Punjab Cabinet meeting today, CM Mann to join virtually from hospital; nod to allow farmers to mine silt likely

PTC News Desk: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who is currently recuperating at Fortis Hospital in Mohali has convened a cabinet meeting on Monday to review the flood situation, relief measures and rescue operations. 

The Cabinet meeting will be held at CM's residence and CM Mann will join the meeting via video conferencing from hospital. 

An urgent proposal allowing farmers to dig out and sell sand deposited on their fields by floods is expected to be taken up at the meeting. The plan would ease the process for farmers by permitting sales without the need for environmental clearance, through an amendment to the Punjab Minor Mineral Policy. 

Earlier in the day, AAP Punjab incharge Manish Sisodia stated that the government would soon unveil a policy enabling farmers to freely clear flood-deposited sand from their land, so that farming can quickly resume. He added that the announcement would be made by the Chief Minister.