Chandigarh, Oct 13 (NationPress) The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approved an increase in the compensation for farmers facing crop losses to Rs 20,000 per acre on Monday.

A resolution to this effect was made during the Council of Ministers meeting. A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office stated that to ensure sufficient assistance for individuals affected by crop losses and property damage due to natural disasters, the Cabinet also granted ex-post facto approval for the adjustment of relief rates funded by the state Budget.

This decision comes as the state grapples with significant flooding, prompting the increase of relief amounts to Rs 10,000 per acre for crop losses ranging from 26-75 percent, Rs 20,000 per acre for losses between 76-100 percent, and Rs 40,000 per unit for houses that have suffered partial damage, up from the previous amount of Rs 6,500.

While the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) allocation from the central government will remain unchanged, this additional compensation will be sourced from the state’s own finances.

To bolster the operations of interstate check posts, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013, instituting a fee for vehicles transporting processed or unprocessed minor minerals into the state.

“This initiative will support the operational costs incurred by the department at interstate check posts, enhancing the robustness and efficiency of these facilities,” remarked the spokesperson.

In an effort to streamline the reserve price determination for various development authority sites, the Cabinet consented to amend the policy governing reserve price fixation.

According to the adjustments in the current e-auction policy, the reserve price will now be established based on assessments by three independent valuers from nationalized banks.

The established reserve price for an auction will be valid for the entire calendar year. Additionally, the Cabinet endorsed a policy for the allocation of sites to cooperative societies for the construction of multi-storey flats under the Group Housing Scheme - 2025.

This policy is designed to enhance the availability of affordable and well-planned housing in urban regions by supporting cooperative housing societies. It offers a transparent, fair, and structured approach to land allotment, ensuring timely construction and development aligned with the state’s urban planning objectives.

Recognizing the challenges faced by developers, the Cabinet approved a policy aimed at facilitating the completion of large housing projects managed by various development authorities.

Only a one-time extension for project implementation will be permitted from December 31, for a maximum period of five years, upon request from the promoter, at a fee of Rs 25,000 per acre per year.

Payment must be made upfront for the granted extension, with no further extensions allowed thereafter.