The Punjab Government on Wednesday included the benefits available under Shagun Scheme under the Right to Service Act. With this, the Government has made the officers accountable to ensure time-bound release of the benefits. Besides, the erring officials are liable for punishment under the Act including deduction of fine from their own salary. The Punjab Government has brought Shagun Scheme under the ambit of the Punjab Right to Service (RTS) Act, 2011, along with the term loan to SCs and BCs. Executive director has been appointed as designated officer. A Notification regarding this has been issued by Department of Governance Reforms.
“To provide hassle-free service to the public in a stipulated time, Shagun Scheme has been included in RTS and District Welfare Officers nominated as designated officers,” said the state Welfare Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike. He said that given time limit under the RTS for sanction of case is within 45 days after submission of the required papers in all respect and for disbursement of financial assistance the time limit is within 30 days subject to the available of funds. The Welfare Minister said that term loan to SCs and BCs also inducted under the RTS and executive director has been appointed as designated officer.