PUNJAB CABINET
In a significant move aimed at fostering unity and development in rural areas, Punjab Government on Thursday approved an amendment to ‘The Punjab Panchayat Election Rules-1994’ to prohibit the use of party symbols in elections for sarpanch and panch. The decision, made during a meeting of the Punjab Council of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will now be tabled in the Vidhan Sabha for final approval. With elections to 13,241 panchayats expected to be announced shortly, this amendment marks a critical shift in the electoral landscape of the State.
Sharing the details after the meeting, the state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized that the amendment is designed to prevent the deepening of political divides within villages. Under the current rules, candidates have the option to contest panchayat elections on party symbols by notifying the State Election Commission. However, this practice has often led to the fragmentation of village communities along political lines, hindering effective governance and development.
The Cabinet’s decision to amend Section 12 of the Punjab Panchayat Election Rules was informed by the need to promote a more inclusive and cohesive approach to local governance. By eliminating the influence of political parties in these grassroots elections, the Government aimed at ensuring that panchayats function as non-partisan bodies dedicated solely to the welfare and development of their respective communities.
The Cabinet observed that political groupism within panchayats has historically led to several adverse outcomes, including the underutilization of funds and grants. Political affiliations often result in disunity among panchayat members, which can cause delays in decision-making and the non-utilization of allocated resources. Moreover, the presence of party symbols has sometimes escalated tensions during and after elections, leading to violent clashes and a deterioration of law and order in rural areas.
This amendment, once passed by the Vidhan Sabha, is expected to mitigate these issues by fostering a more collaborative and harmonious environment within panchayats. The Government hopes that, without the pressure of party affiliations, panchayat members will be able to work together more effectively to address the needs of their communities.
Among other notable decision during Thursday’s meeting, the Cabinet approved the construction of ponds along the Ghaggar River in Chandu village. The project, aimed at recharging groundwater levels and providing irrigation water for local farmers, will involve filling the ponds with river water during flood periods and canal water during normal times. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to address the state's water scarcity issues.
Cabinet Approves to Expand PCS Cadre Strength After 8 Years
Punjab Government on Thursday approved a long-awaited increase in the cadre strength of Punjab Civil Services (PCS) officers, marking the first expansion in over eight years. The number of sanctioned posts will rise from 310 to 369, addressing the state’s growing administrative demands, particularly following the creation of new districts and subdivisions. The decision, taken by the State Cabinet, is aimed at boosting administrative efficiency and providing more employment opportunities for the state's youth. The newly-sanctioned posts include critical positions such as Joint Secretaries in the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chief Minister’s Field Officers, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, and Directors. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema confirmed that the recruitment process for these additional posts will begin soon, underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening public service and governance.
36 New Judicial Posts in Malerkotla
To improve access to justice in the newly-formed Malerkotla district, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation of 36 new judicial posts, including that of a District and Sessions Judge. This will enable the establishment of a Sessions Division in Malerkotla, ensuring that residents no longer need to travel to other districts for legal matters, thereby saving time and resources.
Deceased DSP’s wife gets job
On a humanitarian note, the Cabinet approved the appointment of Rupinder Kaur, the wife of late DSP Sandeep Singh, as a Naib Tehsildar. DSP Sandeep Singh tragically lost his life in a road accident while on duty during elections in April 2024.
GST Amendment
The Cabinet also consented to amend the Punjab Goods and Services Tax (PGST) Act, 2017, to simplify tax compliance and provide relief to taxpayers. Key changes include the exclusion of Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) used in the production of alcoholic beverages from the state GST and the reduction of the maximum pre-deposit required for filing an appeal before the Appellate Authority. In the healthcare sector, the Cabinet approved the extension of the engagement policy for House Surgeons and House Physicians for another year. The decision is intended to ensure the continuous provision of quality healthcare services to the residents of Punjab, particularly in the wake of ongoing public health challenges.
