Chandigarh: An important meeting of the Punjab Cabinet was held today (Friday) under the chairmanship of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann. In which 6 major decisions related to the state interest were approved. In the meeting, a relief announcement has been made for the lawyers belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. Especially, a reservation or special exemption has been approved for the lawyers of the SC community in the appointments of law officers in the Advocate General (AG) Office.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema shared information about 6 decisions in a brief after the meeting-
1. The retirement age of medical college professors increased
The Punjab government has increased the retirement age of professors working in medical colleges from 62 years to 65 years. About 48 professors were expected to retire in the next three years, but now they will be able to continue imparting their experience to the students. This will strengthen medical education.
2. Medical Officer Specialist Doctors will get an extension
The retirement age of Medical Officers (Specialists) working in the medical field has also been increased from 58 to 65 years. However, after 58 years, they will be appointed on a contract basis on the last salary.
3. Blocks will be reorganized in the Rural Development Department
Reorganization of blocks in the Rural Development and Panchayat Department has been approved. Under this, a rationalization process will be started to improve the number, structure and functionality of the blocks.
4. OTS scheme will be implemented under Municipal Improvement Trust
Till now, Punjab’s OTS (One Time Settlement) scheme was not applicable to Nagar Sudhar Trust. But now it has also been included. Under this, penal interest has been waived and 50% discount has been given on non-construction fees and fines. Thousands of people are expected to get relief from this.
5. Eco-sensitive zone extended to 100 metres
The state government had clarified by filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court that a radius of 100 metres has been fixed for forest areas under the eco-sensitive zone. Now the Punjab government has given fresh approval to this in the cabinet.
6. New policy approved regarding appointments of SC lawyers
Taking a historic decision, the cabinet has approved reservation in government appointments for SC category lawyers. Now relaxation and special provisions will be applicable in the recruitment of SC category law officers in the Advocate General (AG) Office. This is being considered a big step towards social justice.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had termed all these decisions in the interest of the public and the administration and said that the Punjab government is committed to inclusive development in the state and to bring transparency and efficiency in service delivery.