THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 22
The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has sanctioned the convening of the sixth session (budget session) of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, scheduled from March 1 to March 15. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting presided over by the Chief Minister at the Punjab Civil Secretariat I.
According to a spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office, the Cabinet empowered the Governor to call the session in accordance with Article 174 of the Constitution of India. The Punjab Government is slated to present its budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on March 5.
The session will kick off on March 1 with the Governor’s address followed by obituary references. On March 5, budget estimates for the fiscal year 2024-25 will be presented before the House, with the session adjourning sine die on March 15.
In a gesture recognizing the significant contribution of Martyr PHG Jaspal Singh, who lost his life while maintaining law and order at Sultanpur Lodhi, the Cabinet approved an ex-gratia grant to the martyr’s family. This move elevates the sacrifice of Punjab Home Guard Volunteer to the same status as that of police officers, Punjab residents serving in Para Military Forces, and Army Jawans, aimed at boosting the morale of Punjab Home Guards volunteers.
Furthermore, the Cabinet sanctioned an amendment to Para 9 of the Teachers Transfer Policy 2019, specifically catering to the needs of teachers falling under exempted categories. The amendment outlines criteria for transfer requests, particularly for employees facing health challenges or familial circumstances, ensuring a streamlined process via an online portal.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the Design Wing of the Water Resources Department to offer design and consultancy services to private entities, with a portion of the generated revenue to be deposited into the State Treasury. This initiative aims to optimize departmental resources while facilitating revenue generation.
Moreover, a proposal to amend “The East Punjab War Awards Act 1948” to double the War Jagir (financial assistance) from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 was put forth, benefiting parents whose children served in the Indian Army during various conflicts.
In a significant move, the Cabinet gave the green light to finalize the service rules of Group B and C employees in the Department of Defense Services Welfare post-restructuring, highlighting Punjab’s commitment to soldiers’ welfare.
To bolster Medium and Small Scale Industries (MSMEs), the Cabinet approved the establishment of a dedicated wing, MSME Punjab, within the Department of Industries and Commerce. This initiative aims to address challenges faced by MSMEs, enhance their competitiveness, and facilitate their growth through access to finance, technology, market, and skills.
MSME Punjab will provide support to existing and new MSMEs in the state, ensuring their alignment with international standards and fostering innovation and expansion. Collaborations with professional agencies will further enhance service delivery to stakeholders, benefitting around 8 lakh MSMEs in Punjab.
Key Highlights of Cabinet Meeting
- Punjab’s sixth session (budget session) of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha scheduled from March 1 to March 15.
- Commencement of the session on March 1 with the Governor’s address and obituary references.
- Presentation of Punjab Government’s budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 scheduled for March 5.
- Adjournment of the session on March 15.
- Approval of an ex-gratia grant to the family of Martyr PHG Jaspal Singh, raising the status of Punjab Home Guard Volunteer’s sacrifice.
- Amendment to Para 9 of the Teachers Transfer Policy 2019 to facilitate streamlined transfer requests via an online portal.
- Establishment of MSME Punjab, a dedicated wing within the Department of Industries and Commerce, aimed at bolstering Medium and Small Scale Industries in Punjab through various support measures.