The Punjab government will have a special information technology cadre for effective implementation of its e-governance initiatives as part of the ‘Digital Punjab’ mission.
A decision in this regard was taken on Monday by the State Cabinet at a meeting here that was presided over by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.
“The selection criteria as well as the management of the cadre for various categories of posts would be finalised by a committee constituted by the Chief Minister. The personnel recruited under the cadre would be deputed to various State government departments for the purpose of extending technical guidance and support for e-governance programme and initiatives,” an official statement said.
The Cabinet also approved the Punjab Custom Milling Policy for rice (paddy) for the kharif 2019-20 season, with more security provisions, including criminal penalty for diversion of rice.
‘Smooth delivery of rice’
“The scheme, aimed at ensuring seamless milling of paddy and smooth delivery of rice to the central pool from more than 4,000 mills operating in the State, would be followed by State procuring agencies as well as the Food Corporation of India and the rice millers. The department of food, civil supplies and consumer affairs will act as the nodal department,” said the statement.
Dues recovery scheme
The Cabinet also approved Dues Recovery & Settlement Scheme 2019-20 for the defaulting rice millers, paving the way for the recovery of a significant portion of the ₹2041.51 crore outstanding against them on various accounts.
“A detailed Standard Operating Procedure for settlement of claims under this scheme would be issued by the director, Food and Supplies,” the statement said.
The government also decided to disinvest 90,90,000 shares of Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC) in M/s Punjab Alkalies and Chemicals Limited.
