Punjab Cabinet Makes Big Decisions: Ration Cards Restored, Teacher Transfers Streamlined, and More

Punjab Cabinet Makes Big Decisions: Ration Cards Restored, Teacher Transfers Streamlined, and More

Chandigarh, January 24: The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, announced a series of important decisions on Wednesday, impacting various sectors like food security, education, healthcare, and agriculture. Here’s a quick roundup of the key takeaways:

1. Ration Cards Restored for 10.77 Lakh Beneficiaries: Around 3 lakh ration cards were previously deleted during verification, depriving 10.77 lakh individuals of PDS benefits. Recognizing the public’s concern, the Cabinet approved the restoration of these cards, allowing these beneficiaries to access essential food supplies again.

2. New Transfer Policy for Teachers: To ensure teachers focus on education rather than seeking transfers, the Cabinet greenlit a new and transparent transfer policy. This policy prioritizes family needs, allowing teachers with chronically ill family members to apply for transfers throughout the year.

3. CM Di Yogshala Campaign Expands: The state government’s popular health initiative, CM Di Yogshala, is now reaching 15 more districts. This program, already successful in nine cities, promotes physical and mental well-being through yoga and other practices. To cater to the expansion, the Cabinet approved hiring additional trainers and staff.

4. Increased Financial Support for Ex-Servicemen: Recognizing their sacrifices, the Cabinet increased the financial assistance for ex-servicemen and their widows (above 65 years) who participated in World Wars I and II without receiving pensions. The assistance amount, currently Rs. 6,000, will be hiked to Rs. 10,000, benefiting 453 individuals as of now.

5. School of Eminence at Punjab Institute of Technology: To provide students with a world-class learning experience, the Cabinet approved setting up a “School of Eminence” at the Punjab Institute of Technology (PIT) campus. This school, initially planned for another location, will be a center of excellence equipped with cutting-edge facilities and best practices.

6. Leftover Mandi Material Contract Not Awarded: In a significant move, the Cabinet decided not to award contracts for leftover material from mandis for the 2023-24 year. This practice, followed for 25 years by the Punjab Mandi Board, is being discontinued to raise the living standards of underprivileged communities who traditionally collect this material.

7. Self-Certification for Residential Building Plans: Simplifying the process for urban residents, the Cabinet approved self-certification of residential building plans up to 500 square yards. This means architects can directly approve such plans without involving officials, reducing approval time and increasing transparency.

8. Maximum SAP for Sugarcane Farmers: Committed to supporting sugarcane cultivators, the Cabinet ensured payment at the fixed State Agreed Price (SAP) of Rs. 391 and Rs. 381 per quintal for early and mid-late varieties, respectively. Additionally, a subsidy of Rs. 55.50 per quintal will be directly transferred to farmers’ accounts.

9. “Farishtey” Scheme to Aid Road Accident Victims: To reduce casualties and provide immediate assistance, the Cabinet introduced the “Farishtey” scheme. This scheme guarantees hassle-free treatment for accident victims at both public and empanelled private hospitals. Moreover, the government will offer a Rs. 2,000 reward and a commendation certificate to anyone who helps accident victims, encouraging public participation and reducing legal complexities.

10. Approval of Administrative Reports and PPSC Chairman Recommendation: The Cabinet also approved the administrative reports of the Transport Department for 2018-19 to 2021-22 and recommended the appointment of Jatinder Singh Aulakh as the Chairman of the Punjab Public Service Commission to the Governor.

These decisions by the Punjab Cabinet address various concerns and aim to improve the lives of citizens across different sectors. The restored ration cards will ensure food security for eligible individuals, the new teacher transfer policy will benefit educators and their families, and the “Farishtey” scheme has the potential to save lives and promote public responsibility. Overall, these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to public welfare and development.

• Keywords: Punjab Cabinet, Bhagwant Singh Mann, ration cards, teachers, transfers, CM Di Yogshala, ex-servicemen, School of Eminence, leftover mandi material, self-certification, building plans, sugarcane farmers, SAP, Farishtey scheme, road accidents, Transport Department, PPSC