Punjab cabinet meeting: Chief secy replaces CM as chairman of devp authorities
The cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of chief minister Bhagwant Mann, amended Section 29(3) of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development (PRTPD) Act. The amendment empowers the chief secretary to lead the state's development authorities, a move modelled after urban planning bodies such as Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA), NOIDA, Meerut, Kanpur, and Lucknow.
This decision follows the cabinet's approval two weeks ago for the acquisition or 'land-pooling' of 24,311 acres in Ludhiana and 6,285 acres around Mohali to facilitate new urban estates.
The reallocation of power marks a significant departure from Punjab's norm, where political figures — including chief ministers and ministers — have traditionally chaired key development bodies such as GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority), GLADA (Greater Ludhiana Development Authority), and PUDA (Punjab Urban Development Authority).
Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema explained that the move was aimed at improving the functioning of the development authorities. 'The chief minister is the chairman of the authority, but due to his busy schedule, the work sometimes gets delayed. This change will help streamline proceedings and ensure timely decision-making,' Cheema said during a media briefing.
Additionally, the cabinet has decided to include the departments of revenue, industry, water supply and sanitation, and others in the decision-making process of the development authorities, a step intended to enhance interdepartmental coordination.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has strongly criticised the move. SAD spokesman Daljit Singh Cheema took to X (formerly Twitter), calling the decision 'illegal, unconstitutional, and arbitrary.' He pointed out that according to the 1995 Act, the chief minister and housing minister are ex-officio chairman and vice-chairman of the boards, respectively. He questioned the legality of replacing the CM with the chief secretary, suggesting that this undermines the authority of Cabinet ministers.
'Why is the office of CM being downgraded? Who is pressuring the Cabinet to act against constitutional norms?' Cheema wrote.
Nod to fill 500 posts in jail dept
In order to enhance the security in jails, the cabinet gave approval for filling 500 posts of various cadres in the jail staff.
This recruitment will include 29 assistant superintendents, 451 warders and 20 matrons, which will be done by Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board, thereby helping to beef up the security in the jails, said an official spokesperson.
Policy for industrial plot sub-division approved
The cabinet also approved a comprehensive policy for the fragmentation and sub-division of industrial plots in PSIEC-managed industrial estates to enhance land use efficiency, the spokesperson said.
This policy caters to the demands of industrialists and plot owners as well as of prominent industry associations, including the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mohali Chamber of Industry & IT, and Mohali Industrial Association. It addresses the need for smaller industrial plots, particularly for the IT and service sectors, to promote efficient land use, attract investments and establish a structured, transparent mechanism for plot fragmentation and sub-division, said the spokesperson.
The policy facilitates the optimisation of land usage, boosts operational efficiency, and supports project expansion by addressing long-standing demands from industrial stakeholders. It applies to freehold plots of 1,000 square yards or larger, with subdivided plots maintaining a minimum size of 400 square yards. A fee of 5% of the current reserve price of the original plot will be charged, reduced to 50% for family members or legal heirs of a deceased allottee, the spokesperson added.
This policy includes a standard operating procedure (SOP) to streamline its implementation.
The cabinet gave ex-post facto approval for the constitution of the high-powered cabinet sub-committee to intensify the 'war on drugs' programme of the state. This move will further help in day-to-day scrutiny of the ongoing war against drugs thereby making Punjab free from the menace of drugs and wean away the youth of state from this scourge, according to the spokesperson.
Nod to frame Punjab fire and emergency services rules
The cabinet gave nod for framing of Punjab Fire and Emergency Services (Validity of Fire Safety Certificate) Rules, 2025. This will enable the state government to prescribe the period of fire safety certificate in the case of buildings or premises, including those of specified risk categories through a notification, the spokesperson said.
Factory rules amended
The cabinet gave approval to amend Rule 2A, Rule 3A, Rule 4 and Rule 102 of Punjab Factory Rules, 1952, for facilitating ease of doing business.
This will enable self-certification plans of the factories by any civil/ structural/ mechanical engineer with 5 years of experience or masters degree with two years experience subject to verification by the department. Structural stability certificate by any civil/structural engineer with five years of experience or masters degree with two years experience will also be allowed subject to verification by the department.
Likewise, women workers will be allowed to work in the manufacturing of pottery and ceramics, and the process of extracting vegetable oil which is banned presently, according to the spokesperson.
Consent to amend Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act
The cabinet also gave consent to amend the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act 1965. Several provisions of the Act are no longer in line with present-day needs. So, various provisions of the Act have been amended to secure the interests of the Labour by making the Fund more realistic and progressive, according to the spokesperson.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Deccan Herald
an hour ago
- Deccan Herald
2023 law insulates CEC, EC from legal action; CEC's removal only by Parliament
Clause 16 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 grants immunity to the CEC and ECs from any legal action for decisions taken while in office.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 20th Aug 2025
BCCI is not above law This refers to the column 'Cricket lovers have right to know BCCI activities' (THI, August 19). The National Sports Governance Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha recently and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been exempted from the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Although hockey is our national sport, cricket enjoys mass popularity and occupies the status of a religion in cricket-mad India. It is to such an extent that when they are underway, IPL and the World Cup dominate discussions across the nation. Yet, despite this craze for cricket, people do not seem eager to bring the BCCI under the purview of the RTI. Although privately funded, the world's richest cricketing body enjoys all privileges from the government, including income tax exemptions. That the NDA government had to keep the BCCI outside the RTI framework shows the clout the board wields in the corridors of power. Against this backdrop, what can ordinary folk do? In a democracy, if any institution becomes so powerful that both citizens and the incumbent government appear to be its yes men, then it signals a dark future for the nation and its people. Dr Jitesh Mori, Kutch Tragic fire mishap in Hyd It was heart-rending that six devotees died of electrocution during Janmashtami celebrations in Ramanthapur (THI, Aug 19). Although the energy department has ordered an inquiry into the tragedy, I feel that the probe must also have officials from the revenue and police wings. As the tragedy is of enormous proportions, the investigation should be broad-based, transparent and accountable. When cable lines were on electric wires, why did not the linemen step in? Will the cable operators also be held responsible for the tragedy along with energy dept staff? The bereaved families must be provided suitable ex gratia. JP Reddy, Nalgonda A divine boost to elderly Balaji devotees Kudos to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for the remarkable initiative his government has taken up. Extending the free darshan facility at Tirupati for 65+citizens is a wonderful gesture. Providing battery-operated cars to ferry the senior citizens exemplified true compassion. Let's celebrate this act of kindness. T S Karthik, Chennai A distressing situation for Bhadradri farmers I would like to draw attention to the alarming situation faced by farmers in the Bhadradri region due to acute shortage of urea. (Farmers left high and dry amid acute urea shortage in Bhadradri-Pg 7). The problem is worsened by deficient rainfall this year leaving many crops under strain. The unfair practice of hoarding has created an artificial scarcity, thereby leading to exorbitant prices of commodities, while leaving most farmers, already caught in financial stress, completely helpless. The authorities must step in to regulate the unfair distribution of urea and ensure that it reaches the farmers who truly need it. Any further delay may result in Bhadradri farmers losing harvest and faith in the system. They need support right away. Anhaar Majid, St Francis College for Women GHMC's praiseworthy initiative for Indie pets I would like to appreciate GHMC's initiative of conducting an adoption drive for cute puppies. The innovative tagline 'Be a hero, adopt, don't shop' already tells a lot. I strongly believe that puppies deserve to be loved and be taken care of. The indie puppy adoption mela was a feast for the eyes of every animal lover. It was lovely to see how all the Hyderabadi animal lovers assembled at one place and created a joyful atmosphere. This initiative helps to unite and foster the bond of love between the one who wants to take care of and the one who wants to be taken care of. Looking from a social perspective, I think in the long run, if such adoption drives are continued, many homeless puppies and shelter animals can find a loveable home. This can also reduce the habit of buying pets from dealers who only hope to make a fast buck. Gowri Ghanpathi, Hyderabad
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Karnataka Cabinet decides to provide internal reservation among SCs
The Karnataka cabinet on Tuesday night decided to provide internal reservation among Scheduled Castes by categorising 101 castes among them into three categories, official sources said. In a special meeting, the Cabinet discussed the recommendations of the Justice H N Nagmohan Das Commission report, aimed at providing internal reservation among Scheduled Castes (SCs). The commission had submitted its 1,766-page report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 4, and it was placed before the cabinet on August 7. The internal reservation is aimed at slicing up the 17 per cent reservation matrix given to 101 scheduled castes. According to sources, the cabinet decided to accept the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission's report, but made some alterations. Of the 17 per cent reservation that SCs have in the state, as per the internal reservation formula evolved by the Cabinet, the SC (Right) and SC (Left) will get 6 per cent each, while the 'touchable' Dalit communities (Lambani, Bhovi, Korma and Korcha) and most backward and nomadic communities got 5 per cent quota. The commission had reportedly made recommendation for internal reservation in five categories -- 'most backward' communities (group A)- 1 per cent; SC (Left)/Madiga community (group B) 6 per cent; SC (Right)/ Holeya (group C) 5 per cent; 'touchable' communities (group D) 4 per cent, and Adi Karnataka, Adi Dravida and Adi Andhra communities (group E) 1 per cent. The commission's report was not officially made public. Speaking to reporters, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the Cabinet meeting had been "fruitful" and ministers representing all SC communities are satisfied. "The cabinet meeting went on for about two-and-a-half hours.. All of us have come out of the cabinet hall happy and satisfied. The state legislature is in session, and there is no scope for revealing details. The chief minister will make a statement on behalf of the government on the floor of the House tomorrow," he said. However, Minister for Backwards Class Development Shivaraj Tangadagi confirmed that internal reservation has been decided upon by making three groups among SCs -- right, left and others. He termed the cabinet decision "historical". "Reservations provided for these three categories are six, six and five per cent, respectively. After a detailed discussion, we all accepted it. "The most backwards communities categorised under group A by the commission, have been added to the group of 'Touchable' Dalits (Bhovi, Banjara, Korma and Korcha). While group E of the commission have been added to group B and C," he added. According to sources, most backwards and nomadic communities are apparently not happy with the decision. The government, in November last year, set up the Justice Nagmohan Das commission to recommend internal reservation among SCs by gathering empirical data. This came after the Supreme Court last year allowed states to provide internal reservation, and the Karnataka Cabinet agreed to implement internal reservation. In a landmark verdict delivered by the Supreme Court on August 1 last year, it held that states are constitutionally empowered to make sub-classifications within the SCs, which form a socially heterogeneous class, for granting reservation for the uplift of castes that are socially and educationally more backward. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
