary use of electric appliances in all the offices.
The federal cabinet also approved reduction of maximum retail price of twenty medicines to provide relief to the common man.
Khawaja Asif underlined the FBR has been directed to publish a separate tax directory of the parliamentarians.
The Defence Minister pointed out the manufacturing of incandescent light bulbs will be stopped from the 1st of February. This, he said will help save twenty two billion rupees.
Khawaja Asif said all the public sector departments will ensure use of efficient energy appliances while alternate street lights will be switched on.
The Defence Minister said conical baffles will be installed in geysers in a matter of one year to ensure conservation of gas which is anticipated to help save ninety two billion rupees.
Khawaja Asif said electric bikes are being introduced in the country to save three billion dollars currently being spent on the use of petrol in motorbikes.
As regards work from home policy, the Defence Minister said a committee headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will review this proposal and a decision on the matter will be taken in a matter of eight to ten days.
Only 50 percent street lights will be run, he added.
Awareness campaign with regard to conservation of energy will be launched through print and electronic media, he underscored.
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