Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Friday approved a sweeping set of key decisions that promise to bring transformative changes across multiple sectors in the state. From increasing the retirement age of medical professionals to providing long-overdue representation to the Scheduled Caste (SC) lawyers in the Advocate-General’s (AG) Office, the Cabinet meeting was marked by a mix of social reform and administrative streamlining.
Perhaps the most historic decision was the Cabinet’s approval to promulgate an ordinance that will amend the ‘Punjab Law Officers Engagement Act, 2017’, to ensure equitable representation for SC lawyers in the AG Office. Alongside this, the Council of Ministers also gave its nod to raise the retirement age of doctors and medical college professors to 65 years, approved a much-anticipated One Time Relaxation (OTR) policy for Improvement Trust allottees, sanctioned the reorganization of blocks in the state, extended the eco-sensitive zone up to 100 meters around forest areas, and backed need-based hiring of specialist doctors after superannuation.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, briefing the media after the meeting, said that the decisions reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, administrative reform, and quality public service delivery.
Representation for SC Lawyers in AG Office
In what is being seen as a game-changing move for social justice, the Punjab Cabinet cleared an ordinance to amend the ‘Punjab Law Officers Engagement Act, 2017’, to facilitate greater participation of Scheduled Caste lawyers in legal appointments. The amendment includes a 50 percent relaxation in the existing income criteria for contractual appointments of law officers from the SC community. This is aimed at removing the structural barriers that have historically excluded many SC lawyers from appointments in the AG Office due to economic limitations. The ordinance paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse legal representation in the state’s highest legal advisory body.
Retirement Age of Medical Faculty Raised to Retain Talent
Addressing concerns of faculty shortages and the need for experienced educators in government medical institutions, the Cabinet has approved the enhancement of retirement age for professors in medical colleges from 62 to 65 years. This decision is expected to retain about 48 senior professors in the next three years, allowing students to continue learning from experienced faculty. In a similar vein, the retirement age for specialist Medical Officers (MOs) has also been raised to 65, with doctors being re-employed on contract after 58 years of age, based on their last drawn salary. The move is poised to strengthen the healthcare system and provide continuity in medical education.
One Time Relaxation for Improvement Trust Allottees
Thousands of residents awaiting relief from mounting penalties finally have cause for cheer. The Cabinet has extended the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to cover allottees under the jurisdiction of Improvement Trusts. The revised policy includes waivers on penal interest and a 50 percent rebate on non-construction fees and fines. This long-standing demand from allottees is now expected to ease financial burdens and expedite property possession and registration processes.
Reorganization of Blocks for Efficient Admn
In a major administrative overhaul, the Cabinet approved the rationalization and reorganization of existing blocks across the State. Currently, Punjab has 154 blocks, many of which are reportedly misaligned geographically and administratively. The restructuring aimed at addressing logistical and governance challenges by improving jurisdictional clarity, enhancing operational efficiency, and facilitating better delivery of rural development programs.
Eco-Sensitive Zone Extended to 100 Meters
In compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives and in line with its environmental commitments, the State Government reiterated its decision to extend the eco-sensitive zone to 100 meters around the forest areas. The Cabinet formally cleared this in Friday’s meeting, cementing the legal and administrative framework needed for ecological conservation.
Specialist Doctors to be Hired After Retirement
To combat the shortage of qualified medical specialists in government hospitals, the Cabinet has allowed for the annual need-based hiring of specialist doctors even after they retire. This policy ensured that the state’s healthcare infrastructure remains adequately staffed, especially in critical areas lacking specialized care.
