CM-led Punjab Cabinet’s historic decision: Big relief to Punjab’s industry as Cabinet approves industrial plot conversion

Move aimed at facilitating conversion of industrial plots into hospitals, hotels, industrial parks, and other uses

Chandigarh, June 26:The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Thursday approved significant amendments to the state’s conversion policy, enabling the conversion of industrial plots into hospitals, hotels, industrial parks, and other permitted uses.

A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers held at the Chief Minister’s official residence.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office said that earlier conversion policies were introduced in 2008, 2016, and 2021. However, industrial associations had raised concerns about certain restrictive conditions in the 2021 policy. In response, a committee reviewed the requests from industrialists and proposed a set of changes applicable to freehold plots. As per the revised policy, a conversion charge of 12.5% of the industrial reserve price will be levied.

Approval for Conversion of Leasehold Industrial Plots/Sheds to Freehold

The Cabinet also approved a policy for converting leasehold industrial plots and sheds into freehold ones, particularly for plots managed by PSIEC. These plots and sheds, originally allotted on a leasehold basis, included complex clauses related to transfer, leading to complications in property transactions. The new policy aims to streamline industrial estate management, enhance ease of doing business, and reduce litigation and uncertainty among allottees. Additionally, this conversion is expected to generate additional revenue for the state.

Amendments to MSE Facilitation Council Rules – 2021

The Cabinet approved amendments to the MSE Facilitation Council Rules – 2021 under the MSME Development Act, 2006. At present, District-level Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Councils function under the chairpersonship of the respective Deputy Commissioners. However, delays were noted in the execution of awards related to delayed payments under the Act. In line with Government of India guidelines, a mechanism will now be created for the recovery of such awards as arrears of land revenue under the Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887.

Approval of Amendments to Punjab Water Resources Department Junior Engineers (Group-B) Service Rules

The Cabinet approved amendments to the service rules governing Junior Engineers (Group-B) in the Punjab Water Resources Department. While 15% of JE posts are reserved for promotion, 10% of these are filled from among Junior Draftsmen, Surveyors, Work Mistris, Earth Work Mistris, and others. Now, Canal Patwaris and Revenue Clerks who hold the required qualifications (i.e., a diploma or degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution) and relevant experience will also be eligible under this quota. This move will bring experienced personnel into the department and incentivize employees to pursue higher qualifications.

Approval to Merge Various Directorates under the Department of Finance

For enhanced administrative efficiency and cost savings, the Cabinet approved the merger of various directorates under the Department of Finance. The Directorates of Small Savings, Banking & Finance, and Lotteries will be merged and renamed as the Directorate of Small Savings, Banking, and Lotteries. DPED and DFREI will be merged and renamed as the Directorate of Public Enterprises and Financial Resources. The Directorates of Treasury & Accounts, Pensions, and NPS will be merged into a single entity: Directorate of Treasury & Accounts, Pension, and NPS. This restructuring is expected to save the state approximately ₹2.64 crore annually.

Approval for Creation of New Posts for State SNA Treasury

The Cabinet also gave consent for the creation of new posts for the State SNA Treasury established in Chandigarh, in accordance with Government of India guidelines. Under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, funds are now transferred via the SNA SPARSH system. To operationalize the State SNA Treasury, the creation of the following nine posts was approved: District Treasury Officer, Treasury Officer, two Senior Assistants, four Clerks, and one Peon.

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After Small Fish, It’s Now the Turn of the ‘Jarnails’ to Face Action for Their Role in Drug Trade: CM

Another big fish will be nabbed in the coming days – CM Mann

Says action against Majithia has exposed unholy nexus of all political parties on drugs

No question of political vendetta, as ample evidence exists against drug smugglers

Chandigarh, June 26:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday stated that following action against small-time drug smugglers, it is now the turn of the ‘Jarnails’—the big players—to face consequences for their involvement in the drug trade.

Speaking to the media at his official residence, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s policy of zero tolerance toward drugs and the powerful individuals who have either patronized or participated in the illicit trade. He said while small smugglers acted as distributors, the real kingpins—who operated an extensive network—had long evaded accountability. “Now, their time is up,” Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted. “No matter how influential they are, those involved in the drug trade will not be spared.”

The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government has already jailed many area-specific, small-scale smugglers. “The Aam Aadmi Party had guaranteed that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be brought to justice. That promise is being fulfilled,” he said, adding that the ongoing crackdown has broken the backbone of the drug cartel.

Bhagwant Singh Mann further revealed that substantial evidence has been collected against those arrested, including records of significant hawala transactions, which he said will serve as “the final nail in their coffin.” He promised exemplary action to serve as a deterrent to others and reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing all offenders to justice.

The Chief Minister highlighted the success of the state’s “Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign, noting that many traffickers have fled the state.

The campaign, he said, has now become a mass movement, with widespread public support. The Chief Minister praised village panchayats for passing resolutions against drug abuse, calling it a positive step toward eradicating the menace from Punjab. Commenting on the arrest of Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that cross-party statements in Majithia’s support prove the existence of a political nexus shielding drug smugglers.

The Chief Minister added that 29 mobile phones, eight laptops, and other crucial evidence have been recovered from Majithia’s residence. “His arrest has exposed the unholy alliance among traditional political parties on the drug issue. Their actions have devastated Punjab,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said. He warned that more prominent political figures would soon face arrest and that their properties would be confiscated or demolished.

Every link in the chain of drug money—both upstream and downstream—is being investigated thoroughly, the Chief Minister added. He said that Those who have accumulated vast wealth by supporting illegal activities will be held accountable. Dismissing accusations of political vendetta, Bhagwant Singh Mann maintained that all actions have been taken in accordance with the law.

The Chief Minister questioned that How can it be political vendetta when the opposition has been rejected outright by the people of Punjab? He said that the opposition is merely trying to politicize the matter in a desperate bid to protect itself. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all such efforts will prove futile as the people of state are aware of the dubious character of these leaders.

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ECI starts proceedings to delist 345 RUPPs

Chandigarh, June 26 :The Election Commission of India (ECI), under the Chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, has started proceedings for the delisting of 345 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) which have failed to fulfil the essential condition of contesting even a single election for the last six years since 2019 and the offices of these parties could not be physically located anywhere. These 345 RUPPs are from different States and UTs across the country.

It has come to the notice of the Commission that of the over 2,800 RUPPS, currently registered with ECI, many RUPPs have failed to fulfil the essential conditions which are required to continue as an RUPP. Thus, a nationwide exercise was conducted by the ECI to identify such RUPPs and 345 such RUPPs have already been identified till now. In order to ensure that no party is unduly de-listed, the CEOs of the respective States/UTs have been directed to issue show-cause notices to such RUPPs following which, these parties will be given an opportunity through a hearing by the concerned CEOs. The final decision regarding the de-listing of any RUPP shall be taken by the Election Commission of India.

Political parties (National/State/RUPPs) in the country are registered with the ECI under the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act 1951. Under this provision, any association once registered as a political party, gets certain privileges and advantages such as tax exemptions amongst others.

This exercise has been conducted with the aim of cleaning up the political system and de-listing of such parties which have not contested any election to Lok Sabha or Legislative Assemblies of States/UTs or bye-elections since 2019 and those which could not be physically traced as well. These 345 RUPPs have been identified in the first phase of this exercise, which shall be continued with the objective of cleaning up the political system.

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‘Roll back decision anti-democracy diktat of prohibiting protests & demonstrations’

MP Meet Hayer writes to Panjab University Chancellor & Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

Terms dictatorial order in complete contravention of fundamental rights

Seeking an affidavit from students amounts to stifling right to peaceful protest

Such an arbitrary order severely dents Panjab University’s glorious traditions

Chandigarh, June 26:However, since past sometime, the arbitrary decisions undertaken by the Union Government with regard to the Panjab University have attempted to grossly undermine the immensely rich reputation of this great hub of academics, said the Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer in a communication to the Chancellor and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar.

Citing the recent example, Meet Hayer said that the recently promulgated order demanding a written affidavit from the students about not staging protests and demonstrations in the Panjab University not just constitutes robbing them of their fundamental rights as enshrined in the constitution but is also in complete contravention of the spirit of democracy and free speech.

This decision of the dictatorial nature would in no case be accepted as in our constitution, the right to protest stands enshrined as elemental right which has come under attack by this capricious order. The recent decisions taken in the Panjab University which were completely inimical to the student community were only rolled back after protests by the students, said the MP adding that now, the students have been robbed of this basic right of theirs.

While on one hand the election of the Panjab University Council serves as the first lesson in democratic values to the students, the present decision is in total contradiction of this rich tradition. The Panjab University has given top notch names in the political sphere to the country but alas, the present decision would severely dent this glorious convention.

“Your goodself is the Chancellor of this august institution. Hence, it is my sincere appeal to you to kindly take personal interest in the matter in order to get this whimsical decision rolled back”, added Meet Hayer.