Chandigarh: The Punjab Cabinet, in a key meeting in Chandigarh, has approved several important decisions aimed at providing relief to the public. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema shared details of the decisions, stating that the government has introduced major reforms related to public services, land acquisition policy, and illegal colonies to benefit citizens across the state.
Doorstep Government Services Free Till September 2026
The state government has extended relief on its doorstep service scheme, which provides 120 government services directly at citizens’ homes.
Previously, a service charge of ₹70 was applicable for availing these services. However, the Cabinet has decided that this fee will be completely waived from July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026.
These services include essential documents such as:
- Residence certificates
- Caste certificates
- Birth certificates
- Educational certificates
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the decision will benefit lakhs of citizens, especially those who frequently require official documents for various purposes, including ongoing administrative processes.
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Changes in Land Pooling Policy to Benefit Landowners
The Punjab government has approved amendments to the state’s land pooling (land acquisition) policy to provide greater benefits to landowners.
Under the revised policy:
- One acre of land will continue to get a 1,000 sq. yard residential plot
- Commercial plot size increased from 200 to 210 sq. yards
- Option to receive 1,630 sq. yards residential plot instead of 1,600 sq. yards if commercial plot is not chosen
- Larger commercial plot size of 800 sq. yards increased to 840 sq. yards
The government stated that these changes are aimed at offering better compensation and flexibility to landowners participating in development projects.
Additional Benefits for Large Land Contributors
The Cabinet also announced that individuals providing one acre or more of land will be eligible to purchase plots at reserved rates without going through auction procedures.
This provision is expected to encourage greater participation in government-led land development initiatives.
Regularisation of Illegal Colonies
In a major relief for residents living in unauthorized colonies, the Punjab Cabinet has approved a policy to regularise such settlements under certain conditions.
Colonies with at least 25% construction completion will be eligible for regularisation.
Charges fixed under the policy include:
- 5% of collector rate for residential areas
- 10% fee for commercial areas
After payment, a provisional certificate will be issued, and development work will be initiated in these colonies. Residents will also no longer require NOCs for property-related transactions once regularised.
Government’s Focus on Public Relief and Administrative Ease
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema clarified that these are not entirely new policies but improvements to existing frameworks designed to provide greater relief and ease for citizens.
He added that the decisions reflect the Punjab government’s commitment to simplifying administrative processes and improving access to essential services.
The Punjab Cabinet’s latest decisions mark a significant push toward citizen-centric governance, focusing on financial relief, improved land policies, and legalisation of settlements. The initiatives are expected to streamline administrative services and provide direct benefits to both urban and rural populations across the state.
