Chandigarh: The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Saturday approved amendments to the Punjab Abadi Deh (Record of Rights) Act, 2021, to reduce the time limits for filing objections and appeals under the ‘Mera Ghar Mere Naam’ scheme. The move shortens the period for filing objections from 90 days to 30 days and appeals from 60 days to 30 days, ensuring faster resolution of land-related disputes and better service to citizens.
The Cabinet also approved a landmark amendment to the Industrial & Business Development Policy (IBDP) 2022, replacing the requirement of Bank Guarantees for availing fiscal incentives with a First Charge mechanism. This change is expected to improve liquidity for businesses, promote industrial growth, encourage research and development, and create employment opportunities across Punjab.
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the re-distribution of 253 acres of land at the Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant, Bathinda. Ten acres will be used for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), 10 acres for a new bus stand under the Transport Department, and the remaining 20 acres will be retained for residential and commercial development. Additionally, amendments to municipal property rules will modify the payment schedule for high-value “Chunk Sites,” attracting competitive investments and intensifying market competition.
The Cabinet also decided to convene a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on December 30, 2025, to discuss proposed amendments to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by the Union government. Officials noted that these amendments require careful consideration to ensure that the core objectives of the scheme remain intact while addressing state-level concerns.
