Sindh Cabinet Sanctions Huge Funds to IBA Sukkur for MDCAT 2024

A latest news from Sindh just cam in that the Sindh cabinet approves the funding for IBA Sukkur to re-conduct MDCAT 2024 and multiple provincial initiatives. The Sindh cabinet, presided over by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, convened on Wednesday to discuss and approve funding for various critical provincial projects. Among the highlights was the approval of Rs. 232.14 million assigned to the Sukkur Institute of Business Administration to conduct the Medical & Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) again.  And other significant decisions were also included funding for infrastructure repair, the establishment of a centralized job portal and the implementation of an e-stamping system. You can get more details regarding this further below from this page.

MDCAT to be Conducted by IBA Sukkur

To address concerns regarding the re-conduct MDCAT 2024, the cabinet sanctioned Rs. 232.14 million for IBA Sukkur to conduct a MDCAT test again. The new MDCAT 2024 test is scheduled to take place within the next six weeks. To ensure fairness and transparency, the CM of Sindh instructed the health department to establish caution committees in coordination with the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council PMDC. Additionally, examination boards will be required to announce results at least one month prior to MDCAT in the future.

Establishment of Sindh Job Portal

In collaboration with IBA Sukkur, the Sindh cabinet approved the creation of the Sindh Job Portal (SJP). The centralized platform aims to modernize the recruitment process for provincial government roles, enhancing efficiency and transparency. The SJP portal will manage applications from grade 1 to 15, with features such as automated submissions, tracking and real time analytics. Applicants who pass the Sindh Testing Service (STS) exams will be seamlessly integrated into this system.

Formation of Sindh Environmental Protection Council

Under the Sindh Environmental Protection Act 2014, the cabinet sanctioned the establishment of the Sindh Environmental Protection Council. Comprising up to 25 members, including official and non-official members appointed for three year terms, the council will supervise provincial environmental initiatives. Syed Murad Ali Shah highlighted that the Sindh government’s 2022 Climate Change Policy and implementation framework are already in place and additional staffing is underway to strengthen the Directorate General of Climate Change.

Extension of E-Stamping System Agreement

The Sindh cabinet also extended its e stamping system agreement with the Punjab Information Technology Board for 6 more months. During this period, the Sindh IT department will build its capacity to independently manage the system, aiming to streamline tax collection and document verification through digital means. The agreement was originally set for a year term from 4^th October 2021, to 3^rd October 2024, at an annual service charge of Rs. 48 million, has been extended by the cabinet for an additional six months. During this period, the provincial IT department will work on building its capacity to manage the e-stamping system independently.

Health Services and Faculty at Khairpur Medical College

The cabinet allocated Rs. 425.713 million to support integrated health services (IHS) facilities previously managed by private partners. This funding will cover salary expenses and other operational costs. Additionally, 15 faculty members at Khairpur Medical College (KMC) received a 6 month extension on their contracts. The Sindh CM instructed the health department to recruit more faculty members through the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) within this timeframe.

Additional Approvals

1.       Literary Conference: Rs. 4 million was allocated for a literary conference at Frere Hall.

2.       Jamshoro Electrification Program: Rs. 68.043 million was approved for electrification projects.

3.       Larkana Development Authority: Rs. 81.9 million was granted to cover salaries and liabilities for employees moved to the surplus pool following the authority’s closure.

4.       These approvals highlight the Sindh government’s commitment to infrastructure improvement, streamlined governance, and enhanced public services across the province.