Punjab Government on Monday gave its nod for the regularisation of unauthorised colonies in the State.
The Punjab laws (Special Provisions) Bill, 2013, received the nod of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday. The Act will “make special provisions for resolving the problems associated with the development of unauthorised colonies, and thereby leading to infrastructure issues in the State” within one year and for the related matters.
“Temporary relief” to the people against mushrooming of unauthorized colonies, the Act will expire after one year “from the date of commencement”
“This is just to regularise the already existing colonies till the actual policy could not be put into place…for action against illegal colonies in future, we are coming up with a comprehensive Housing Policy that will recommend stringent laws to check this unlawful act,” clarified Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal.
PunjabStateCancer and Drug Addiction Treatment Infrastructure Fund Bill, 2013
Declaring a “war against cancer and drugs”, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday gave its nod to the Punjab State Cancer and Drug Addiction Treatment Infrastructure Fund Bill-2013.
The Bill aims at establishing a special fund, to the tune of Rs 300 crore per annum, for the creation of infrastructure, including equipment and provision for medicines in selected hospitals, for the treatment of cancer and drug addiction in the state.
PunjabCommunity Participation in Municipalities Act, 2013
To ensure more participation of citizens in the working of all nagar panchayats or municipal councils and corporations in the state, the assembly gave the go ahead for the Act.
The new Act envisages constitution of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees in all municipalities, on the pattern of Gram Sabhas, thereby providing an opportunity to the citizens for effective participation in civic affairs.
PunjabRent (Amendment) Bill, 2013
Punjab Vidhan Sabha also passed the Punjab Rent (Amendment Bill), 2013, giving a major relief to the NRIs facilitating them in getting their properties vacated quickly.
The Act also give the right to recover immediate possession of premises to accrue widows, handicapped persons, old persons, freedom fighters, and NRIs. The Act will not apply to the tenancies created before the Act came into force.
The Punjab Ancient, Historical Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Cultural Heritage Maintenance Board Bill, 2013
Finally waking up from deep slumber to protect the rich cultural heritage of Punjab, the Punjab Ancient, Historical Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Cultural Heritage Maintenance Board Act, 2013, envisages a provision of setting up of a dedicated fund for the conservation and preservation of heritage buildings of the state as well as operation and maintenance along with the upkeep and funding of the heritage memorials to be constructed in the future.
One per cent cultural cess would be levied on the cost of roads constructed out of the state’s resources and buildings with a cost of more than Rs 50 crore.
17 Bills passed
Before adjourning sine die, the Punjab Assembly gave its nod to as many as 17 Bills, most of which passed without any discussion.