Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, August 29-
In a significant move aimed at ensuring holistic development of villages, the Punjab Cabinet led by CM Bhagwant Mann on Thursday gave nod to amend Rule 12 of the Punjab Panchayat Election Rules 1994 thereby debarring the candidates to contest elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) on party symbols.
A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of the council of ministers held here at the Chief Minister’s Office in Punjab Civil Secretariat I. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the CM’s Office said that the Cabinet observed that contesting elections on party symbols leads to many unwanted incidents.
Further, Political groupism in Panchayats stalls the utilization of funds and grants leaving huge amounts of unused money, which can be duly used to promote development in rural areas. The Cabinet also gave approval to enhance the strength of Punjab Civil Services cadres from existing 310 posts to 369 posts.The Cabinet also gave go ahead for creation of Sessions Division, Malerkotla thereby creating 36 new posts including the post of District and Sessions Judge for Sessions Division, Malerkotla.
The Cabinet also gave the green signal to give a government job to the wife of a DSP who had died while performing the duty. As per decision Rupinder Kaur wife of late DSP Sandeep Singh will be appointed as Naib Tehsildar on compassionate grounds.