Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema on Friday outlined key decisions taken during the state cabinet meeting, unveiling a fresh set of reforms aimed at tightening administrative transparency and strengthening healthcare facilities across the state.
Cheema said the cabinet has approved firm steps to curb illegal mining by bringing the Mining and Geology Department under stricter scrutiny. A new authority will oversee departmental operations, and a mandatory GPS tracking system will now monitor mining activity in real time, a move expected to reduce illicit extraction and improve accountability.
The minister also announced administrative changes designed to streamline public service functioning. The Cabinet has cleared amendments to the Societies Registration Act, 1860, making it easier for societies to register in the state. Procurement rules have been revised as well, with the financial limit for purchases raised from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh to allow departments to function more efficiently. The Cooperative Department will also see new measures aimed at bringing greater transparency to its operations.
In a major push to address doctor shortages in public hospitals, the government has empanelled 300 private specialist doctors who will serve on an on-call basis. Each OPD visit will carry a fixed fee of ₹100, and in-service government doctors assigned additional duties will also receive compensation. Cheema said the move effectively fills 300 specialist posts and is expected to improve the quality of medical services in government facilities.
The minister added that the government is working on a policy to retain staff in border areas. Special incentives for doctors and teachers posted in border districts are under consideration, with a detailed framework likely to be finalized soon.
