Punjab cabinet greenlights budget session, key reforms

As a tribute to the sacrifice of PHG Jaspal Singh, who martyred at Sultanpur Lodhi while maintaining law and order, the Cabinet approved an ex-gratia grant to his family.

| Updated: 23 February, 2024 7:29 pm IST
Punjab Cabinet has given the go-ahead for the sixth session (budget session) of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Cabinet has given the go-ahead for the sixth session (budget session) of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, scheduled from March 1st to March 15th. As a tribute to the sacrifice of PHG Jaspal Singh, who martyred at Sultanpur Lodhi while maintaining law and order, the Cabinet approved an ex-gratia grant to his family.

The state government equated the sacrifice of the Punjab Home Guard Volunteer with police officers and military personnel, aiming to boost the morale of Home Guards volunteers.

In a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mann at the Punjab Civil Secretariat I, the Cabinet empowered the Governor to convene the session, with the budget for the financial year 2024-25 set to be presented on March 5. The session will commence on March 1, with the Governor’s address and obituary references, followed by the presentation of budget estimates on March 5. The session will conclude on March 15, with the house adjourned sine-die.

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The Cabinet also sanctioned an amendment in the Teachers’ Transfer Policy 2019, particularly benefiting teachers in exempted categories. The amended policy streamlines the transfer requests of employees facing specific health challenges or personal situations, ensuring a monthly portal-based submission.

In a landmark decision, the Cabinet approved the Design Wing of the Water Resources Department to offer design and consultancy services to private entities, akin to government-owned aided colleges. The revenue generated, estimated at 40 per cent, will be directed to the state treasury, fostering efficiency and capacity building within the Department.

Recognising the pivotal role played by group B and C employees in the Department of Defense Services Welfare, the Cabinet finalised their service rules post-restructuring. This ensures a structured and comprehensive approach to their employment after military service.

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In a bid to fortify Medium and Small Scale Industries (MSMEs), the Cabinet gave a nod to establish MSME Punjab, a dedicated wing within the Department of Industries and Commerce. This initiative aims to address challenges faced by MSMEs, enhancing their competitiveness, facilitating access to credit, technology, markets, and providing critical support.

The Cabinet also doubled the War Jagir (financial assistance) from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 under “The East Punjab War Awards Act 1948,” benefiting parents whose children served in the Indian Army during significant events like the Second World War and National Emergencies.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema shared that the decisions are part of the government’s commitment to addressing various challenges and transforming Punjab into a dynamic industrial hub.

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