To support the economically weaker sections (EWS), the Cabinet approved a policy for the optimum utilisation of land reserved for EWS housing. “Scattered land pockets in various colonies will be monetised, and the funds will be used to benefit EWS families. For this, 1,500 acres of land will be acquired across the state,” Cheema said.The Cabinet also approved a policy for the optimal utilisation of External Development Charges (EDC) collected from property developers under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA). Under this policy, 50 per cent of the collected EDC will be used for infrastructure development within the respective colony or township, while the remaining 50% will fund major state projects.In a progressive move, the Cabinet approved renaming the financial assistance scheme for acid attack victims as “The Punjab Financial Assistance to Acid Victims Scheme, 2024.” The scheme will now include male and transgender victims. Additionally, the monthly financial aid for victims has been increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000.The Cabinet also sanctioned the convening of a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on 24-25 February to conduct legislative business.In another key decision, the Cabinet approved an amnesty policy for defaulting allottees who were unable to pay for plots or land allotted to them by the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) and other special development authorities.Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the establishment of special fast-track NRI courts in six districts—Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Moga, and Ludhiana—to expedite cases related to non-resident Indians.
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