Punjab Cabinet okays free pilgrimage scheme, school mentorship programme and mining policy reforms
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Thursday convened a crucial meeting during which several key decisions were taken. The government approved the revival of the Chief Minister's Pilgrimage Scheme, allowing those aged 50 and above to undertake free religious pilgrimages to various holy sites across the country. Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned a mentorship programme for 80 Schools of Eminence, where senior IAS, IPS, and IFS officers will adopt schools for a period of five years. Further, amendments to the state's mining policy were approved to ensure affordable sand and gravel prices while curbing illegal mining activities.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme has been reintroduced with a budgetary allocation of Rs 100 crore. Under this initiative, those aged 50 years and above can avail free travel to various religious destinations, with the entire cost borne by the government. Registration for the scheme will begin by end of April, while the first batch of pilgrims will embark on their journey starting May.
The government will arrange air-conditioned transportation, along with accommodation and meals for the travellers. The pilgrimage will cover Shri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, Durgiana Temple, and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, among others. The list of destinations will be finalised soon, and the journeys will be conducted via buses and trains.
To enhance the quality of education and inspire students towards civil services, the Punjab government has launched a mentorship programme for its 80 Schools of Eminence. Under this initiative, senior IAS, IPS, and IFS officers will adopt one school each for a period of five years.
The officers will personally engage with students, fostering a sense of emotional connection with the schools. They will mentor students and guide them towards careers in public service.
The Cabinet also approved crucial amendments to the Mining and Crusher Policy 2023, aimed at bridging the demand-supply gap, reducing illegal mining, increasing revenue, and ensuring affordable sand and gravel prices for the public.
Earlier, mining operations were classified under public mining sites and commercial mining sites. The government has now introduced three additional categories:
Crusher mining sites – Owners with private land can now mine sand and gravel on their property or leased land. They will be required to pay royalty fees to the government and must adhere to extraction limits.
Land owner category – Farmers owning land with natural sand deposits can now sell sand directly from their sites, either individually or through associations. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) will oversee sales related to government land.
Expanded public mining sites – The number of public mining locations has been increased from two to five, ensuring greater accessibility and lower prices.
Additionally, the process for environmental clearance has been simplified. Earlier, the government handled approvals, but now individuals can obtain clearances independently, making the process more transparent and efficient.
- PTC NEWS
