The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Monday approved a series of decisions covering agriculture, housing, law enforcement, and infrastructure. The key highlight of the meeting was the historic enhancement of compensation for crop losses up to Rs 20,000 per acre, making Punjab the first state in India to introduce such a relief measure.
A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office said the decision was taken to ensure adequate relief for farmers and homeowners affected by natural calamities such as floods. As per the revised structure, farmers suffering 26–75% crop loss will receive ₹10,000 per acre, while those facing 76–100% damage will get Rs 20,000 per acre. Additionally, relief for partially damaged houses has been increased from Rs 6,500 to Rs 40,000 per unit. Since the central allocation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) remains unchanged, the state government will bear the enhanced financial burden from its own treasury.
In another major decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013, allowing the state to levy a fee on vehicles carrying processed or unprocessed minor minerals entering Punjab. This move aims to support the operational costs and upkeep of interstate checkposts and strengthen their functioning.
The Cabinet also gave consent to amend the policy for fixing reserve prices of plots under the e-auction system. The revised procedure mandates that reserve prices will now be determined based on valuations by three independent valuers empaneled with nationalized banks, with prices remaining valid for the entire calendar year once approved.
To boost affordable and planned housing, the Cabinet approved a policy for allotment of sites to cooperative societies under the Group Housing Scheme–2025. The new framework will facilitate the construction of multi-storey flats by cooperative housing societies in a transparent and structured manner.
In a move to provide relief to the real estate sector, the Cabinet approved a policy for completion of mega housing projects. Promoters will be granted a one-time extension in the project implementation period—up to a maximum of five years beyond December 31, 2025—on payment of Rs 25,000 per acre per year, to be deposited upfront. No further extensions will be allowed thereafter.
To strengthen the justice mechanism in government departments, the Cabinet also approved an increase of Rs 10,000 in the fixed remuneration for Officers on Special Duty (Litigation).
The meeting further granted ex-post facto approval for constituting a Cabinet Sub-Committee to oversee the shifting of rolling mills in Mandi Gobindgarh and Khanna from coal-based to PNG (piped natural gas) operations, a step aimed at improving air quality and industrial compliance.
The Cabinet also approved the implementation of the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024 in Punjab to streamline telecom infrastructure development across the state.
In a significant law enforcement decision, the Cabinet approved the procurement of six sniffer dogs from the BSF and CRPF to tighten jail security and prevent drug trafficking and other criminal activities within prisons. The purchase will be made under an exemption from the Punjab Transparency in Procurement Act, 2019, allowing immediate acquisition.
Key Decisions Approved by the Punjab Cabinet
Crop loss compensation raised to Rs 20,000 per acre – highest in India
Rs 40,000 relief for partially damaged houses due to natural calamities
Fee to be levied on mineral-carrying vehicles under amended rules
Policy amendment for fixing reserve prices of plots through independent valuation
Group Housing Scheme–2025 launched for cooperative housing societies
One-time five-year extension allowed for completion of mega housing projects
Rs 10,000 hike in remuneration for OSDs (Litigation)
Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to shift rolling mills to PNG fuel
Implementation of Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024
Sniffer dogs to be deployed in jails to enhance security and curb illegal activities