Funds released for Shagun Scheme (financial assistance to a girl’s marriage)
On 29th Mar 2022, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur released ₹30.16 Cr for the Shagun scheme and cleared the pendency up till Dec 2021. Through this measure, one of the poll promises of the AAP Punjab govt was fulfilled.
The Shagun Scheme comes under the purview of the Department of Welfare of scheduled caste and backward class in the state and provides financial assistance to a girl’s marriage. The scheme is also referred to as the Aashirwad Scheme by the government.
(Source: 5dariyanews)
Clearing arrears for pensioners and widowers of Punjab State Cooperative Agriculture Development Bank
On 30th Apr 2022, the Punjab government ordered release of Rs 62.68 crore to the Punjab State Cooperative Agriculture Development Bank (PADB) so that pension and arrears could be released to pensioners. Finance and cooperation minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the decision had been taken in the interest of hundreds of pensioners and their widows.
The money would provide pensions and arrears to about 1,130 pensioners and their families. The bank had started a pension scheme for its retired employees in 1989, which was discontinued in 2013. The retired employees later filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana high court.
Amnesty scheme for transporters
On 23rd April 2022, in a relief to Punjab’s transporters whose business suffered due to Covid pandemic, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann allowed them to pay motor vehicle tax without any penalty in the next three months.
“Today we are fulfilling our promise made with transporters. Because of corona (virus), those transporters who could not pay motor (vehicle) tax can now pay it without penalty or arrears in the next three months. Transporters are the backbone of our economy and we stand by them in every need.” – CM Bhagwant Mann
Rs. 2.5 Cr grant to Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association
On 18th May 2022, CM Bhagwant Mann and Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha visited the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association and announced Rs. 2.5 crore grant for the welfare of the members of the association and its development.
Increased Cash rewards for distinguished services awardees
The Cabinet approved a 40% increase in rates of cash in lieu of land given to winners of distinguished services awards, which would lead to greater satisfaction for these awardees and motivate others for selfless service to the nation in the future, according to an official statement.
