Punjab Government has decided to regularize all safai karamcharis and sewermen of the Urban Local Bodies, working on contract basis with various municipalities of the State, by making some relaxations in the rules. The decision came at a time when the contract and outsourced ‘safai karamcharis’ in civic bodies have been agitating against the Government for over a month.
As per the decision taken by the state Cabinet in its virtual meeting on Friday, these workers will be regularized as per a law proposed to be enacted by the State Government.
At the same time, the Cabinet has directed the Department of Personnel to expedite the proposal to enact a new legislation to regularize these contractual employees, while at the same time making it clear that the outsourced employees would not be covered under the new law.
The Cabinet has also decided to allow hiring, on contract, of more such karamcharis and sewermen, as may be required by the municipalities, thus relaxing its earlier decision of March 18, 2017. Due process should be followed, and preference should be given to those with relevant experience in such hiring, the Cabinet decided.
Notably, the Cabinet sub-committee, comprising Local Government Minister Brahm Mohindra, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Technical Education Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, and Cooperation and Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, had formally decided to place the issue for approval in the Cabinet meeting.
The sub-committee has been constituted to make recommendations on repealing the old Act of 2016 and framing a new one to provide a relief package to employees of the State.
To regularize the services of 4,022 contract safai karmacharis, the government required nearly Rs 42 crore.
SERVICES OF SUPERANNUATING SPECIALIST DOCTORS EXTENDED TILL MAR 31 NEXT
To tackle COVID-19 pandemic, Punjab Government on Friday decided to allow specialist doctors of Medicine, Anesthesia, and TB and Chest to continue their services, after their superannuation on completion of 58 years of age, till March 31, 2022, on clinical posts. The move is aimed at ensuring effective management of COVID isolation facilities in the State.
“The services of these doctors are required to ensure timely and proper treatment to the patients. The State Government also could not afford to take any risk in view of the continuing spread of the pandemic, leading to heavy burden on Government hospitals and dispensaries,” said the Chief Minister chairing the virtual meeting, as the Cabinet took note of the fact that the recruitment ads had not received encouraging response and it was necessary to take urgent steps to prepare for a possible third wave.
STANDALONE BUILDINGS OUTSIDE MC LIMITS GETS ONE-TIME REGULARIZATION CHANCE
The standalone buildings, constructed outside the municipal limits without the approval of Housing and Urban Development Department, have been given one time chance of regularization but with strict adherence to the building bye-laws.
The on-time settlement policy, for which applications will be accepted till March 31, 2022, would enable such buildings to be regularized with payment of a nominal fee and statutory government dues, besides bringing them within the ambit of planning and ensure safety of public.
The OTS policy would be applicable to all pending cases and cases submitted by March 31, 2022. Buildings which have been constructed as per building rules in conformity with Master Plans shall be considered.
POLICY FOR COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION
A comprehensive policy for compensatory afforestation in the projects affecting forest area up to one hectare, under the jurisdiction of the State Government, has been given a go-ahead.
CHANGE IN GUIDELINES FOR UTILISATION PNP FUNDS
The Cabinet gave approval to amend the guidelines for proper utilization of funds under ‘PM-10-State level initiatives-Punjab Nirman Programme’ which will help improve the living conditions of the people in both rural and urban areas, besides addressing their felt developmental needs, thus ensuring no hurdle in its implementation.
As per the amended guidelines, all works under the programme, launched in 2006, would be proposed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) or ADC (Urban Development), before a District Level Committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner.
The works to be undertaken under the programme would be implemented through government body, PRIs or ULBs, or as may be deemed appropriate by DC, and as per the guidelines of respective departments.
DISTRICT LEVEL BUREAUS TO BOOST EASE OF DOING BUSINESS
Punjab Government will set up a District Bureau of Industry and Investment Promotion (DBIIP) in each district to further promote ease of doing business in the State. The move will facilitate new or expansion unit investments, and expedite speedy approval or clearances required for grounding of the projects.
GOVT TO PAY PVT INSTITUTIONS’ 40% ARREARS UNDER SC POST-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
Punjab Government will pay 40 percent of the Rs 200 crore arrears of private educational institutions, against the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students, for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20. Besides, the Chief Minister will take up the issue of the balance 60 percent pending arrears with the Prime Minister.
EASES RULES FOR PERMIT RENEWAL FOR STAGE CARRIAGE BUS OPERATORS
To ease the hardships faced by mini bus operators in renewing their permits due to up-gradation of link roads as other direct roads, major district roads, the Cabinet has given a go-ahead for easing of rules for the same.
PUNJAB TO SEEK US$ 210M LOAN FROM WB, AIIB FOR CANAL-BASED WATER SUPPLY FOR AMRITSAR, LUDHIANA
Punjab Government will seek US 210 million dollars loan from World Bank or Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for canal-based water supply project for Amritsar and Ludhiana under the Punjab Municipal Service Improvement Project (PMSIP).
The Cabinet also authorized the Chief Minister to take any decision to meet the objectives of the project and to ensure successful and timely implementation of various activities proposed by the World Bank or AIIB.
The proposed project investment is expected to cost around US$ 300 million, of which International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) will finance 70 percent and Punjab Government 30 percent.
CIVILIAN SUPPORT STAFF POSTS APPROVED FOR INVESTIGATION BUREAU
To improve the efficacy of investigation and overall policing, the creation of 798 posts of Civilian Support Staff (Specialized Support Staff) have been approved in the Punjab Bureau of Investigation. The posts will be filled in a revenue-neutral manner, with no additional financial implication, by abolishing 915 posts of constables.