Chandigarh, April 3 – Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved amendments to the state’s mining policy to curb illegal mining, reduce corruption, and lower consumer prices for sand and gravel.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held at the CM’s official residence today.
A government spokesperson stated that the amendments introduce Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS) and Landowner Mining Sites (LMS), allowing crusher owners and landowners with gravel deposits to apply for mining leases.
This is expected to increase raw material availability and prevent illegal transportation of materials from other states.
Besides, Deputy Commissioners will now be authorized to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for mining on government and Panchayat lands, streamlining the approval process.
To regulate pricing, the Cabinet increased royalty on sand to ₹1.75/cft (with a pit-head price of ₹7/cft) and gravel/RBM to ₹3.15/cft (with a pit-head price of ₹9/cft). Officials said these reforms aim to boost market supply, prevent monopolies, and enhance state revenue.
Moreover, the Cabinet also approved provisions for the Mukhya Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme, under which senior citizens aged 50 and above can undertake government-sponsored pilgrimages.
The scheme covers all expenses, including AC travel, accommodation, and meals. Pilgrims will receive souvenirs, and devotional activities such as satsang and kirtan will be organized during the journey.
Pilgrimage sites will include Ram Temple (Ayodhya), Sri Harmandir Sahib (Amritsar), and Durgiana Temple, among others.
A ₹100 crore budget has been allocated, with the possibility of an increase if required. Registrations begin in late April, and journeys are set to commence in May.
IAS, IPS Officers to Mentor Rural School Students
The Cabinet also approved a School Mentorship Program, assigning IAS and IPS officers to mentor students in 80 Schools of Eminence across Punjab. Officers will engage with students and teachers, help prepare students for competitive exams, and facilitate teacher training.
Each officer will mentor a school for five years, regardless of their posting location. This initiative is voluntary and aims to strengthen Punjab’s education system.
