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2w ago

Punjab Cabinet Transfers Development Authority Chairmanship to Chief Secretary

Designed to accelerate project approvals, the reform has provoked accusations that it diminishes the chief minister’s autonomy under Delhi’s influence.

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The Punjab cabinet on Saturday decided to appoint the chief secretary as the chairman of all local development boards in the state, effectively transferring this responsibility from the chief minister, who traditionally held this role.
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Punjab cabinet minister Aman Arora accused the Congress and other opposition parties of twisting facts and insulting officers who have served the state for more than three decades. (HT File)

Overview

  • The cabinet approved the appointment of the state’s chief secretary as chairman of all local development authorities, shifting this duty from the chief minister to streamline decision-making.
  • Officials say the change follows models in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh and aims to prevent delays caused by the chief minister’s packed schedule.
  • Ministers also agreed to fill 500 vacant posts in the jail department, including 29 assistant superintendents, 451 warders and 20 matrons, under the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board.
  • The cabinet sanctioned a policy for the fragmentation and sub-division of industrial plots in PSIEC estates and approved amendments to factory and fire safety rules to boost land use efficiency and ease doing business.
  • Opposition parties allege the move weakens Chief Minister Mann’s authority and reflects undue Delhi influence, while AAP leaders defend it as a practical governance reform.