Punjab Government Announces 14,000 Crore Arrears for Employees and Pensioners
Punjab Government : In a significant relief to government employees and pensioners, the Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved the disbursement of pending arrears amounting to 14,000 crore. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat-I.
A government spokesperson stated that the arrears cover revised pay, pensions, and leave encashment from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2022, along with DA/DR payments from July 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024. The phased release of this amount will benefit approximately six lakh employees and pensioners across the state.
Approval for 60,000 Jobs in Government and Private Sector
The Cabinet also approved the creation of new positions under the Punjab State Legal Services Authority for 22 Lok Adalats. Additionally, three posts will be added in Malerkotla district, while 476 positions will be introduced in the Taxation Department to curb revenue leakage. The titles of Inspectors in the department will be changed to State Taxation Officers.
Other key employment initiatives include the recruitment of 53 drivers in the Excise Department and 2,000 Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) in the Elementary Education Department. The Health and Family Welfare Department will also revive 822 Group C posts to improve healthcare services, while 97 new posts will be created at the Dr. BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, SAS Nagar.
To boost employment, the Cabinet approved the waiver of Stamp Duty, Registration Fees, and other charges for land transfers under the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) Project. This initiative is expected to generate over 50,000 jobs in industrial and non-industrial sectors.
Affordable Housing for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
A new policy was approved for the optimal use of land reserved for EWS housing. The state will acquire 1,500 acres to develop residential plots and homes for low-income families. Development Authorities will auction land pockets to generate revenue while also identifying separate land for housing projects.
Utilization of External Development Charges (EDC) for Infrastructure
The Cabinet has approved a policy to efficiently utilize EDC collected from developers. Half of the funds will be allocated for local infrastructure within colonies and townships, while the remaining will be used for major state projects.
Increased Financial Assistance for Acid Attack Victims
The Punjab government has revised the “Financial Assistance to Acid Victims Scheme” to include male and transgender victims. Monthly assistance has been increased from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000.
Special Legislative Session and Amnesty for Land Allottees
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha will hold a special session on February 24-25. Additionally, an amnesty scheme has been introduced for defaulting allottees of Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) and Special Development Authorities. Defaulters can clear dues without penalties and avail a 50% waiver on non-construction charges.
Fast-Track Courts for NRIs and Enhanced Honorarium for Village Guards
To expedite legal matters for NRIs, six special fast-track courts will be set up in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, SBS Nagar, Moga, and Ludhiana. Additionally, the monthly honorarium for village chowkidars has been increased from ₹1,250 to ₹1,500.
Redevelopment of Bathinda Thermal Plant Land
The Cabinet approved the optimal use of 253 acres of land from the Bathinda Thermal Plant for residential and commercial purposes. A tourist hub will also be developed in the area.
Policy Amendments in Housing and Infrastructure
Changes have been made to Punjab’s e-auction policy to enhance revenue generation. If a plot remains unsold in consecutive auctions, the reserve price will be gradually reduced by up to 22.5%. Amendments to the Rental Housing Accommodation Policy 2018 have also been approved, allowing rental projects in institutional zones.
Sustainability Initiatives
The government has launched a pilot project to install 200 solar pumps for agricultural use, with 90% of funding from the state. Additionally, a bio-methanation plant will be set up in Ludhiana to manage cow dung and reduce pollution in the Buddha Nullah.
Support for Paddy Straw-Based Boilers and PAPRA Licensed Projects
A subsidy of ₹1 crore will be provided for setting up new paddy straw-based boilers, while ₹50 lakh will be offered for upgrading existing ones. The extension of PAPRA-licensed projects has also been approved to facilitate ongoing developments.
Other Key Approvals
- Sub-division changes for villages in Patiala and Sangrur
- UGC-scale pay approvals for faculty at Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University
These decisions collectively aim to boost employment, infrastructure, sustainable energy, and social welfare across Punjab.