Punjab, February 14:
The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has announced several major decisions benefiting government employees, pensioners, and economically weaker sections. The cabinet has approved the release of pending dues related to the Sixth Pay Commission, leave encashment, and pension arrears. Additionally, stringent measures will be implemented against private builders violating affordable housing provisions, ensuring benefits for low-income families.
Housing for the Underprivileged
The state government has identified 700 acres of land that were either under private builders or designated for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota. The government now plans to sell this land in the open market and utilize the funds to acquire 1,500 acres to provide plots to eligible EWS beneficiaries.
3,000 New Government Jobs Approved
The Punjab government has sanctioned the recruitment of 3,000 new employees across various departments. Furthermore, a special Punjab Assembly session has been scheduled for February 24 and 25 to address pending legislative matters.
Arrears Payment Plan for Employees and Pensioners
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema detailed the arrears payment plan, stating that payments will begin in April 2025 and will be completed by 2028. The state will bear an additional financial burden of ₹200 crore per month from April 2025 onward, with a total expenditure of ₹14,000 crore to clear all pending dues. This includes revised pay, pension, and leave encashment arrears from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2022, as well as DA and DR payments from July 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024.
The government also plans to penalize private builders who have illegally developed properties on land designated under the EWS quota.
New Appointments and Institutional Upgrades
- Approval for the establishment of 22 new Lok Adalats under the Punjab State Legal Services Authority.
- Recruitment of 476 new officers in the Excise and Taxation Department to curb tax evasion.
- Upgradation of excise inspectors to the rank of State Taxation Officers.
- Approval of 53 new driver positions in the Excise Department.
- Recruitment of 2,000 physical education teachers (PTIs) in government schools.
- 822 new positions in the Health Department under Group C.
- 97 new posts sanctioned for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, SAS Nagar.
Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor to Create 50,000 Jobs
The Punjab Cabinet has given a green light to the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Rajpura, a key part of the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC). This project is expected to generate approximately 32,724 industrial jobs and 14,880 non-industrial jobs. To facilitate the project, the government has approved waivers on stamp duty, registration charges, and other related expenses for land transfer under the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), NICDC Punjab Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Ltd. The initiative aims to create a business-friendly environment and attract global investments.
Relief for Property Owners Under One-Time Settlement Scheme
The Punjab government has introduced an amnesty scheme for property owners who failed to make timely payments or construct on allotted land. Under this policy:
- Defaulters can pay outstanding dues without penalties, only with applicable scheme interest.
- 50% waiver on non-construction charges for eligible properties.
- Institutional and hospital plots in IT City, SAS Nagar, as well as other industrial plots, will be subject to an extension fee of 2.5%.
- Allottees will be given three years to comply with allotment terms.
These initiatives mark significant policy changes aimed at economic growth, job creation, and social welfare in Punjab.
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