Punjab Cabinet on Thursday took several major decisions, including the revival of the Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra scheme for senior citizens, amendments to the state’s mining policy to curb illegal sand mining, and the launch of a unique school mentorship program involving senior bureaucrats. These decisions, aimed at benefiting the common people, were approved during a high-level Cabinet Meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence in Chandigarh.
Mining Policy: Ensuring Affordable Sand, Curbing Illegal Mining
One of the most significant decisions taken during the meeting was the amendment to Punjab’s Minor Mineral Policy, aimed at curbing illegal mining, reducing corruption, increasing the availability of construction material, and stabilizing market prices for sand and gravel.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that under the revised policy, two new categories have been introduced — Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS) and Landowner Mining Sites (LMS).
Under the Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS), the crusher owners, who own land with gravel deposits, can now obtain a mining lease and extract resources legally. This move is expected to curtail the illegal transportation of sand and gravel from other states while increasing local supply.
Under the Landowner Mining Sites (LMS), the farmers and landowners with sand deposits on their fields can now directly apply for a mining lease and sell sand in the open market at government-notified rates. This will ensure that sand is sold at fair prices and will boost state revenue.
Additionally, the district administrations have been empowered to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for mining on government and panchayat lands, streamlining the process to make sand and gravel more readily available.
The amendments also include an increase in royalty charges. The sand royalty has been increased to Rs 1.75 per cubic feet from Rs 0.73 per cubic feet, while the gravel royalty has been raised to Rs 3.20 per cubic feet from Rs 0.73 per cubic feet.
“These changes would prevent monopolization in the mining sector and make raw materials more affordable for consumers, particularly for those in the construction industry,” said Cheema.
Free Pilgrimage for 50+ citizens
Reviving an initiative aimed at elderly citizens, the Cabinet approved the ‘Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra’ scheme, under which Punjab residents, aged 50 years and above, can avail free trips to religious sites across India. The government has allocated Rs 100 crore for the purpose, ensuring that thousands of pilgrims can undertake these spiritual journeys at no personal expense.
Under this scheme, the pilgrims will be provided air-conditioned transport, comfortable lodging, and meals. The religious destinations will include Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Durgiana Temple in Amritsar, Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, and other key pilgrimage sites, with the final list to be released soon.
The registration process for the scheme will begin in the last week of April, and the first batch of pilgrims will embark on their journey in May 2025.
“Spiritual discourses, devotional singing, like satsang and kirtan, and prasad distribution will be part of the itinerary to enhance the religious experience,” said the spokesperson, adding that the scheme would be inclusive, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. The government also plans to expand the program in the future if the demand rises.
School Mentorship Prog: Bureaucrats to Guide Students
In another transformative decision, the Punjab Cabinet approved the launch of a school mentorship initiative in 80 ‘Schools of Eminence’, where senior IAS, IPS, and IFS officers will act as mentors to students. This program aims to bridge the gap between bureaucrats and young learners, inspiring them to consider careers in civil services and other leadership roles.
Under this mentorship program, each officer will “adopt” one school for a period of five years, irrespective of their place of posting. The officers will interact with students and teachers regularly, providing career guidance, motivational sessions, and skill-development assistance.
The program is designed to instill leadership qualities and encourage students to aspire for competitive exams such as the UPSC and state civil services. The officers will not function as supervisors, but rather as “mentors” who will voluntarily contribute to educational development alongside their regular administrative duties.
The government believes that this initiative will help students develop a broader perspective, gain real-world insights, and cultivate a stronger sense of ambition and self-confidence.
