Push to ease-of-doing biz: Pb nod to self-certification of factory plans; Okays validity period for fire-safety certificates
It also okayed several other changes. The cabinet approved amendments to Rule 2A, Rule 3A, Rule 4, and Rule 102 of the Punjab Factory Rules, 1952, to simplify processes under the ease-of-doing business initiative. The amendments will allow self-certification of factory plans by civil, structural, or mechanical engineers with at least five years of experience—or a master's degree with two years of experience—subject to departmental verification.
Similarly, structural stability certificates can now be issued by qualified engineers on the same conditions. Additionally, women will now be permitted to work in the manufacturing of pottery and ceramics, as well as in the vegetable oil extraction process—activities that were previously restricted. The cabinet also gave its consent to amend the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965, as several provisions of the Act were no longer aligned with present-day needs.
The revised provisions aim to make the fund more progressive and realistic, ensuring better protection and welfare for labourers and enabling them to live with dignity.
Recognising that the existing Punjab Financial Rules Volumes I and II, framed in 1984, are outdated, the cabinet approved their updating. Numerous amendments and instructions have been issued since then by the finance department. The revised rules will incorporate these changes to ensure clarity and avoid legal disputes or confusion. The cabinet aslso apoproved framing of Punjab Fire and Emergency Services (Validity of Fire Safety Certificate) Rules, 2025.
These rules will allow the state govt to prescribe a validity period for fire-safety certificates for buildings and premises through official notifications.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
This 1874 Law Protects Indian Women From Their Husbands' Debts
The Married Women's Property Act (MWPA), 1874, protects a married woman's financial assets from her husband's debts, covering income, inheritance, savings, insurance, and property A colonial-era law passed nearly 150 years ago continues to act as one of the strongest legal shields for married women's financial security in the country. The Married Women's Property Act (MWPA), 1874, was enacted during British rule, but its relevance has only grown with time, especially as women increasingly contribute to household income and wealth creation. The Act's core purpose is simple but powerful; it ensures that a married woman's income, inheritance, savings, insurance proceeds, and property remain her own, completely protected from her husband's debts or claims by his creditors. What MWPA Guarantees The MWPA gives a married woman the right to hold, inherit, and sell property in her own name without any interference from her husband. Unlike in many other cases of shared family finances, her assets cannot be automatically seized to repay her husband's liabilities. A particularly important provision relates to life insurance. If a husband takes out a life insurance policy under the MWPA for the benefit of his wife or children, creditors cannot touch the payout, even in the event of bankruptcy or heavy debts. The money directly secures the family's future. Similarly, property inherited by a woman remains solely hers and cannot be diverted to settle her husband's financial obligations. Today, financial risks – from business failures to mounting personal loans – can quickly wipe out household wealth. The MWPA acts as a legal firewall, ensuring that women and children are not left vulnerable because of a husband's financial missteps. Financial experts often advise women to insist on life insurance policies being taken under the MWPA clause, describing it as a 'hidden but powerful tool" for family protection. Yet, awareness remains low, and many women do not know that such a safeguard exists. Despite being enacted in 1874, the MWPA has stood the test of time. At a moment when women's economic participation is higher than ever, the Act provides a rare, ironclad guarantee; a woman's financial independence cannot be undone by her husband's debts. Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. To Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Parliament passes mining law amendments
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Parliament passed amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act Tuesday. Addressing the upper house, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy said key reforms undertaken in the past decade have led to higher revenue.'State governments used to earn Rs 68,000 crore from mining activities before reforms. Today, state governments earn Rs 6.85 lakh crore from them,' Reddy domestic coal production, Reddy said the country has saved around Rs 60,000 crore forex outgo due to increased domestic the growth of iron-ore production, Reddy said it has nearly doubled from 2014. 'Iron ore production stood at 152 million tonne in 2014. This has risen to nearly 289 million tonnes,' Reddy informed the Rajya latest MMDR Amendment proposes to increase the contributions from mining lease holders to a trust that funds exploration of critical minerals and development of supply also allows using the accrued funds for overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets. Enabling provisions to operate a domestic minerals exchange have also been approved through this also said a comprehensive audit of district mineral foundation (DMF) spends will be undertaken to ensure better utilisation of funds.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Parliament passes Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill
Parliament on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025 that aims to further liberalise, modernise and make India's mineral sector more dynamic, especially with a focus on critical and strategic minerals. The Bill, which seeks to amend the original Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, was passed in Lok Sabha on August 12. Rajya Sabha passed it with a voice vote. About 19 members participated in the debate and shared some constructive suggestions. Replying to the debate on the Bill, Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has taken revolutionary reforms in the coal and mine sector in the last ten years. In critical minerals, the country is dependent on imports due to less reserves in India. With demand for critical minerals expected to rise further, the government is focusing on enhancing domestic production and exploring overseas market to secure the supplies, he added. One of the key amendments in the Bill is renaming of the National Mineral Exploration Trust as the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust, and its scope has been expanded to fund exploration and development both domestically and internationally. "A forward looking reform, which has been hanging fire for very long time. This Bill is not just about minerals, it is about securing India's economic security, future and ensuring development in more transparent and sustainable way," BJP leader Kiran Choudhary said during the debate on the Bill. India is the world's third largest in the mineral wealth. Yet the mining sector is constrained by outdated laws, fragmented leases, lack of accountability. The Bill is important as it addresses all these gaps, she said. The Bill balances development with sustainability and provides for community participation and welfare of people in the mining areas, she added.
