Mann government gives major boost to farmers, clears ₹68.50 per quintal sugarcane subsidy
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Cabinet meeting held here under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann focused on taking decisions especially for the welfare of farmers, in which a direct subsidy of Rs 68.50 per quintal was approved from the State Agreed Price fixed by the Cabinet, due to which the state of Punjab is continuously leading in giving the highest price of sugarcane to the sugarcane farmers in the country.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, which included approvals for various reforms in the health sector, people's wellness initiatives and various reform measures in urban governance, reflecting the decisive and result-oriented approach of the Punjab Government.
Giving details of the Cabinet decisions, a spokesperson for the Chief Minister's Office said that private sugar mills will directly pay sugarcane farmers a subsidy of Rs 68.50 per quintal from the State Agreed Price for the 2025-26 crushing season. He added that Punjab already offers the highest State Agreed Price for sugarcane in the country at Rs 416 per quintal, an increase of Rs 15 from last year. This will ensure Punjab's sugarcane growers receive the highest price in the country and further strengthen income security for farmers.
Continuing its focus on public health and wellness, the Cabinet also approved the creation of 1,000 additional positions for yoga trainers under the "CM the Yogashala" project. It was also informed during the meeting that a budget of ₹35 crore will be allocated for this initiative during the financial year 2026-27, which aims to ensure the creation of a healthy and fit Punjab.
In another significant decision to strengthen healthcare services, the Cabinet also approved the complete transfer of Village Badal in Muktsar district, Khadoor Sahib in Tarn Taran district, Community Health Centre Jalalabad and Tertiary Care Centre in Fazilka district to Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Faridkot. This transfer will enable residents of these areas to access better treatment and diagnostic services by leveraging the University's advanced medical infrastructure and expertise.
The Cabinet also approved the formulation and notification of instructions under Section 4 of the Punjab Management and Transfer Municipalities Act, 2020, aimed at facilitating the transfer of municipal properties belonging to Punjab Government departments, boards, corporations, and other public sector institutions for public purposes. These decisions will be particularly helpful in giving new impetus to development projects across the state, as well as ensuring uniformity in land distribution and preventing misuse of government land. A committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district will recommend the allotment process, subject to the approval of the State Government.
With the aim of accelerating development through optimal utilization of land resources, the Cabinet also approved a policy for the transfer, through sale or exchange, of vacant or under-utilized streets or waterways (khaals) located under all government-licensed projects within municipal limits. This policy aims to unlock development potential and improve urban planning outcomes.
The Cabinet also approved a one-year extension for PAPRA (Punjab Affordable Property Registration Act) licensed projects from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. This extension will be granted for a maximum period of three years at an extension fee of Rs 25,000 per acre and will be granted by the relevant competent authorities as per the terms and conditions already in place.
In another urban development-related decision, the Cabinet approved the formula to be used for determining the expenditure for additional surface area ratio for properties proposed to be put up for auction after January 2026. Amendments to Paragraph 10.2 of the e-Auction Policy 2025, notified on February 20, 2025, were also approved, making the revised provisions applicable to all categories of properties to be auctioned by development authorities in the future.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Punjab Civil Services (General Conditions of Service) Rules, 1994 by inserting Rule 6A. As per the amendment, the last date for prescribing the eligibility criteria, including minimum educational and other qualifications, shall be the last date for submission of application forms, unless another date is specifically prescribed in the relevant service rules.
In a forward-looking move to encourage crop diversification, the Cabinet also approved a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency to introduce Japanese technology to further strengthen Punjab's horticulture sector. The partnership will focus on horticulture development, cold chain infrastructure, water management, and skill development, with the aim of doubling the horticulture sector's contribution to the state's economy.