In a significant move, the Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved the disbursement of ₹14,000 crore in pending arrears to state employees and pensioners. The decision, taken during a cabinet meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, is set to benefit around six lakh government employees and pensioners.
Major Financial Relief for Employees and Pensioners
The Cabinet approved the release of revised pay arrears, pensions, and leave encashment for the period from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2022, along with pending DA/DR payments from July 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024. The funds will be disbursed in phases, providing long-awaited financial relief.
60,000 Jobs in Government and Private Sector
To boost employment, the Cabinet has cleared multiple recruitment drives across various departments:
Punjab State Legal Services Authority: New posts created for 22 additional Lok Adalats.
Malerkotla District Administration: Three new positions sanctioned.
Taxation Department: 476 new posts approved to curb tax evasion and streamline operations.
Excise Department: 53 drivers to be recruited.
Education Department: 2,000 Physical Training Instructors (PTI) to be hired.
Health and Family Welfare Department: 822 Group C cadre posts revived.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences: 97 new posts created to improve medical services.
In the private sector, the government has waived stamp duty and other fees for land transfer to the NICDC Punjab Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited, under the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) Project. This initiative is expected to generate over 50,000 jobs, further boosting Punjab’s economic growth.
Affordable Housing for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
The Cabinet approved a policy for the optimal use of 1,500 acres of land reserved for EWS housing. Authorities will monetize scattered land pockets and use the revenue to develop affordable housing solutions for the economically weaker sections.
Infrastructure Development Through EDC Funds
The Cabinet has introduced a policy to ensure effective utilization of External Development Charges (EDC) collected from developers. Half of the collected EDC will be used for local infrastructure in residential townships, while the remaining 50% will be allocated to major development projects in Punjab.
Financial Assistance for Acid Attack Victims Increased
The government has renamed the existing scheme to “The Punjab Financial Assistance to Acid Victims Scheme, 2024”, expanding its coverage to include male and transgender victims. The monthly assistance has been increased from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions:
Vidhan Sabha Special Session: The Punjab Assembly will hold a special session on February 24-25 for legislative business.
NRI Courts: Six fast-track courts to be set up in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Moga, and Ludhiana to address NRI-related legal matters efficiently.
Increased Honorarium for Rural Chowkidars: Monthly wages increased from ₹1,250 to ₹1,500.
Redevelopment of Bathinda Thermal Plant Land:
253 acres will be repurposed for residential and commercial use, while 1,235 acres will be returned to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).
Rental Housing Expansion: The Cabinet has relaxed norms for rental housing projects in institutional zones, allowing them to house up to 1,000 students per acre.
Solar Pumps for Farmers: A pilot project for installing 200 solar-powered agricultural pumps has been approved, with 90% funding by the Punjab government.
Pollution Control in Ludhiana’s Buddha Nullah: A 300-tonne daily capacity biomethanation plant will be set up to curb pollution from cow dung.
Amnesty Policy for Defaulting Land Allottees: Defaulters who failed to pay land dues to PUDA and Special Development Authorities can now clear their dues without penalties.
Subsidy for Paddy Straw-Based Boilers: The government will offer ₹1 crore for setting up new paddy straw-based boilers and ₹50 lakh for upgrading existing plants to tackle pollution.
The Punjab government continues to focus on employment generation, infrastructure development, and financial relief to improve governance and economic stability in the state. With these decisions, the Bhagwant Mann-led administration aims to deliver on its promises of public welfare, economic growth, and better governance.
