Synopsis
The Punjab Cabinet, led by CM Bhagwant Mann, has approved an appellate authority for cancelled plots by PSIEC to streamline the appeal process and reduce litigation, along with guidelines for the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme and third-party certification for factory building plans.Key Takeaways
- The Punjab Cabinet has established an appellate authority for cancelled PSIEC plots.
- This initiative aims to address long-standing issues for industrialists and reduce litigation.
- Appeals must be filed by September 30 or within six months of cancellation.
- The Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme aims to fund local development.
- Third-party certification for factory building plans has been approved to streamline the approval process.
Chandigarh, April 24 (NationPress) In a significant move to support industrialists, the Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approved the formation of an appellate authority for addressing cases related to the cancelled plots of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC).
A representative from the Chief Minister’s Office indicated that the Cabinet's decision aims to create an appellate authority for plots that were cancelled for various reasons.
This new appellate mechanism seeks to resolve long-standing issues for allottees and respond to the requests from different associations. Additionally, it is expected to reduce the number of litigations involving the government, PSIEC, and plot allottees.
The policy is set to commence from the date of notification by the Department of Industries and Commerce, with a stipulated deadline of September 30 for appeals related to existing cancellations, or six months from the date of cancellation for new cases. The initiative aims to create a systematic, transparent, and efficient framework for submitting, reviewing, and making decisions on appeals against plot cancellations by PSIEC, while ensuring adherence to legal principles such as Audi Alteram Partem (the right to be heard), thereby enhancing stakeholder trust.
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the guidelines for the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme.
The spokesperson elaborated that this scheme allocates funds for essential local development needs across districts. In this fiscal year, a total of Rs 585 crore has been allocated for the scheme, with the funds managed by Deputy Commissioners based on recommendations from MLAs, community organizations, citizen groups, and civic-minded individuals.
Projects proposed or recommended will receive approval following the scheme's guidelines, with decisions made by a district-level committee led by the Deputy Commissioner, in agreement with the minister assigned to the district by the Chief Minister.
In a noteworthy initiative aimed at attracting investors, the Cabinet has also sanctioned third-party certification or self-certification for the approval of factory building plans. Previously, under the Factory Act of 1948, factory building plans had to comply with building bylaws and the Factory Act, leading to significant time and resource wastage during the approval process. When factories are established outside municipal zones, the Labour Department typically evaluates these plans. To enhance efficiency, the Cabinet has introduced a provision for third-party certification or self-certification, allowing architects to approve building plans in accordance with the building bylaws, which will then be validated by the Labour Department.
