Punjab Cabinet on Monday approved modifications to the existing dispute resolution and litigation policy. The Punjab Dispute Resolution and litigation Policy, 2018, aimed at quick disposal of ongoing litigation and minimising of institution of new court cases, so as to reduce the financial and administrative burden on the Government, said an official spokesperson.
The new policy will help the Government to become an efficient and responsible litigant. As per the new policy, all legal matters of the government, PSUs and government corporations will be handled by the office of the state Advocate General, and panels will be made in consultation with the AG, said the spokesperson.
In case of disagreement, the matter will be referred to the Chief Minister. “If any department wants to hire lawyers, other than the ones under the AG's office, the CM's permission will be required,” said the spokesperson. The Cabinet pointed out that some departments were hiring lawyers from outside even though the AG's office was spending Rs two crore per month on 152 law officers, the spokesperson said.
Under the new policy, department employees will be encouraged to settle disputes. The Government will endeavour to avoid unwarranted litigation in cases where the matter can be resolved or disposed by converting the pending litigation into a representation to the concerned administrative secretary or head of the department for time-bound orders, or where employees' matters are already covered by judgments that have attained finality, the spokesperson said.
DRAFT BIll TO ENSURE QUAlITY CONTROl OF CATTlE FEED TO BOOST MIlK PRODUCTION APPROVED
To ensure quality control of cattle feed with the aim of boosting milk production, Punjab Cabinet also approved a new draft Bill for enactment in the ongoing Vidhan Sabha session.
With this, the manufacturing, distribution, storage and sale of cattle feed concentrates and mineral mixtures will be regulated in the state. Every manufacturer and dealer would be under obligation to register themselves to fulfil the laid down standards, and in case of any violation, they would be liable for penalty under the provisions of new Act.
“The Punjab Regulation of Compounded Cattle-feed, Concentrates and Mineral Mixtures Act, 2018” seeks to exercise quality control on compounded cattle feed, concentrates and mineral mixtures used in the dairy sector,” said the spokesperson adding that the new legislation will amend earlier legislations on the subject.
The state government had promulgated the Punjab Regulation of Compounded Cattle-feed, Concentrates and Mineral Mixtures Order, 1988, which was issued under Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The department had been taking action under this Order to exert quality control on compounded cattle feed, concentrates and mineral mixtures.
The Central Government, through Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2006 amended Essential Commodities Act, 1955, omitted Clause-A of Section-2. Clause (A) (i) of Section-2 of the Act covered cattle fodder including oil cakes and other concentrates which led to removal of cattle fodder, including oil cakes and other concentrates, from the jurisdiction of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.