Shedding a decades-old legacy, the Punjab Government has decided to do away with the VIP culture in the state, as promised in the Congress poll manifesto.
led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, the Cabinet took the historic decision here.
RsFollowing the decision, red and other coloured beacon light on all vehicles, except emergency hospital ,ambulance, fire brigade vehicles, the Chief Justice and the Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court, would be abolished after a formal notification to this effect is issued. An official spokesperson said a new policy on use of such beacon lights on vehicles will soon be formulated and notified.
The cabinet decision would also lead to a ban on foreign travel of all Ministers, MlAs and official state government expense for two years, except where it is so mandated or provided under and bilateral agreement or arrangement.
Salary and allowances or reimbursements received by all MlAs would be updated every month on the official website and would be made available to the public. All MlAs and MPs would declare their immoveable properties on 1st January every year, and for the year 2017-18 the same would be done by 1st July this year.
BADAl TO GET FREE GOVT ACCOMMODATION OF CHOICE
Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has decided to provide his predecessor Parkash Singh Badal with free government accommodation of his choice.
The decision follows reports that Badal was hunting for a suitable accommodation after demitting the chief minister’s office following his party’s defeat in the recent assembly elections, according to an official spokesperson.
The SAD leader will get an official residence of his liking to stay till the time he desires, said the spokesperson, adding that the necessary policy changes were being made to accommodate Badal.
The existing policy does not provide for official residence to former Chief Ministers in the state. Incidentally, the previous Congress Government policy in this regard allowed for Government accommodation to former Chief Ministers but was revoked by the SAD Government.
CABINET EXEMPTS JOURNAlISTS FROM TOll TAX PAYMENT
The Cabinet has decided to exempt media persons from payment of toll tax on the state highways.
The cabinet also decided to set up a Press Accreditation Committee, comprising representatives of the registered journalist unions and associations with over 10- years standing, as promised by the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) in its manifesto for the assembly elections.
It was also decided to review the existing rules for allotment of government accommodation to journalists to ensure provision of a fair quota for them.