Punjab Cabinet’s Diwali Bonanza: GST Lump Sum Settlement Scheme, Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme, and More

Punjab Cabinet Decisions on November 6, 2023

Diwali Gift to Traders

The Punjab Cabinet approved the GST Lump Sum Settlement Scheme (OTS) to settle pre-GST dues up to Rs. 1 crore. The scheme will be available from November 15, 2023 to March 15, 2024. Taxpayers will be able to get full exemption on arrears up to Rs. 1 lakh and a waiver of 100% interest, 100% penalty, and 50% tax on arrears up to Rs. 10 lakh.

Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme

The Cabinet approved the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme, which will enable residents of Punjab to visit various pilgrimage sites across the country free of cost. The scheme will start on November 27, 2023, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Increased Ex-gratia Grant for Disabled Soldiers

The Cabinet doubled the ex-gratia grant for disabled soldiers. The new grant amounts are as follows:

• 76% to 100% disability: Rs. 40 lakh (from Rs. 20 lakh)
• 51% to 75% disability: Rs. 20 lakh (from Rs. 10 lakh)
• 25% to 50% disability: Rs. 10 lakh (from Rs. 5 lakh)

Amendment to The East Punjab War Awards Act-1948

The Cabinet approved an amendment to The East Punjab War Awards Act-1948, which will increase the financial assistance for 83 beneficiaries from Rs. 10,000 per annum to Rs. 20,000 per annum.

Creation of a State Cadre of Patwaris and Kanungos

The Cabinet approved the creation of a state cadre of Patwaris and Kanungos to streamline the functioning of the Revenue Department. This will help in improving the accuracy and efficiency of land records management.

Other Decisions

The Cabinet also approved the Annual Administrative Reports of the Police Department, Vigilance Bureau, Social Security Department, Women & Child Development Department, and Labor Department.

The Punjab Cabinet’s decisions on November 6, 2023, are focused on providing relief to various sections of society, including traders, disabled soldiers, and war veterans. The GST Lump Sum Settlement Scheme will help traders to clear their pre-GST dues without having to pay heavy penalties and interest. The Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme will enable residents of Punjab to visit religious sites across the country without incurring any financial burden. The increased ex-gratia grant for disabled soldiers and the amendment to The East Punjab War Awards Act-1948 are welcome steps that will benefit ex-servicemen and their families. The creation of a state cadre of Patwaris and Kanungos will help to improve the efficiency and accuracy of land records management.

The Punjab Cabinet’s decisions are positive and will have a positive impact on the lives of many people in the state. The decisions are likely to boost the economy, improve the efficiency of the government, and provide relief to various sections of society.