The Punjab cabinet on Tuesday evening decided to give Rs 2,000 as one-time internet allowance to all students studying in higher educational institutions to help them attend online classes in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases.
The decision will help nearly 8.67 lakh students, said Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi while addressing the media after the cabinet meeting.
In another decision, the cabinet approved a sum of Rs 6.65 crore, out of which Rs 4.03 crore would be spent to clear outstanding liabilities of 20 government cattle pounds and Rs 2.62 crore for the running cost for these cattle pounds for next three months.
The cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval to increase honorarium of anganwadi workers, mini anganwadi workers and helpers by Rs 1,400, Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,050 per month, respectively.
The state government has introduced an assured annual hike in the honorarium of anganwadi workers, mini anganwadi workers and anganwadi helpers by Rs 500, Rs 250 and Rs 250, respectively, with effect from January 1, 2023.
The decision will put an immediate financial burden of Rs 72 crore and an additional burden of Rs 23.88 crore each subsequent year on the state exchequer, according to an official release.
In recognition of the contribution of Punjabi hockey players of the Indian team, which recently brought laurels to the country in the Tokyo Olympic Games, the cabinet gave approval to offer appointments as Punjab civil services officer or deputy superintendent of police to those having minimum qualification as graduation.
After the cabinet meeting, the chief minister along with Sports Minister Pargat Singh handed over appointment letters to seven players.
Channi also announced the cabinet’s decision to elevate the captain of the Indian hockey team, who was earlier posted as a DSP in the Punjab Police, to the Superintendent of Police.
The cabinet also approved the Punjab Government Rozgar Guarantee for Youth Scheme (PRAGTY) 2022′. Earlier during the day, Channi had announced the launch of PRAGTY at a private university in Phagwara.
Courtesy: Indianexpress