Chandigarh, April 11: The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday, approved six key decisions affecting governance, healthcare, and legal appointments. A major move includes reservation for Scheduled Caste (SC) lawyers in appointments to the Advocate General’s office, aimed at enhancing representation in state legal affairs.
“A new policy has been approved for the appointment of SC lawyers, allowing for special exemptions and relaxed provisions in the recruitment process,” said a government spokesperson, calling it a step toward social justice.
In another major development, the retirement age for professors in government medical colleges has been raised from 62 to 65 years. “Around 48 professors, who were due to retire over the next three years, will now continue contributing to the health sector,” the spokesperson added.
Similarly, the retirement age for specialist medical officers has been increased from 58 to 65 years. However, they will be retained on a contractual basis beyond 58 years, drawing their last drawn salary.
The Cabinet also approved a reorganisation of administrative blocks under the Rural Development and Panchayats Department.
Meanwhile, the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme will now apply to properties under the Nagar Sudhar Trust. The scheme offers full waiver of penalty interest and 50% relief on non-construction fines and charges. Thousands are expected to benefit from the move.
The Cabinet also ratified a previous affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, confirming that Punjab will fix a 100-meter radius as the eco-sensitive zone around forest areas.
All six decisions, the government said, were framed keeping public welfare and administrative efficiency in mind.
