Punjab Cabinet meets after four months: 3,000 jobs announced, 6 new courts for NRI issues and other key decisions
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Government held its first Cabinet meeting in four months on Thursday, announcing several significant decisions aimed at boosting employment and addressing public concerns. The key highlight of the meeting was the approval to fill 3,000 vacancies across various departments, including the recruitment of 2,000 Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) and 822 positions in the Health Department. To address issues faced by NRIs, the government also decided to establish six new courts dedicated to resolving their grievances on a priority basis.
The state Cabinet has also called a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on February 25 and 26.
Addressing the media, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said arrears related to the 6th Pay Commission would be disbursed in phases until 2028. However, if budgetary provisions are made earlier, the payments could be expedited. The Cabinet meeting commenced at noon and continued until 3 pm.
To address the growing concerns of NRIs, six new courts will be established to resolve their legal issues on a priority basis.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that arrears related to the 6th Pay Commission would be paid in phases until 2028. If the budget allows, the payment could be released sooner. The decision is likely to provide financial relief to state employees who have been awaiting arrears for a considerable time.
Finance Minister Cheema criticised the Central Government, accusing it of discriminating against Punjabis. His comments came in light of reports about the deportation of Punjabi immigrants from the US, who are scheduled to arrive in Amritsar on February 15. Cheema questioned why the flight was being routed to Amritsar, suggesting it reflected the BJP-led Central Government's bias against Punjabis. He urged the Centre to redirect the flight to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as the majority of the deportees are reportedly from other states.
The Cabinet meeting this time was marred by political controversy, with multiple rescheduling incidents. Initially slated for February 6, the meeting was rescheduled to February 10 but was later moved to February 13 due to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal's meeting with Punjab MLAs in Delhi.
- PTC NEWS
