Punjab Traders Welcome OTS decision, calling it a progressive and pro-business move. Punjab State Traders Commission Chairman Anil Thakur said the extension reflects the government’s practical and trader-friendly approach to resolving long-pending tax disputes.

Thanking the Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Thakur said the decision addresses genuine difficulties faced by traders and industries. He noted that businesses often struggle with compliance pressure and procedural hurdles during the last quarter of the financial year.

He added that the OTS scheme has provided major relief to traders dealing with legacy disputes under pre-GST laws, including VAT and Central Sales Tax. According to him, the extension will help eligible traders review their liabilities calmly and settle dues without stress.

Thakur said the scheme’s concessions on interest, penalties, and eligible tax amounts have boosted confidence among traders. He pointed out that the strong response to the scheme shows the business community’s trust in the current government’s policies.

Appealing to traders, industrialists, and rice millers, Thakur urged them to use the extended timeline wisely. He said the scheme offers a chance to clear dues, avoid litigation, and begin the new financial year smoothly.

The Punjab State Traders Commission assured full support in spreading awareness and ensuring smooth implementation of the scheme.

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The government will pay Rs 100 per patient to each empanelled doctor. They will treat 50–150 OPD patients and 2–20 IPD patients based on demand. This structure helps hospitals handle rush hours and maintain smooth service flow.

Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said the government wants to retain existing doctors as well. Therefore, doctors who work night duty and receive a daytime call will get Rs 1,000 per visit, and the same applies in reverse. This step encourages doctors to remain available without hesitation.

Moreover, the Chief Minister asked officers to design a new incentive-based policy for doctors and teachers posted in border areas. Many employees avoid these regions, so the government wants to improve service delivery there. With better incentives, more staff may agree to work in remote zones.

The Cabinet also cleared major administrative changes. First, it approved amendments to the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Under the new rules, the government can directly appoint in-charges of cooperative societies. This change increases accountability and speeds up decision-making.

Second, officials introduced a GPS tracking system for vehicles that carry minor minerals from quarries. This system curbs illegal mining and ensures transparent movement of minerals. As a result, both monitoring and revenue collection may improve.

Lastly, the Cabinet announced the redistribution of powers in the cooperative department. The change simplifies the roles of delegate and appellate authorities, and it also reduces delays in file approvals.

Overall, Punjab empanels private doctors to ensure stronger healthcare delivery and to support hospitals that face acute shortages. With these reforms, the state aims to improve transparency, boost efficiency, and strengthen essential public services.

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To begin the session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur on his 350th martyrdom anniversary. Soon after, he firmly declared that Punjab would not step back from its constitutional rights. Moreover, he stressed that no one should assume that the state will give up claims related to Panjab University, river waters, or Chandigarh.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa urged Punjabis to rise above political divides. He said that although parties may differ on issues, they must still stand together when the state’s interests are at stake. Furthermore, he warned that attempts to challenge Punjab’s patience were becoming frequent.

Additionally, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema pointed out that Punjab faced repeated attempts to weaken its agriculture, education, and administrative rights. Similarly, SAD MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali reminded the House of Punjab’s sacrifices and demanded rightful control over Chandigarh as well as the release of Sikh prisoners.

In conclusion, leaders across parties agreed that only collective resolve can safeguard Punjab’s identity, historical rights, and future.

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Finance Minister Harpal Cheema hit back, calling Bajwa’s stand “anti-Punjab” and accusing him of misleading the public. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended the fund, saying all contributions are transparent and updated on a government website. He explained that the fund was set up to attract corporate donations under CSR, as many companies were hesitant to donate to the CM Relief Fund.

Bajwa clarified that he was not against donations but only against creating a new fund when one already exists. The clash highlights growing tensions between AAP and Congress over flood relief and financial management in Punjab.

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The move comes amid a growing row over the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). A mystery surrounds the Rs 12,128 crore said to be available in the fund. Opposition parties, including Congress, BJP, and SAD, have demanded a central probe into the alleged misuse. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while announcing a Rs 1,600 crore package during his Punjab visit, also flagged the SDRF issue.

Among the listed panchayats, Patiala’s Shambhu Kalan has the highest reserve with Rs 79.38 crore in fixed deposits, followed by Behlolpur in Mohali at Rs 43.50 crore. Others like Dararhi and Sural Kalan also hold significant amounts. Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond appealed to such panchayats to support flood-hit villages.

Finance Minister Harpal Cheema countered opposition charges, stating Punjab has received only Rs 1,582 crore since March 2022, out of which Rs 649 crore has been used. He clarified that the Rs 12,128 crore figure includes high-interest borrowing costs.

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