Cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has been concluded and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has revealed key decisions taken by the government.
In a bid to impart quality health services to people across the state, the Punjab Cabinet gave nod to empanel 300 specialist doctors across 12 key specialties.
The Cabinet gave nod to empanel 300 specialist doctors across 12 key specialties including Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Chest & TB, Surgery, Gynecology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, and Anaesthesiology across Government health facilities.
Continue reading below to know about the key decisions taken by Punjab Cabinet on November 28-
Addressed the media, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said-
Amendments to the Societies Act will prevent misuse of societies and trusts
Societies and trusts operating in Punjab will undergo annual audits. A manager will be appointed to audit their finances. To achieve this, the Punjab government has amended the Societies Act.
Explaining the cabinet decision, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Societies Registration Act was enacted in 1860. People would register their societies or trusts and then lease them out or sell them. This was often misused.
Therefore, the Registrar of Societies will audit it. This will simplify the work of societies. He stated that this is the first amendment since 1860. This will prevent fraud against people.
Mining vehicles will be fitted with GPS tracking
Cheema further stated that transparency will be brought to the mining department. An authority will be established to address any irregularities. GPS will be installed on mining vehicles. This decision will be mandatory. This will allow for vehicle tracking. This will help the government prevent illegal mining.
One officer in Cooperative Department will no longer have two responsibilities
Power has been divided in the Cooperative Department, with different officers assigned responsibilities. Previously, one officer handled two duties, conducting hearings at both levels. This caused public resentment.
Procurement Rules Amended
Punjab's Procurement Rules have been amended. Earlier, goods worth Rs 2.50 lakh could be purchased without tender. Now, goods worth up to Rs 5 lakh can be purchased without tender. This will speed up the work of the department. This will ease the procurement process.
Incentives for those on duty at the border, CM asks for proposal
Cheema further said that teachers and doctors who will provide their services in the border areas will be given special incentives. For this, CM Mann has asked the officials to prepare a proposal. This will be a policy for seven districts. A proposal for this will be brought in the next cabinet meeting.