-Industrial Plot Fragmentation Policy Gets a Nod

-High-Powered Cabinet Sub-Committee to Intensify War on Drugs

-New Fire Safety Rules Notified

-Punjab Factory Rules Amended for ‘Ease of Doing Business’

THE NEWS DOSE DESK
Chandigarh, June 21

In a move aimed at strengthening prison security and streamlining operations, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday approved the recruitment of 500 posts across various cadres in the Jails Department.

A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office stated that the Cabinet has given the go-ahead to fill 29 posts of Assistant Superintendents, 451 of Warders, and 20 of Matrons under the direct recruitment quota. The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board will oversee the recruitment process. This initiative is expected to significantly boost jail security and ensure more effective management of inmates.

Industrial Plot Fragmentation Policy Gets a Nod

Government aims to promote efficient land use and boost investment

The Cabinet also approved a comprehensive policy for the fragmentation and sub-division of industrial plots in PSIEC-managed estates. This decision is intended to address longstanding demands from industrialists and associations like CII, Mohali Chamber of Industry & IT, and the Mohali Industrial Association.

Key highlights of the policy:

• Applies to freehold plots of 1,000 square yards and above.

• Minimum size of subdivided plot: 400 square yards.

• A fee of 5% of the current reserve price of the original plot will be charged; only 50% of the fee will be levied if plots are transferred to legal heirs or family members.

• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure transparent implementation.

The government believes this will enhance operational efficiency, attract fresh investments, and encourage growth in IT and services sectors.

High-Powered Cabinet Sub-Committee to Intensify War on Drugs

The Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval for constituting a High-Powered Cabinet Sub-Committee to intensify Punjab’s ongoing “War on Drugs” campaign. The committee will monitor the campaign more closely and ensure coordinated, timely action against the drug menace across the state.

New Fire Safety Rules Notified

The Cabinet approved the framing of Punjab Fire and Emergency Services (Validity of Fire Safety Certificate) Rules, 2025, which will formalize the validity period of fire safety certificates across various categories of buildings and premises through official notification.

Punjab Factory Rules Amended for ‘Ease of Doing Business’

To promote industry-friendly reforms, the Cabinet approved amendments to Rules 2A, 3A, 4, and 102 of the Punjab Factory Rules, 1952. Key changes include:

• Allowing self-certification by civil/structural/mechanical engineers with a minimum of 5 years’ experience (or 2 years with a Master’s degree).

• Structural stability certificates permitted from qualified engineers, subject to departmental verification.

• Women workers will now be allowed to participate in pottery, ceramics, and vegetable oil extraction processes, which were previously restricted.

Amendments Cleared to Strengthen Labour Welfare

The Cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965 to bring it in line with contemporary needs. The revised Act aims to secure the rights of labourers, strengthen welfare measures, and ensure a more progressive approach in managing the Fund.

Green Light for Updating Outdated Punjab Financial Rules

Recognizing the need for modernization, the Cabinet approved the up-dation of Punjab Financial Rules Volumes I and II, which were originally framed in 1984. The revisions will incorporate instructions issued over the past decades to reduce ambiguity and avoid legal disputes.

PRTPD Act Amended to Ensure Administrative Efficiency

The Cabinet also approved an amendment to Section 29(3) of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development (PRTPD) Act, designating the Chief Secretary of Punjab as the chairman of the development authority, in line with models followed in cities like Ahmedabad, Noida, Kanpur, and Lucknow.

The amendment is expected to improve the functioning of the authority, which previously suffered due to the Chief Minister’s preoccupations. Additionally, departments such as Revenue, Industry, and Water Supply & Sanitation will be brought under the purview of these development authorities