The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday approved a series of key decisions focusing on administrative reforms and flood management across the state.
Sharing details, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the Cabinet has cleared amendments to the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 and reservation rules following the reorganisation of blocks and panchayat committees in six districts.
Under the new arrangement, certain villages from Patiala have been merged into Mohali. Territorial changes have also been carried out in Fazilka–Ferozepur and Sangrur–Malerkotla regions.
The Cabinet decided that if administrative changes in any area exceed 10 per cent, the reservation roster will be revised accordingly. Residents will be given a 10-day window to file objections on the revised roster.
In another major decision, the Cabinet announced relief-oriented steps for farmers to prevent flood damage. Referring to last year’s floods, Cheema said the Centre did not provide financial assistance despite field visits by central teams.
The state has identified vulnerable zones along the Sutlej River and Ghaggar River, including Harsa Bela, Mandala Tajowal (Nawanshahr) and Bada Kali Rao (Ferozepur).
To strengthen flood preparedness, farmers owning land in these sensitive areas will now be allowed to undertake desilting of rivers after obtaining official approval. The move aims to ensure timely cleaning of riverbeds before the monsoon season and reduce the risk of flooding.