Chandigarh, 2 April 2026:
Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion and Power, Sanjeev Arora, today announced a series of major initiatives and reforms aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure, improving service delivery, and enhancing ease of living for citizens across Punjab.
Highlighting public relief measures, the Minister informed that the One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for Improvement Trusts has been reintroduced till April 30, 2026, offering a rebate of around 50% on Non-Construction Fee (NCF), providing significant financial relief to property owners.
In a major achievement, house tax collection for FY 2025–26 has reached ₹600 crore, up from ₹500 crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting improved efficiency, transparency, and better compliance in urban local bodies.
Giving a boost to urban infrastructure, the Minister stated that 2,120 kilometres of roads are being taken up across Municipal Corporations and Councils at a cost of ₹1,300 crore, with completion targeted by end of May 2026. Special emphasis is being laid on ensuring pothole-free roads before the monsoon, using the latest technology for durable repairs.
In a major ease-of-doing-business reform, the building plan approval process has been simplified. Files will now be submitted to the Commissioner only once instead of twice, significantly reducing processing time. Further, STP approvals will now be required only for plots of half an acre and above, instead of the earlier limit of 500 square yards.
To further expedite approvals, a single-window committee system has been introduced at the district and head office level, ensuring that all concerned officers grant approvals in one go, thereby eliminating delays.
Strengthening emergency response systems, the Government is undertaking modernisation of fire services with an investment of ₹131 crore, including procurement of advanced fire tenders and establishment of 13 new fire stations across the state.
The Minister also informed that desilting of the entire sewerage network is being undertaken on priority and will be completed before the onset of the monsoon. Wherever feasible, super suction machines are being deployed, with 9 specialised vendors engaged for the task.
Further, sewerage projects worth ₹450 crore have already been allotted across the state for FY 2025–26 and will be completed within the current financial year. Additionally, projects worth ₹700 crore will be allotted in the current quarter.
On water management, works worth ₹700 crore were allotted in FY 2025–26 for surface water projects, aimed at conserving groundwater and ensuring the supply of clean drinking water. Moreover, 30 Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) worth approximately ₹800 crore will be allotted in the current quarter.
Emphasising the Government’s commitment, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said,
“Punjab is witnessing a new phase of urban transformation. From large-scale infrastructure development to simplifying approvals and improving civic services, every initiative is focused on delivering better facilities, faster services, and a higher quality of life for our citizens.”
