Punjab Cabinet is all set to take a slew of significant decisions at its crucial meeting on Friday including two-year extension policy to Government employees, and cable mafia even as the two were not listed in the agenda for the same.
Besides, the Cabinet is likely to discuss at length the issue of imposing any new taxes to mop up additional revenue, reduction of stamp duty on registration, among other issues.
Cabinet would also pay tribute to the mother of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, Rajmata Mohinder Kaur, who passed away on July 24 after prolonged illness.
Even as the State Government employees are keeping a close watch on the Friday’s cabinet meeting, the Government seems to be indecisive on the issue of two-year extension to Government employees after retirement. Thus, the issue was not made the part of the agenda.
But, the sources informed The Pioneer that despite not being included in the list of agenda for the Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister and Finance Minister Manpreet Badal would like to discuss the issue with their colleagues.
Capt Amarinder has already asserted that the Government is reviewing the policy of two-year extension.
Also, majority of the Cabinet Ministers are in favour of doing away with the extension policy and fixing the retirement age at 58 which would pave way for more Government jobs for the State’s unemployed youth — moving a step closer to fulfil its promise of providing employment.
In fact, employees awaiting promotions are also in agreement to the State Government’s proposed move.
“But the only hurdle in the way is funds. The State is already facing financial crunch and winding-up extension policy would mean more fund requirement in terms of post-retirement benefits which would be a big problem for the Government,” a senior Government functionary said.
As per rough estimates, the Government may require funds to the tune of Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 crore in terms of EPF, gratuity, etc.
The Government is of the view that it can employ at least three to four persons in the salary of one employees, currently on extension.
At the same time, local Government Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, who has been making appeals to the Chief Minister via media, is expected to take up the issue of cracking whip on the cable mafia, especially Fastway — having links with the Badal family.
Sidhu, only a day before, had appealed to the Chief Minister to either act against the Fastway for evading thousands of crores of taxes, or “allow me to conduct its audit”.
Maintaining that law should be strong enough so that no offender escape from it, Sidhu had declared that he may also bring an ordinance to make required amendments in the law “to catch hold of the violators”, if needed be.