CM led cabinet took pro-people decisions

•    DECIDES TO RESTORE BENEFITS TO 10.77 LAKH RATION CARD HOLDERS ACROSS THE STATE
•    GIVES NOD TO NEW AND TRANSPARENT TRANSFER POLICY FOR THE TEACHERS
•    APPROVES EXTENDING CM DI YOGSHALA CAMPAIGN TO 15 MORE DISTRICTS
•    FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO EX-SERVICEMEN/ THEIR WIDOWS ENHANCED TO RS 10,000 FROM RS 6,000
•    APPROVES SELF-CERTIFICATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PLANS UP TO 500 SQUARE YARDS
•    GREEN SIGNAL TO INTRODUCE FARISHTEY SCHEME IN THE STATE

Chandigarh, January 24, 2024: Punjab Cabinet led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced to restore benefits to 10.77 lakh Ration card holders across the state to enable them to avail the benefits of the ration being supplied under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held here under the leadership of the Chief Minister here at Punjab Civil Secretariat.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that around three lakh cards were deleted during the verification process thereby depriving 10.77 lakh beneficiaries of its benefits. However, keeping in view the larger public interest, the Cabinet has decided to restore these cards. As per this decision all these beneficiaries will be able to derive the benefits of the PDS and door to delivery of ration schemes being started by the state government.

GIVES NOD TO NEW AND TRANSPARENT TRANSFER POLICY FOR THE TEACHERS

The Cabinet also gave green signal to a new and transparent Transfer Policy for the teachers. This policy has been streamlined to ensure that the teachers contribute zealously in the teaching works rather than running pillar to post for their transfers. This policy facilitates teachers, having family members suffering from chronic diseases, to apply for the transfer throughout the year to take care of their families.

APPROVES EXTENDING CM DI YOGSHALA CAMPAIGN TO 15 MORE DISTRICTS

The Cabinet also gave nod to extend CM Di Yogshala campaign to 15 more districts including Barnala, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SBS Nagar, Tarn Taran and Malerkotla. This health oriented initiative of the state government is already getting massive response after its launch in nine cities of the state under phase I. With this pro-people initiative the scheme will now cover the entire state so approval was given for recruitment of additional trainers and other staff for the scheme. 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO EX-SERVICEMEN/ THEIR WIDOWS ENHANCED TO RS 10,000 FROM RS 6,000

The Cabinet also accorded its consent to enhance the financial assistance to Ex-Servicemen/ their widows who are above 65 years of age and took part in World War-l and World War-Il but were sent home without any pensionary benefits from existing Rs 6000 to Rs 10,000. Presently 453 beneficiaries are availing benefits under this policy of the state government. This hike will be effective from July 26, 2023 and will immensely benefit the Ex-servicemen and their widows.

APPROVAL TO SET UP SCHOOL OF EMINENCE IN THE BUILDING OF PIT

The Cabinet also gave its approval to set up a School of Eminence in the building of Punjab Institute of Technology (PIT) located in the village Arniwala Sheikh Subhan. Earlier, the school was proposed to be set up in Government Secondary School but now due to lack of space it was decided to shift this school to PIT. The school will be a center of excellence equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, which will enhance the learning experiences of students through contemporary best school practices in the world.

DECIDES NOT TO AWARD THE CONTRACT OF LEFT OVER MATERIAL FROM MANDIS

In another landmark decision, the Cabinet also decided not to award the contract of left over material from mandis of Punjab state from the year 2023-24. It is worth mentioning that, Punjab Mandi Board has been awarding the Contract for lifting of leftover material from the markets of the Punjab for the last 25 years. However, now this decision has been taken not to allot the contract to raise the standard of living of poor tribes/people.

APPROVES SELF-CERTIFICATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PLANS UP TO 500 SQUARE YARDS

In a major relief to residents of urban areas, the Cabinet also gave approval to amend Clause 3.14.1 of the Punjab Municipal Building Bylaws-2018 thereby enabling Self-Certification of Residential Building Plans up to 500 square yards. Self-certification stipulates that the plans can be approved by the architect himself without routing the plans to any official/employee. However, checks and balances have been introduced in the system to ensure that building bylaws are followed meticulously and the documents uploaded are in accordance with norms.

Pertinently, more than 90% of residential buildings in the state are below 500 sq. yards. Therefore, easing the approval of such types of building plans will bring great relief to the general public. Self-certification is an innovative initiative aimed at reducing the time taken for approval, increasing transparency and sensitizing citizens to comply with building bylaws.

APPROVAL TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM SAP FOR THE SUGARCANE CULTIVATORS

The Cabinet also gave approval to ensure the payment of Sugarcane at the fixed Price (State Agreed Price) of Rs. 391/-and 381/- for Early and Mid-Late varieties, respectively. This is in consonance with the firm commitment of the state government to lead the country in providing maximum SAP for the sugarcane cultivators. During the crushing year 2023-24, out of fixed State Agreed Price (SAP) Rs. 391/- and 381/- for Early and mid-Late varieties respectively, a subsidy of Rs. 55.50/- per quintal will be directly transferred in the bank accounts of Sugarcane farmers by the Government of Punjab.

GREEN SIGNAL TO INTRODUCE FARISHTEY SCHEME IN THE STATE

In order to lower down the mortality and morbidity rate due to injuries occurring during Road Side Accidents, the Cabinet also gave green signal to introduce the Farishtey scheme. The scheme envisages immediate and hassle free treatment to accident victims in both the Public and empanelled Private hospitals. To encourage the general public for their hassle-free participation towards helping the accidental victims, the state government will commend their deeds by offering a financial reward of Rs 2000. Apart from financial reward, a commendation certificate describing them as "FARISHTEY" will be issued to such persons and they will be provided immunity from legal complications and police inquiries.

NOD TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT'S

The Cabinet also gave nod to the Administrative reports for the year 2018-19 to 2021-22 of the Transport Department's wings viz. State Transport Commissioner, Director State Transport and Pepsu Road Transport Corporation.

RECOMMENDS NAME OF AULAKH AS PPSC CHAIRMAN TO GOVERNOR

The Cabinet also gave a go ahead to forward the recommendation to Governor, Punjab regarding the appointment of Jatinder Singh Aulakh as the Chairman of the Punjab Public Service Commission.