Punjab cabinet approves establishment of two fast-track POCSO courts in Sangrur, Tarn Taran
The Punjab cabinet led by Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday took a number of important decisions, including setting up of two special fast track courts for POCSO and rape cases, creation of various posts and the adoption of Punjab Excise Policy 2024-25. .
The new fast-track courts aim to ensure speedy trials under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act and in rape cases. They will be stationed in Sangrur and Tarn Taran districts to handle pending cases.
The Cabinet also approved the creation of 20 posts, including two additional district and sessions judge posts and 18 support staff for the special courts.
Excise policy packages
₹Target of 10,000 cr
Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Cheema said the Cabinet also approved the excise policy for the year 2024-25, the third policy of this government. For the first time, the revenue collection target has been set to exceed ₹10,000 billion.
Collection of excise under the previous Congress regime was ₹6,151 million.
The new policy envisages the allocation of alcohol sales by drawing lots, adding that 232 groups have been formed, up from 172.
Approval to create more posts
The green light was also given to revive 189 GP posts and create an additional 1,390 such posts to address the shortage. The 1,940 vacant posts of Medical Officers (General) will also be filled through Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, after removing them from the purview of the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) .
The Cabinet also gave its agreement to create 20 new positions, including four doctors, five nurses, a pharmacist, a laboratory technician, an x-ray technician, an occupational therapist assistant, two multi-skilled workers and specialist doctors.
Ex post facto approval for Aam Aadmi clinics
The cabinet also approved ex post facto the establishment of 829 Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs), of which 308 are located in urban areas and 521 in rural areas. The clinics provide 80 essential medicines and 38 diagnostic tests to people. Till March 7, a total footfall of 1.12 crore patients had been recorded.
Punjab Foodgrains Transportation Policy, 2024, and Punjab Labor and Transportation Policy, 2024, have also been approved to ensure smooth and hassle-free transportation of foodgrains. Notably, the government, through its state procurement agencies and the FCI, purchases food grains from various designated centers.
Under the new policy, foodgrain transportation works will be awarded through a competitive and transparent online tendering system.
Relief for traders
The Cabinet also gave the green light to improve health insurance benefits for traders with a turnover of up to ₹2 crore instead of the existing ₹1 billion. This will benefit over one lakh traders, who will be able to avail free processing up to ₹5 millions. The issue was brought to the attention of the CM during the Sarkar Vyapaar Milni.
A single settlement system for VAT payment from March 31 to June 30 has also been approved, bringing relief to traders.
The Cabinet also gave the nod to last-mile delivery of rations, thereby facilitating access for the elderly, differently-abled and others.
Around 30 lakh beneficiaries will have the opportunity to receive cleanly and hygienically packaged wheat flour with a shelf life of 45 days, meeting the quality specifications prescribed by FSSAI.
