CHANDIGARH, December 21

In the annual year-ender report of the Finance Department, the Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday showcased a year of robust fiscal management, unprecedented infrastructure investment, and landmark digital reforms. He emphasized that the department of Finance is no longer just a “distributor of funds” but a “driver of innovation”.

Highlighting the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s “people-first” approach, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the priority remains ensuring the state exchequer serves the common man directly.  “Whether it is the Rs 968 crore released for crop loss compensation to our farmers who faced severe floods this year or the loan waiver for 4,650 beneficiaries under the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC) loan waiver program, we are committed to providing a safety net for every Punjabi. We have even reduced the cost of doorstep delivery of government services from Rs 120 to just Rs 50, with the government absorbing the remaining cost to ease the burden on citizens.”

Referring to the free 600 units power to domestic consumers for every two month bill cycle, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state government is not only providing free power to more than 90 percent households but has also cleared all payments related to power subsidy up to September 2025, including pending dues. He said that the 6th Punjab Pay Commission was implemented from July 1, 2021, and the government is committed to clearing the outstanding dues of Rs 14,191 crore left unpaid by the previous government. The government has already started releasing arrears as per the structured liquidation plan in FY 2025-26, benefiting 6 lakh employees and pensioners, Cheema added.

Revealing the initiatives taken to bolster grassroots development, the Finance Minister said that the state government has released Rs 292 crore under the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme, ensuring every constituency receives Rs 2.5 crore to address immediate local needs. He said that the year 2025 marked a massive surge in connectivity and sports infrastructure. “A mammoth project to construct 2,832 km of Plan Roads and 7,767 km of Link Roads is underway at a cost of Rs 5,338 crore. The Mandi Board is executing the construction of 12,361 km of new rural link roads with an investment of Rs 4,275 crore, and Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for developing world-class playgrounds across the state to foster a culture of fitness and sports”, he added.

Stressing on the AAP Government’s focus areas of Education and Health, the Finance Minister said that in a significant move for the education sector, the state government concluded negotiations for the World Bank-supported POISE programme (Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration In School Education Operation). He said that with a total outlay of Rs 2,520 crore (70:30 cost-sharing with the State), this five-year initiative aims to revolutionize learning outcomes and governance in school education.  He said that the state soon to provide an insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh to approximately 65 lakh families under Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 600 crore this fiscal year.

Lauding the Finance Department for leading the nation in FinTech,  the Finance Minister said that the department has undergone a digital metamorphosis through the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS), introducing several “Good Practices” that enhance transparency and efficiency. He said that Punjab became a pioneer in implementing the SNA-SPARSH fund flow mechanism. He said that the state had earned an incentive of Rs 450 crore in FY 24-25 and is eyeing another Rs 350 crore this fiscal year by optimizing cash liquidity and reducing unutilized funds.

“A dedicated Pensioner Sewa Portal (PSP) now allows pensioners to track their cases, submit life certificates, and lodge grievances online, ensuring “Ease of Living” for senior citizens. Moving away from slow manual processes, the new Audit Management System (AMS) portal allows for real-time tracking of audit memos and reports, ensuring accountability at the highest administrative levels. By shifting to electronic vouchers for all bills across Punjab, the government has significantly reduced stationary and logistical costs while streamlining the accounting process with the Accountant General (AG)”, said the Finance Minister while adding that for the first time, the Punjab Treasury Rules (PTR) have been completely overhauled to incorporate modern FinTech and IT applications, with the new rules set to be published shortly.

Concluding the year-ender, the Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state has successfully balanced grassroots development with cutting-edge financial technology. “Through the automation of deposit works in the Forest and Works departments and the introduction of a non-treasury accounting system, we have plugged leakages and ensured that every rupee is accounted for. We enter 2026 with a stronger balance sheet and a clearer vision for a prosperous Punjab,” the Minister added.

Chandigarh, December 21 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has urged the youth to become job creators rather than job seekers by integrating their local skills with modern technology. He said that the Haryana Government is fully committed to promoting youth entrepreneurship and is providing support through initiatives such as the Mudra Scheme, Stand-Up India, and special subsidies for the MSME sector. He said that youth-led development of swadeshi technology will not only encourage new enterprises but also contribute significantly towards making India a global leader.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Swadeshi Mahotsav-2025 in Panchkula today.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that in the current startup era, the concept of Swadeshi is no longer limited to traditional products. Today, it is also being promoted in modern sectors such as technology, software, defense equipment, and semiconductors. He said that Haryana currently has over 12 lakh registered MSMEs, providing employment to approximately 65000 people.

Each block’s unique product to be recognized and promoted as Brand India nationally and internationally

He further elaborated that the state government is consistently working towards developing local manufacturing in line with global standards. Under this initiative, the “Padma” scheme has been launched to recognize and promote the distinctive products of each block. The aim is to establish Ambala’s scientific instruments, Panipat’s handlooms, and Rewari’s brass craft as Brand India, not only nationally but also globally.

He said that the “Haryana State Startup Policy-2022” has been implemented with the objective of creating a youth force capable of generating employment in the state. As a result, Haryana currently ranks seventh in the country in terms of the number of startups. At present, there are over 9,500 recognized startups operating in the state. He further informed that a Rs 2,000 crore Fund of Funds is being established to provide financial support to startups, enabling young entrepreneurs to pursue their innovative ideas without financial constraints.

Swadeshi gets new direction under PM Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India- Nayab Singh Saini

The Chief Minister stated that Swadeshi has been at the heart of India’s freedom movement, with Mahatma Gandhi using it as a means to promote self-reliance. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, Swadeshi is taking a new direction with the vision of a self-reliant India.

He highlighted that India has become the fourth largest economy in the world and is on track to reach the third position soon. The Prime Minister has set a target of a $5 trillion economy by 2030, which can be achieved only when village artisans, self-help group members, and micro-entrepreneurs actively participate in the country’s development journey. The Chief Minister emphasized that when a woman engages in sewing, dairy, or handicraft activities, she not only secures her livelihood but also contributes to shaping the future of society.

More than 65,000 self-help groups have been empowered in Haryana

The Chief Minister informed that more than 65,000 self-help groups have been empowered in Haryana so far, with millions of women members actively participating. He called for promoting the use of swadeshi products and urged citizens to adopt the pledge of a plastic-free India and a garbage-free Haryana.

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the stalls showcasing swadeshi products at the Swadeshi Mahotsav-2025. He offered prayers at the Bharat Mata Temple and performed Yajna rituals, praying for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the state. On this occasion, a pledge was also taken to adopt five swadeshi products and renounce five foreign items.

Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma, Kalka MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, former Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha Gian Chand Gupta, Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, co-organizer of Swadeshi Jagran Manch Satish Kumar, District President Ajay Mittal, and other dignitaries including Banto Kataria, Om Prakash Devinagar, Krishna Lamba, Rajesh Goyal, Gurinder Bhatti, Puneet Khanna as well as numerous Swadeshi Jagran Manch workers were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, December 20-  Preparations for the state-level Veer Bal Diwas programme, scheduled to be held on December 26  at Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU), Sirsa, were reviewed on Saturday. OSD to Chief Minister, Dr. Prabhleen Singh held detailed discussions with district administration officers and prominent representatives to finalise the programme framework.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Virender Sehrawat, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Deepak Saharan, along with other administrative officers and dignitaries of the district. The complete outline of the programme was discussed in detail. Officers were directed to organise the state-level ceremony in a dignified, well-coordinated, and disciplined manner so that the historic significance and message of Veer Bal Diwas reach the public effectively.

Dr. Prabhleen Singh said that Veer Bal Diwas is not merely a ceremonial event, but an opportunity to inspire the younger generation with values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. He directed all departments to discharge their responsibilities in close coordination, adding that it is a collective duty to honourably present the supreme sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas.

After the meeting, officers and dignitaries inspected the multipurpose hall at CDLU, the proposed venue for the programme. During the inspection, detailed discussions were held with concerned departments regarding stage arrangements, seating capacity, security measures, traffic management, cleanliness, and other essential facilities.

Chandigarh, December 20- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini said that the land registration process in all tehsils across the state has been made completely online, significantly reducing the scope for corruption. Buyers can now apply for registration online from their homes. Tehsildars are required to complete registrations within a fixed time frame. If a registration is not completed on time, the concerned tehsildar must submit a written explanation to the government. If the explanation is found unsatisfactory, disciplinary action will be initiated and the responsibility will be transferred to a senior officer, he said.

The Chief Minister was addressing Dhanyawadi Rally and Jan Samvad programmes in Budha and Bapdi villages of the Ladwa Assembly constituency in Kurukshetra district on Saturday. After the programme, he personally listened to villagers’ complaints and directed officers on the spot to resolve them. He also announced grants of Rs. 21 lakh each for development works in both villages.

In Budha village, the Chief Minister approved 17 demands put forward by the sarpanch. In Bapdi village, he announced that all demands raised by the sarpanch would be forwarded to the concerned departments for implementation, and sanctioned Rs. 32.27 lakh for a drinking water pipeline.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister assured that there would be no shortage of funds for development works in the Ladwa Assembly constituency. He urged citizens to take full advantage of government welfare schemes and said that people would no longer need to visit Chandigarh for redressal of their issues, as officers have been clearly directed to resolve public grievances locally.

He further said that the monthly old-age honorarium has been increased by Rs. 200 to Rs. 3,200, the highest among all states. Senior citizens above 70 years of age are also being provided free medical treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh annually under the Ayushman scheme. In addition, under the Lado Lakshmi Scheme, women are being given Rs. 2,100 per month to promote their empowerment.

Chandigarh, December 20:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to the welfare of every section of society and to inclusive development. In this spirit, the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today held a meeting with representatives of blind unions of Punjab and listened seriously to their issues and demands.

During the meeting held at Punjab Bhawan, Dr. Baljit Kaur assured the blind unions that all their genuine demands would be addressed on a priority basis. She directed the concerned officers to initiate immediate action to fill the vacant posts reserved under the Divyang (Persons with Disabilities) quota at the earliest.

The Minister clarified that demands which can be resolved at the departmental level will be implemented without delay, while those requiring decisions at the government level will be taken up comprehensively with the government for appropriate action.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to empower persons with disabilities, promote their self-reliance, and integrate them into the mainstream of society. The meeting concluded in a cordial and positive atmosphere.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Vikas Pratap; Director Dr. Sheena Aggarwal; Joint Secretary Anand Sagar Sharma; Deputy Director Amarjit Singh Bhullar; Ravinder Singh Rahi, and other senior officers of the department were specially present.

Chandigarh, December 20:

Punjab Revenue Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Saturday said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is firmly committed to building a transparent, responsive and people-friendly revenue system across Punjab. He said that with this clear focus, the state government has launched a structured and time-bound programme during 2025 for the construction and inauguration of Tehsil and Sub-Tehsil buildings to improve ease of access to essential services.

The Revenue Minister said that keeping public convenience at the centre, several Sub-Division and Tehsil complexes have already been completed and made operational. He informed that during the year 2025, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the SDM Complex at Dudhan Sadhan in district Patiala on June 9, 2025. Subsequently, SDM Complexes at Ahmedgarh and Amargarh in district Malerkotla were inaugurated on July 18, 2025. Similarly, the SDM Complex at Batala in district Gurdaspur was inaugurated on November 8, 2025. These initiatives, the Cabinet Minister said, are enabling citizens to access revenue and allied services closer to their homes in a smooth and dignified manner.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that all newly constructed revenue buildings are being developed with modern amenities, public facilitation spaces and proper record management infrastructure. He added that services related to land records, registration and mutations are being streamlined to minimise delays and reduce repeated visits to government offices. The Mann government is working with a clear intent to lower public inconvenience and ensure that the revenue administration remains farmer-friendly and citizen-oriented, he added.

The Revenue Minister further said that to address long-standing difficulties faced by residents of several villages who earlier had to travel long distances for revenue services, rationalisation of jurisdictional boundaries has been undertaken during 2025. Village Namol has been shifted from Sub-Tehsil Cheema to the jurisdiction of Sub-Division Sunam Udham Singh Wala in district Sangrur. Similarly, villages Mahru, Tiwana and Tasalpur have been moved from Sub-Division and Tehsil Dudhan Sadhan in district Patiala to Sub-Tehsil Ghanaur of the same district.

He said that eight villages namely Manakpur, Khera Gajju, Urna, Changera, Ucha Khera, Gurditpura, Haditpura and Laihlan of Sub-Division and Tehsil Rajpura in district Patiala have been transferred to Sub-Tehsil Banur under Tehsil and district SAS Nagar Mohali. Besides this, a new Sub-Tehsil Ludhiana (North) has been created during 2025 by including seven villages from Tehsil Ludhiana (East) and two villages from Tehsil Ludhiana (West), namely Mahal Bagaat, Salem Tabri, Phamra, Tarf Sekhewal, Tarf Pirubanda, Tarf Burrha, Tarf Noor Bhaini, Tarf Karabara and Haibowal Kalan, further strengthening service delivery in urban and semi-urban areas.

PATIALA, 20th December 2025:

Declaring that the era of aviation being a playground only for the wealthy is over, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday outlined an ambitious roadmap to position Punjab as a major hub of the aviation industry in the coming years. Interacting with aircraft engineers and trainees at the Patiala Flying Club, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government is building a robust aviation ecosystem by providing quality, affordable and world-class training aligned with industry needs, enabling children of farmers, shopkeepers and teachers to dream of careers once considered out of reach.

Emphasising that his government’s focus is to create job givers rather than job seekers, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Mann said the upcoming Aviation Museum at Patiala will not only preserve India’s flying heritage but also inspire a new generation to look skyward and aim higher.

Interacting with aircraft engineers here on Saturday, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he was elated to be here amongst all the students taking training from this prestigious institute for a dialogue session here at Patiala Flying Club with 32 trainee pilots and 72 students from Patiala Aircraft Maintenance Engineering College. “Among the 32 trainee pilots, most belong to the first generation in their families entering the aviation sector. In private institutes, it costs ₹40–45 lakh to become a commercial pilot, while at the Patiala Flying Club, there is about a 50% subsidy, reducing the fee to ₹22–25 lakh,” said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said that with a reduction of fee by nearly ₹20 lakh, students from ordinary households like shopkeepers, teachers, farmers, clerks and others can now dream of becoming pilots. “An Aviation Museum is being established at the Patiala Aviation Complex at a cost of ₹7 crore. And this museum will showcase MiG aircraft, second-generation helicopters, simulators, and aviation heritage, providing valuable knowledge to students and the public,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it aims to inspire school students and youth to pursue aviation adding that on this occasion, the Department of Civil Aviation’s new website dca.punjab.gov.in has also been launched.

The Chief Minister said that Patiala State Aviation Council, Punjab aims to give every child a chance to fulfill their dream of flying high in the sky. “For decades, training to become a pilot was possible only for the very wealthy, but with government support and subsidies, Punjab has broken this barrier through the Patiala Flying Club. The Flying Club was established in 1965 and spans 253 acres, making it one of the largest aviation training campuses in India,” he noted.

He said that the Patiala Flying Club ranks seventh nationwide and the club currently operates seven training aircraft including five single-engine planes, two Multi-engine planes and one Tecnam P2006T (newly added, purchased from Italy for ₹5 crore). “The facilities include night landing capability at Patiala airfield and training experience at Amritsar International Airport. The career in aviation is not limited to becoming a pilot as many students want to work in aviation but not necessarily as pilots,” he added.

For them, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government offers affordable technical education at Patiala Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) College, which runs India’s most economical AME and B.Sc (Hons) programs.

The Chief Minister said that the 3-year B.Sc (Hons.) + 3-year Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved AME program costs only ₹3 lakh in total whereas in other states, the same course costs ₹5–8 lakh. “33% of seats are reserved for SC and BC students thereby ensuring that new vistas in this field are opened for the common man,” he stated.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that more than 4,000 trained professionals from the Patiala Flying Club and College are working in major companies, earning an average starting salary of ₹1.5 lakh per month.

The Chief Minister said that key Indian airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and SpiceJet, general aviation firms like Tecnam, Boeing, and VSR Aviation, charter companies and MRO organizations like the Adani Group and other flying clubs, where they serve as flight instructors are the main employers for the students of this prestigious institute. “The focus of his government is to ensure that youth become job givers instead of job seekers. This is the need of hour to carve out a progressive and prosperous Punjab by proactive involvement of the youth,” he asserted.

Extending good wishes to the students for their bright and prosperous future, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that they will carve a niche for themselves in the coming days. He exhorted the youth to stay grounded and believe in hard work as it is the sole key to success adding that there was a lot of scope of progress and prosperity on this land.

The Chief Minister urged the youth to carve out their own identity and strive to leave their mark in society, reminding them that the sky’s the limit.

Chandigarh, December 20:

Punjab School Education department’s 4th Mega Parents Teachers Meeting and Parents’ Workshop, aimed at further strengthening parent-teacher ties, received an overwhelming response with over 23.30 lakh parents participating across government schools.

Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains presided over the PTM at Government Senior Secondary School (Girls), Sri Anandpur Sahib, as part of the state-wide event. AAP Punjab Incharge Sh. Manish Sisodia attended Mega PTM at Govt. Sen Sec. Smart School Paddi Sura Singh in Hoshiarpur district and over 7500 schools were visited by MLAs, Secretary School Education Ms Anindita Mitra, Director SCERT Ms Kiran Sharma, DCs and other senior officials of the Education Department.

S. Bains informed that the School Education Department has been touching new heights under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. By organising these type of events, Punjab Government is strengthening parent–school partnerships under the theme “Maa Peyo di Bhagidari” (Parents Partnership). He said that this large-scale initiative reflects the State’s continued commitment to improving learning outcomes by actively engaging parents as partners in their children’s education.

 He informed that over 40,000 teachers – at least one from each government school – have been trained at block and cluster levels to conduct structured Parents’ Workshops. 

The Education Minister informed that trained teachers also facilitated interactive sessions, while SMC members played key role in parent mobilisation, coordination and on-ground support, helping parents better understand their role in supporting children’s academic, emotional and social development.

He said that under this initiative, parents of students from pre-primary to senior secondary classes participate in the event and made it one of the largest parent education engagement drive.

S. Bains said Parents’ Workshops of 1–1.5 hours, followed by Mega PTMs, implemented through a common workshop design and SMC-led meeting plans, and supported by handouts for parents. He said that the motive of the workshops was to strengthen parents’ understanding of their role in children’s learning, encourage active and positive engagement at home and school, and build stronger collaboration between parents, teachers, and School Management Committees (SMCs) for holistic child development.

S. Bains said that this initiative would ensure stronger Parent- School Partnership by creating a shared understanding of responsibilities in supporting children’s learning and wellbeing. He said that it would further improve student outcomes as coordination between home and school to support academic performance, regular attendance, and emotional well-being was being enhanced.

The Education Minister said that PTM conversations began with appreciation of students’ efforts and parents’ support, creating a positive and respectful foundation for dialogue. He said that the exercise helped better understanding of the Children as teachers and parents thoroughly discussed about students’ interests, aspirations, and learning gaps and take feedback from each other.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said for the first time in Punjab, parents received clear information on academic goals and upcoming initiatives and also understood how they can practically support learning at home.

Chandigarh, December 20:

Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the upgradation and repair works of roads were on full swing across Punjab and quality work was being ensured at every level including link roads as well. He said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Government is committed to provide better road infrastructure in the state and no stone is being left unturned to achieve desired results. The minister was here to review the physical and financial progress of various schemes under which works are being carried out by PWD.

The minister informed that special repairs and modernisation works on 10262 km of link roads in various market committees of Punjab have been taken in hand at a cost of Rs. 1543 crore. He said that apart from this, special assistance works for modernisation of link roads has also been initiated by their government. He said that works on 7,767 km link roads were being undertaken at a cost of Rs 2,920 crore and for plan roads, a special initiative has been taken for upgradation of 2,834 KM road at a cost of Rs. 2,363 crore. He informed that the bids for the plan roads and link roads have already been invited and the site works are likely to be started soon.

During the review meeting, Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO directed the department officials to keep strict vigil on the infrastructure works to ensure construction of quality roads. He said that their government is also conducting surprise checks of road construction sites. He also asked them to speed up the pace of ongoing work so that all works except bituminous layer are completed in time.

In view of prevailing foggy weather, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO directed the department officials to ensure road safety works on each and every site.  The minister said that all officers have been directed to work diligently and honestly to ensure timely and safe completion of works.

The review meeting was attended by Engineer in  chief Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineers- Anil Gupta and Arshdeep Singh and Superintending Engineers of the department.

Chandigarh, December 20:

The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday gave nod to amend the Punjab Abadi Deh (Record of Rights) Act, 2021, to reduce the time limit for filing objections and appeals under the ‘Mera Ghar Mere Naam’ scheme.

A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of the Council of Ministers held here today under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet also gave consent to amend Section 11 of the Punjab Abadi Deh (Record of Rights) Act, 2021, to replace the specific time periods with “within time notified by the Government,” with the intention of reducing the period for filing objections and their disposal from the existing 90 and 60 days respectively to 30 days each. Similarly, it was decided to amend Section 12(4) of the Act, to reduce the period for disposal of appeals from 60 days to 30 days.

This step will further speed up the process of resolving objections and appeals, benefiting the public significantly.

In a significant move to boost industrial growth and improve the

financial health of businesses in the state, the Cabinet also approved a landmark amendment to the

Industrial & Business Development Policy (IBDP) 2022, which replaces the condition of providing a Bank Guarantees (BG) for availing fiscal incentives under IBDP-2022.

The decision follows numerous representations from industry

associations highlighting that the existing Bank Guarantee requirements were blocking substantial amounts of working capital. This liquidity crunch

was identified as a major hurdle, limiting the funds available for industrial expansion, research and development, and job creation.

Under the recent amendment, for availing the incentive of

Exemption of Stamp Duty, the condition of Bank Guarantee shall be replaced with the First Charge valid up to the date of commencement of commercial production, on the property for which the incentive has been

availed. Further, for the incentive of CLU/EDC Exemption, a robust

mechanism has been introduced in place of Bank G u a r a n t e e .

The amendment will be applicable from the effective date of the

policy ie from 17/10/2022.

The Cabinet also gave go ahead to re-distribution of 253 Acre of land Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant, Bathinda transferred to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Now 10 acre of land will be used for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installation (Transfer to PSPCL), 10 Acres (For New Bus Stand) shall be retained by BDA and be given to Transport Department who will transfer cost of land to BDA at price fixed by Deputy Commissioner Bathinda. Remaining 20 Acres land shall be retained by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for residential/Commercial purposes.

The Cabinet also gave its concurrence to amend Rule 3 and 16 (1) of the Punjab Management and Transfer of Municipal Properties Rules, 2021 for modification of payment schedule for high-value properties, defined herein as “Chunk Sites,” to be sold or transferred by the Municipalities and Urban Local Bodies. This will enhance investments competitive bidding and attract significant investments in urban and development Further, it shall increase Market Competition by significantly increasing the pool of eligible bidders and intensify competition during the bidding process.

The Cabinet also gave nod to convene special session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha on December 30, 2025 for discussing the amendments being proposed by the Union government on MGNREGA.

 The Cabinet opined that the amendments are not only aimed at renaming the scheme but for killing the basic spirit of the scheme.