Punjab Cabinet Approves Key Reforms On Procurement, Audits And Healthcare Incentives

300 Private Doctors To Be Empanelled

Chandigarh, Nov 28

The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has cleared a series of significant administrative and financial reforms aimed at improving transparency, governance and service delivery across the state.

Higher Procurement Limit for Departments

Government departments can now purchase goods worth up to ₹5 lakh without inviting tenders. This is double the earlier limit of ₹2.5 lakh. The change is expected to make day-to-day departmental work faster and simpler.

Mandatory Audits for Societies and Trusts

The Cabinet has made audits compulsory for all registered societies and trusts in Punjab. A designated manager will oversee the audit process to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of funds and registrations.

GPS for Mining Vehicles

To curb illegal mining, the government will make GPS installation mandatory on all vehicles used in mining operations. A new monitoring system will also be set up to track activities and boost accountability in the mining department.

Reforms in Cooperative Sector

In the cooperative sector, officers will no longer hold dual responsibilities. This step aims to reduce conflicts of interest and improve grievance redressal for the public.

Incentives for Border Area Staff

Teachers and doctors posted in Punjab’s border districts will receive special incentives for their services. The detailed plan for this scheme will be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting.

Specialist Doctors to Support Government Hospitals

The state will empanel 300 private specialist doctors to work in government hospitals on an on-call basis. They will receive incentives between ₹700 and ₹1,000 depending on the timing and type of duty, with higher pay for night services. This move aims to reduce the shortage of specialists and improve healthcare delivery.

Focus on Transparency and Public Service

Overall, these reforms are designed to modernise administrative systems, strengthen public service delivery, and enhance transparency in government functioning.