Punjab Cabinet okays reduction in discretionary grants for CM and ministers
Chandigarh, August 28: The Punjab government has introduced significant adjustments to the allocation of discretionary grants, marking a proactive approach to fiscal management. In a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, various measures were endorsed to streamline the allocation and utilisation of funds across different levels of governance.
A significant decision involves the reduction of discretionary grants for key figures in the government. The Chief Minister's discretionary grant has been scaled down from Rs 50 crore to Rs 37 crore, reflecting a strategic approach towards resource distribution. Additionally, the discretionary grant for all ministers has been revised from Rs 1.5 crore annually to Rs 1 crore per annum. Notably, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker will also witness a similar reduction from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 1 crore.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema articulated the rationale behind this move, emphasising the surplus funds that remain largely unused at the panchayat level, courtesy of the 15th Finance Commission. The government's intention is to channel these funds into developmental initiatives rather than relying heavily on discretionary allocations for ministerial use.
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This isn't the first instance of modifications in discretionary grants this year. In January, the cabinet had already slashed cabinet ministers' discretionary grants from Rs 3 crore (allocated during the Congress government tenure) to Rs 1.5 crore. It's worth noting that, during the initial stages of Congress rule, ministers were granted Rs 5 crore as discretionary funds. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister's discretionary grant was set at Rs 50 crore.
In addition to the shifts in discretionary grants, the cabinet addressed other vital matters. It sanctioned the premature release of four prisoners, marking a human-centric approach to the criminal justice system. Another significant development pertains to administrative reforms, with the creation of 20 posts within the Governance Reforms department, aiming to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in governance processes.
Further, the cabinet's decisions extended to the domain of healthcare and education. Approval was granted for the filling of 484 vacant positions in the Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences located in Mohali. This step aligns with the government's commitment to fostering robust healthcare infrastructure and education facilities across the state.
The cumulative decisions taken during this cabinet meeting underscore Punjab's proactive strides towards financial prudence, governance refinement, and the optimization of resources for the betterment of the state and its people.
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- With inputs from agencies
