Chandigarh, Dec 20 (NationPress) The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved the calling of a special session of the state Assembly on December 30. This session aims to deliberate on amendments to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), proposing its replacement with the G RAM G Bill 2025. The Cabinet has criticized the Centre, stating that it has undermined the fundamental essence of the scheme.

The Cabinet expressed that these amendments “are not merely about renaming the scheme but effectively dismantling its core principles.” Furthermore, it has decided to modify the Punjab Abadi Deh (Record of Rights) Act, 2021 to shorten the time frame for filing objections and appeals related to the ‘Mera Ghar Mere Naam’ scheme.

A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office revealed that the Cabinet has consented to amend Section 11 of the Punjab Abadi Deh (Record of Rights) Act, 2021, changing the fixed time frames to “within time notified by the government.” This adjustment aims to reduce the duration for filing objections and their resolution from the current 90 and 60 days to 30 days each.

Additionally, the Cabinet has decided to amend Section 12(4) of the Act to cut down the appeal disposal period from 60 days to 30 days. This initiative is expected to expedite the process of addressing objections and appeals, leading to significant public benefits.

In a significant step towards fostering industrial growth and enhancing the financial stability of businesses in the state, the Cabinet has also endorsed a groundbreaking amendment to the Industrial and Business Development Policy (IBDP) of 2022. This amendment eliminates the requirement for bank guarantees to avail fiscal incentives.

This decision comes after multiple requests from industry associations, pointing out that the existing bank guarantee conditions have tied up considerable working capital. This liquidity challenge has been identified as a significant obstacle, restricting available funds for industrial growth, research and development, and job generation.

The Cabinet has also approved the redistribution of 253 acres of the Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant in Bathinda, which will be transferred to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Moreover, the Cabinet has agreed to amend Rules 3 and 16 (1) of the Punjab Management and Transfer of Municipal Properties Rules, 2021. This modification will alter the payment schedule for high-value properties, termed “Chunk Sites,” intended for sale or transfer by municipalities and urban local bodies. This change is expected to boost competitive investments and attract substantial investments.