After a four-month hiatus, the Punjab Cabinet on Thursday convened a crucial meeting lasting three hours and discussing nearly 70 agendas. A slew of transformative decisions was made, ranging from employment generation and NRI welfare to financial relief for government employees, housing for economically weaker sections (EWS), and environmental sustainability. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, aimed at addressing key governance challenges while boosting the state's development trajectory.
In a major relief to government employees and pensioners, the Cabinet approved the disbursal of Rs 14,000 crore in pending arrears from the Sixth Pay Commission in a phased manner until 2028. Additionally, the Government greenlit the recruitment of 3,000 individuals across various departments, the creation of 60,000 jobs in government and private sectors, and a special amnesty policy for defaulting land allottees.
Other notable decisions included the establishment of six fast-track courts for NRIs, enhancement of financial aid for acid attack victims, pilot project to install 200 solar pumps, increase in honorarium of village chowkidars, massive housing initiative for the EWS over 1,500 acres of land, among others.
Job Bonanza for Punjab's Youth
Continuing its push for employment generation, the Cabinet approved the recruitment of 2,000 Physical Training Instructors (PTI) teachers, and 822 healthcare professionals, including lab technicians, staff nurses, and multipurpose health workers. Additionally, the Punjab State Legal Services Authority will see 22 new Lok Adalats, and three new posts will be created in the newly-established district of Malerkotla. To further strengthen the Excise and Taxation Department, 53 drivers will be recruited, while the nomenclature of department inspectors will be changed to State Taxation Officers. The revival of 822 Group C cadre positions in the Health and Family Welfare Department and the creation of 97 posts at the Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, SAS Nagar, were also approved. A major boost for industrial employment came through a decision to waive stamp duty, registration fees, and other charges for transferring land to the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) project. The initiative is expected to generate over 50,000 jobs, including 32,724 industrial jobs and 14,880 in support services.
EWS Housing and Land Utilization
In an effort to address housing shortages for the economically weaker sections (EWS), the Cabinet approved a policy to optimize 1,500 acres of reserved land. Scattered land parcels across various colonies will be monetized, and the revenue generated will be used to develop dedicated housing units for EWS families. The Bathinda Thermal Power Plant land will also be repurposed for residential and commercial projects, including a water treatment plant, bus stand, ESI hospital, and schools, with an additional 173 acres developed into a tourist hub.
Relief for Punjab's Employees and Pensioners
In a significant move benefiting three lakh government employees and three lakh pensioners, the Cabinet approved the release of Rs 14,000 crore in arrears from the Sixth Pay Commission. The arrears, covering the period from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2022, along with DA/DR payments from July 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024, will be disbursed in phases. This decision provides much-needed financial relief to Punjab’s workforce.
Swift Justice for NRIs with Six New Special Courts
Acknowledging the concerns of the Punjabi diaspora, the Government has approved six fast-track courts in key NRI-dominated districts — Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Moga, and Ludhiana. These courts will expedite long-pending legal matters of NRIs and ensure a fair and quick resolution of their disputes.
Social Welfare Boost for Acid Attack Victims, Village Chowkidars
The Cabinet decided to enhance the monthly financial assistance for acid attack victims from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000; and expanded the Punjab Financial Assistance to Acid Victims Scheme, 2024 to include male and transgender victims also. This move makes Punjab among the few states in India to offer gender-neutral support for acid attack survivors. In another welfare decision, the honorarium for village chowkidars was increased from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,500 per month, acknowledging their role in maintaining law and order in rural areas.
Green Energy Push: Solar Pumps, Paddy Straw-Based Boilers
To promote renewable energy, the Cabinet approved a pilot project to install 200 solar pumps for agricultural use, with 90 percent funding from the State Government. This initiative aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on traditional electricity sources while encouraging sustainable farming practices. Furthering its environmental sustainability agenda, the Cabinet also announced a Rs one crore capital subsidy for setting up paddy straw-based boilers and Rs 50 lakh for upgrading existing ones. This policy will help curb stubble burning and create eco-friendly energy solutions.
Major Policy Changes and Infrastructure Approvals
· Amnesty Policy for Defaulting Land Allottees: Defaulted allottees can now repay their dues in lump sum without penalties with a 50 percent waiver on non-construction charges
· E-Auction Policy Amendments: As per the amendments in the policy, in case a plot remains unsold after two consecutive auctions, its reserve price will be reduced by 7.5 percent. If unsold after additional rounds, reductions could reach 22.5 percent
· Rental Housing Policy Overhaul: Rental projects are now permitted in institutional zones, with changes aimed at attracting more private investment
· Bio-Methanation Plant at Buddha Nullah: The Cabinet approved a 2.5-acre Bio-Methanation Plant with a 300-ton daily capacity to process cow dung and industrial waste, aimed at reducing Buddha Nullah’s pollution levels
· Sub-division Realignments for Better Administration: Several villages were reassigned to different tehsils to streamline governance and public service access
· Extension of Time for PAPRA, MEGA Projects: To support developers and ease hardships for allottees, Cabinet approved a two-year extension for PAPRA-licensed projects (January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025) at Rs 25,000 per acre per year; and one-year extension until December 31, 2025, for MEGA projects also at the same fee
· UGC Pay Scales for Punjab Sports University: Cabinet also approved UGC pay scales for teaching faculty at Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University, Patiala. This move aligns faculty salaries with national standards, enhancing academic opportunities and attracting top-tier educators to the institution
