Major Decisions by Punjab Cabinet: Dog Squads in Jails, More Flood Aid, and Housing Project Boost

October 13, 2025

Chandigarh: The Punjab government’s cabinet meeting today (October 13) decided to deploy sniffer dogs in the state’s prisons to prevent drug abuse and other contraband inside. Rules were approved today for the purchase of six dogs. Additionally, a one-time extension will be granted for the mega housing project.

At the same time, a decision has been made to allot land to cooperative housing societies for the construction of multi-story group housing schemes. They will have to deposit the reserve price at which the land will be allotted within three months. Possession of the land will then be granted. This will prevent fraud against people. Meanwhile, orders have been issued to the Home Department to change the boundaries of police stations.

The government has increased relief funds due to floods.

Furthermore, the government has decided to increase relief funds in response to the recent devastating floods. Previously, affected families were receiving ₹20,000, while the central government provided ₹6,800 in assistance. Now, it has been decided to provide ₹40,000 in aid to those whose kutcha or pucca houses have been damaged.

These important decisions were taken in the cabinet meeting

A one-time extension for the mega housing project

This extension will be for five years. The fee is set at 25,000 rupees per acre. This extension will be granted for a maximum of 25 acres. After that, no project will be approved. This decision will benefit the public.

Decision to Allot Land to Cooperative House Building Societies

It has been decided to allot land to cooperative house building societies for the construction of multi-story buildings under the Group Housing Scheme. The reserve price at which the land will be allocated will be required to be deposited within three months. After this, the respective societies will be given possession of the land. This step will prevent fraud against people.

Sand cleaning tenders will be opened in 14 days.

Additionally, tenders will be issued for desilting large amounts of sand deposited in rivers. Tenders will now be opened in 14 days instead of 21, so that this work can be completed before the upcoming monsoon season.

A committee has been formed to allow the use of coal in rolling mills.

The NGT has not approved the use of coal in the rolling mills in Mandi Gobindgarh and Khanna. A subcommittee of three ministers, headed by the Industry Minister, has been formed to address this issue and represent the government’s position in court. This is because a single company supplies the material, which poses difficulties.

The cabinet also amended the Punjab Housing E-auction Policy

Many plots remained unsold at the reserve price. Three agencies will now be involved in re-evaluating the prices of such properties. These agencies will determine new reserve prices to ensure efficient auctioning of the plots. If a plot remains unsold, an additional 10 percent discount will be given on the reserve price for the second auction, and 5 percent for the third.