Chandigarh: In a major pro-farmer decision aimed at safeguarding their interests during natural calamities, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday gave nod for hiking the compensation due to nature’s fury by 25% per acre thereby giving a major respite to the food growers.

A decision to this effect was taken by the council of Ministers in its meeting held here at the Punjab Civil Secretariat- I under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.

Divulging more details a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that keeping in view the loss incurred by the farmers recently due to heavy rains, hailstorms and strong winds, the Cabinet has decided to enhance the relief amount from Rs.12,000/- per acre to Rs.15,000/- per acre for 76-100 percent for loss of crops. This measure will give a healing touch to the affected farmers who will be able to get a reasonable financial relief from the government. These relief rates will be applicable from March 1, 2023.

*Nod to extend exemption of 2.25% stamp duty and fees land registration by April 30*

Keeping in view the larger public interest, the Cabinet also gave its consent to extend the exemption of 2.25% stamp duty and fees to those registering their property/land by April 30. Those opting for registration of land will now be exempted from 1% Additional stamp duty, 1 % PIDB fees and 0.25 % special fees.

*GIVES NOD FOR HIRING 2574 KISAN MITRAS AND 108 FIELD SUPERVISORS IN THE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT*

The Cabinet also gave approval for hiring 2574 Kisan Mitras and 108 field supervisors in the Agriculture department. These Kisan Mitras and Field Supervisors will encourage the farmers to get out of the rut of wheat/ paddy circle and cultivate less water guzzling crops like Cotton and Basmati. This step will act as a catalyst to save precious groundwater of the state by boosting crop diversification program on one hand and providing employment to the youth of the state on the other.

*NOD TO ENACTMENT OF THE PUNJAB CANAL AND DRAINAGE ACT, 2023*

The Cabinet gave its nod for formation of the Punjab Canal and Drainage Act-2023 to regulate and manage canals and drainage in the state. The main objective of this act is to ensure hindrance free canal waters to farmers and land owners for irrigation purposes, maintenance, repair and timely cleanliness of canals, drainage and natural water courses. Apart from this, the act will also provide a fair and transparent mechanism for redressal of grievances of water users and other regulatory restrictions against unnecessary wastage of water.

At present, the activities relating to irrigation, navigation and drainages in the state are regulated by an Act namely the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act-1873 which was enacted by the Government of India in the British Era. With the passage of time and Re-organization of the state, a number of provisions contained in the said Act have become outlived. The Punjab has not enacted any separate legislation to manage and control the aforesaid activities.

*ACCORDS ITS APPROVAL TO FRAME THE PUNJAB CHILD LABOUR (PROHIBITION AND REGULATION) AMENDMENT RULES, 2023*

In order to further curb the menace of child and adolescent labour, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday gave its approval to frame The Punjab Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2023 with amendment in The Child Labour (Prohibiton and Regulation) Act, 1986 through The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act 2016.

*NEW SERVICE RULES OF DEFENSE SERVICES WELFARE, EMPLOYMENT GENERATION AND WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT APPROVED*

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also accorded consent to newly framed Group-A Service Rules after restructuring of the Defense Services Welfare Department. These rules will be implemented after issuance of notification in this regard.

Likewise, the Council of Ministers also approved the Departmental rules for Group A, Group B and Group C of Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Department.

The Cabinet also gave nod to Service Rules of various posts of Water Resources Department. These rules are related to Engineering, Scientist, Technical, Ministerial as well as Non-Technical Staff belonging to Group A, B and C services posted in the Head Office and Field offices in the Department.

*GREEN SIGNAL TO SEND THE CASES FOR SEEKING PREMATURE RELEASE OF LIFE CONVICTS CONFINED IN THE JAILS OF STATE*

The Cabinet also gave green signal for sending the cases of eight prisoners for seeking Premature Release of life convicts confined in the jails of state. After the nod of Cabinet under Article 163 of the Constitution of India, these special remission/premature release cases will be submitted to the Punjab Governor under Article 161 of the Indian constitution.

The Cabinet also gave approval for sending the case of special remission to convicts confined in Jails of Punjab, in the second phase to commemorate the 75th Independence Day of India being celebrated as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

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