Chandigarh:– In a significant move benefiting over six lakh government employees and pensioners in Punjab, the Bhagwant Mann-led state government has approved the release of Rs 14,000 crore in pending dues. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
According to an official spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office, this decision will bring much-needed financial relief to three lakh government employees and three lakh pensioners. The dues include revised salaries, pensions, and leave encashment arrears from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2022, as well as dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) arrears from July 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024. The Rs 14,000 crore will be disbursed in phases to ensure a smooth transition.
Approval for 60,000 New Government and Private Sector Jobs
In another landmark decision, the Punjab Cabinet has approved the creation of 60,000 new job positions across government and private sectors. To enhance judicial efficiency, 22 new Lok Adalats (people’s courts) will be established under the Punjab State Legal Services Authority. Additionally, three new posts—including Assistant Director, Senior Assistant, and Sevadar—have been sanctioned for the newly formed district of Malerkotla.
The taxation department will also see an expansion with the approval of 476 new positions to curb tax evasion and enhance revenue collection. A key administrative reform includes renaming the role of inspectors in the taxation department to State Taxation Officers (STOs), aiming to streamline tax enforcement.
Major Boost to Healthcare and Education Sectors
Recognizing the need for improved healthcare services, the Cabinet has sanctioned 822 new Group-C cadre posts in the Health and Family Welfare Department. This initiative will strengthen medical facilities and ensure better access to healthcare services for Punjab residents.
Furthermore, the government has approved the recruitment of 53 drivers in the Excise Department on a regular basis. To enhance the quality of elementary education, modifications in the eligibility criteria and recruitment norms for Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) have been greenlit, paving the way for the hiring of 2,000 new instructors.
Expansion of Medical Infrastructure
The Cabinet has approved the creation of 97 new positions across various medical disciplines at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences in SAS Nagar. This move is expected to significantly improve the quality and availability of medical education and services in Punjab.
Industrial Growth and Employment Opportunities
In a move aimed at boosting industrial development and job creation, the Punjab government has sanctioned the Rajpura Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) under the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) project. The government has also waived stamp duty, registration fees, and additional charges for land transfer under this project.
With this initiative, an estimated 50,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities will be generated, providing a major boost to Punjab’s economy. The industrial cluster is projected to employ approximately 32,724 people in the industrial sector and 14,880 in the non-industrial sector, fostering a dynamic business ecosystem in the state.
Government’s Commitment to Welfare and Development
The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government’s recent announcements underscore its commitment to employee welfare, judicial reforms, industrial growth, and improved healthcare and education services. With these progressive steps, the administration aims to enhance economic stability, create employment opportunities, and ensure better public services for the people of Punjab.