Punjab govt includes few castes in Backward Classes list

Chandigarh, Sep 26 On the recommendations of the state Backward Classes Commission, the Punjab Cabinet today approved the inclusion of Gosai/Goswami, Yadav/Aahir and Rabari Communities in the list of Backward Classes of the state.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Cabinet in its meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said the Cabinet also gave green signal to amend the current list of backward classes of Punjab to include these castes in view of the requisite economic, social and academic status of these communities.

In another important decision, keeping in view the inconvenience faced by general public of Ahmedgarh area, the Cabinet also decided to upgrade sub-tehsil Ahmedgarh to sub-division/tehsil at Ahmedgarh.

At present, Ahmedgarh falls in district Sangrur and its residents have to visit sub-division/tehsil office situated at Sangrur for their revenue related works.

Keeping in view the inconvenience faced by general public of Ajitwal and Samaalsar area, the Cabinet also decided to accord status of sub-tehsil to Ajitwal and Samaalsar in Moga district besides giving nod for creation of office staff at both the places.

At present, Ajitwal and Samaalsar falls in district Moga and its residents have to visit sub-division/tehsil office situated at Moga for their revenue related works.

The Cabinet also approved the recommendations of Cabinet sub-committee comprising Food and Civil Supplies Minister Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon and Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa regarding the settlement of legacy food credit account.

After due deliberations, the Cabinet sub-committee recommended that the terms as approved by State Bank of India in its meeting held on September 20, has agreed to reduce the rate of interest from 9.26 per cent to 8.25 per cent.

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also decided to extend the Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Beema Yojna to provide health insurance to 40 lakh blue card holders, farmers, traders and labourer families.

This policy started in November 2015 was expiring on October 31, henceforth the Cabinet gave its nod to extend this policy from November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017.

PTI