CHANDIGARH: The Cabinet also gave the nod to constitute "Punjab Tirth Yatra Samiti" with the aim of providing convenient pilgrimage to the residents of Punjab by air, rail, road or any other possible mode in coordination with various departments under the Mukh Mantri Tirth Yatra Scheme.
It is pertinent to mention that the Mukh Mantri Tirth Yatra Scheme was launched by the Punjab Government during the year 2023-24 under which around 34000 pilgrims were facilitated to travel to various religious places by train/buses. The Punjab Tirth Yatra Samiti will work to carry out the travel arrangements under the scheme efficiently and smoothly.
The Tirath Yatra scheme now will be handled by Revenue Department.
PICTC DESIGNATED AS THE SOLE PROVIDER OF DIGITAL SIGNATURES FOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The Cabinet also approved designating the Punjab Information & Communication Technology Corporation Ltd. (PICTC) as the sole provider of digital signatures for government departments and organizations. The Corporation has also been designated for procurement of IT and ITeG and services in keeping with the provisions of Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 2019. Furthermore, the bifurcation of responsibilities between the Department of Good Governance and Information Technology (earlier known as Department of Governance Reforms) and Punjab Infotech has been formalized. These approvals are expected to improve governance and procurement processes, foster digital transformation, and promote the effective delivery of public services.
GIVES GREEN SIGNAL TO ADOPT WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) AMENDMENT ACT, 2024
The Cabinet also gave green signal to adopt the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 enacted by the Parliament of India Rajasthan in pursuance of clause (1) of Article 252 of the Constitution of India read with clause (2) thereof. The Act has replaced Criminal liability with financial penalties and it stipulates that the contravention or non-compliance of the Act would be dealt through imposition of financial penalty through an Adjudicating Officer. The provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 are progressive in nature, hence adopted by the State of Punjab as it will decriminalize and rationalize the minor offences to enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business.
ACCORDS APPROVAL TO AMENDMENTS IN THE PUNJAB REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS (AMENDMENT) RULES, 2025
In order to streamline the work of registration of births and deaths in the state, the Cabinet also gave green signal to several amendments in the Punjab Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2025. Pertinently, keeping in view the amendment in Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 as Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023 by the Central Government, the State Government had prepared the Punjab Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2025 on the basis of Model Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2024 sent by the Central Government. This will bring uniformity in the Act and facilitate the general public in a big way.
OKAYS ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT OF PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR NRI'S
The Cabinet also gave consent to the Annual Administrative Report with audit report of the Punjab State Commission for NRI's for the year 2022-23.
APPROVES POST OF OSD (LITIGATION)
The Cabinet also gave nod to the creation of one temporary post of Officer on Special Duty (Litigation) in the Department of Personnel.