Punjab Cabinet Approves Key Decisions: Judicial Posts Permanency, Fast Track Courts, Medical Staff Increase, Food Grain Policy & More

Punjab Cabinet Approves Key Decisions: Judicial Posts Permanency, Fast Track Courts, Medical Staff Increase, Food Grain Policy & More

The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, took a slew of significant decisions aimed at improving the state’s judicial system, healthcare infrastructure, food grain management, and business environment.

Justice System Strengthening:

• 3842 Temporary Judicial Posts Made Permanent: Addressing a long-standing issue, the Cabinet approved converting 3842 temporary judicial posts into permanent positions. This eliminates the need for annual renewals and ensures job security for judicial staff.

• Fast Track Courts for POCSO & Rape Cases: To expedite justice delivery in critical cases, the Cabinet greenlit setting up two fast-track special courts in Sangrur and Tarn Taran districts. These courts will focus on cases related to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO) and rape.

Boosting Healthcare Services:

• 1579 New Medical Officer Posts Created: Recognizing the shortage of medical professionals, the Cabinet approved the restoration of 189 Medical Officer (General) posts and the creation of 1390 additional posts. This significant increase aims to ensure uninterrupted and high-quality healthcare services across Punjab.

• Aam Aadmi Clinics Delivering Results: The Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval for establishing 829 Aam Aadmi Clinics, offering free consultations, medicines, and diagnostic tests. As of March 7, 2024, these clinics have treated over 1.12 crore patients and conducted over 31.69 lakh diagnostic tests, demonstrating their positive impact.

Enhanced Support for Businesses:

• Food Grain Transportation Policy 2024: The Cabinet approved a new policy for transporting food grains procured by the government. This policy emphasizes a transparent online tender system for allocating transportation work, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Health Insurance Scheme Extended to More Businesses: Expanding healthcare access for entrepreneurs, the Cabinet extended the health insurance scheme’s eligibility to businesses with a turnover of up to Rs 2 crore. This scheme provides free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, benefiting an estimated one lakh additional businesses.

• VAT One-Time Settlement Scheme Extended: Offering relief to businesses facing Value Added Tax (VAT) liabilities, the Cabinet extended the One-Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) deadline from March 31 to June 30, 2024. This scheme has already yielded positive results with over Rs 47.50 crore collected through OTS-2023.

• Colonizers Get Relief on External Development Charges: The Cabinet eased the burden on colonizers (real estate developers) by allowing them 18 months to pay outstanding External Development Charges (EDC) in three installments. This move aims to support infrastructure development while providing flexibility for developers.

• New Excise Policy Targets Record Revenue: The new Excise Policy for 2024-25, the third by the current government, sets an ambitious revenue collection target of over Rs 10,000 crore for the first time in Punjab’s history. The policy introduces a draw system for allocating liquor contracts, promoting transparency and fairness.

• Packaged Ration Delivery for Enhanced Quality & Transparency: To improve ration delivery efficiency and ensure quality, the Cabinet approved a project for delivering packaged flour with a 45-day shelf life to beneficiaries, particularly those facing mobility challenges. This initiative aims to save time and resources for beneficiaries while minimizing irregularities.

These comprehensive decisions by the Punjab Cabinet demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of citizens across various sectors. From strengthening the judicial system and healthcare infrastructure to supporting businesses and ensuring food security, these initiatives aim to create a more efficient, equitable, and prosperous Punjab.

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