Punjab Cabinet approves enhancement in rates of cash in lieu of land and cash award to distinguished services award winners

Chandigarh, May 18: In recognition with the gallantry services of defence services personnel, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday approved enhancement by 40% in rates of Cash in lieu of land and Cash award to Distinguished Services Award Winners, which would lead to greater satisfaction to these awardees and motivate others for selfless service towards nation in future.
Consequently, rates of cash in lieu of land has been enhanced for Sarvotam Yudh Seva Medal winners from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.2.80 lakh, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal winners from Rs.1 lakh to Rs. 1.40 lakh, Yudh Seva Medal winners from Rs. 50,000/- to Rs.70,000/-, Sena/Nao Sena/Vayu Sena Medal (D) winners from Rs.30,000/- to Rs.42,000/-, Mention-in-Dispatches (D) winners from Rs.15,000/- to Rs.21,000/-, Param Vishisht Seva Medal winners from Rs.2 lakh to Rs. 2.80 lakh, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal winners from Rs.75,000/- to Rs.1.05 lakh and Vishisht Seva Medal winners from Rs.30,000/- to Rs.42,000/-.
Likewise, the rates of Cash award have also been enhanced for Sarvotam Yudh Seva Medal winners from Rs.25,000/- to Rs.35,000/-, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal winners from Rs. 15,000/- to Rs.21,000/-, Yudh Seva Medal winners from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs.14,000/-, Sena/Nao Sena/Vayu Sena Medal (D) winners from Rs.8,000/- to Rs.11,200/-, Mention-in-Dispatches (D) winners from Rs.7,000/- to Rs.9,800/-, Param Vishisht Seva Medal winners from Rs.20,000/- to Rs.28,000/-, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal winners from Rs.10,000/- to Rs.14,000/- and Vishisht Seva Medal winners from Rs.5,000/- to Rs.7,000/.
It may be recalled that these rates have not been enhanced since 2011.

APPROVES TO ENHANCE EX-GRATIA GRANT RATES TO FAMILIES OF MARTYR SOLDIERS FROM RS. 50 LAKH TO RS 1 CRORE
In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave approval to enhance rates of ex-gratia grant to families of martyr soldiers from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
Notably, Punjab is country’s ‘Sword Arm’ and the immense contribution of Defence personnel has been laudable in safeguarding national integrity and sovereignty. The soldiers from Punjab have brought laurels for the nation in various battles. Next of Kin (NOK) of soldiers who laid down their lives in various operations for the defence of the country are being given financial assistance by Punjab government.
It may be recalled, the Chief Minister had already announced to enhance the rate of ex-gratia grant in recognition with their stupendous gallantry services.
 
GIVES GO AHEAD FOR SUPERSESSION OF EXISTING NOMINATED MARKET COMMITTEES, APPOINTS ADMINISTRATORS
In another move to reform the agriculture sector, reeling under the mismanagement legacy inherited by the previous government, the cabinet also okayed the supersession of the existing nominated Market Committees. As per the cabinet decision, Section 12 of the Punjab Agricultural Produce Market Act, 1961, will be amended to appoint Administrators for implementation of the policies and programmes of government expeditiously and in more efficient manner, who shall perform the official duties and exercise powers of the Market Committees for a period of one year or till the nomination of Market Committees, whichever is earlier.
It may be recalled that at present under Section 12 of Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act, 1961, the Chairman, Vice Chairman and members have been nominated in the various Market Committees of the State.
 
GIVES GREEN SIGNAL TO HIRE SERVICES OF RETIRED PATWARIS/ KANUNGOS ON CONTRACT BASIS AGAINST 1766 REGULAR POSTS
To bring far more efficiency in the functioning of Revenue Department, the Cabinet decided to hire services of retired patwaris/ kanungos on contract basis against 1766 regular posts of Patwaris.
The Cabinet accorded ex-post facto approval to fill 1766 regular posts of revenue Patwaris from among the retired Patwari/Kanungos on contract basis for initial one year in Rural Circles (except Urban/Semi Urban). This decision has been taken to ensure smooth functioning of Revenue Department until regular recruitment of Patwaris, which is already underway through Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board thereby reducing the burden of additional charge given to the Patwaris across the state.
 
NOD TO FILL CIVIL JUDGES POSTS THROUGH HIGH COURT
The Cabinet also decided to fill 79 posts of Civil Judge (Junior Division)-cum-Judicial Magistrate through Punjab & Haryana High Court by bringing out the purview of Punjab Public Service Commission, Patiala. This decision will help to expedite the process of recruiting new Judicial Officers to ensure speedy dispensation of work at the Subordinate Courts. 
 
AMENDS PUNJAB FINANCIAL COMMISSIONERS’ SECRETARIAT SERVICE RULES
The Cabinet also approved to amend the rules 7 (2) of the Punjab Financial Commissioners’ Secretariat (Group-A) Service Rules-2016 and Punjab Financial Commissioners’ Secretariat (Group-B) Service Rules-2018 to further bring clarity to the employees of the Financial Commissioners’ Secretariat about the Punishing Authority and Appellate Authority in the cases of disciplinary proceedings initiated under Punjab Civil Service (Punishment and Appeal) Rules-1970.
 
APPROVES ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS OF DEFENCE SERVICES WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND PUNJAB EX-SERVICEMEN CORPORATION
The Punjab Cabinet also approved Annual Administrative Reports of the Defence Services Welfare Department for the year 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 besides of Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation for 2020-21.