To strengthen municipal finances and foster administrative efficiency, Punjab Cabinet on Thursday approved a series of policy decisions, including an amendment to streamline property payment procedures, a boost to industrial innovation, and reforms in police service rules.   At the heart of the Cabinet meeting was the approval of a key amendment to the Punjab Management and Transfer of Municipal Properties Rules, 2021. The amendment reduces the time allotted for the payment of sale price by allottees of urban local body properties to six months. Earlier, allottees had the option of paying in six half-yearly installments, stretching over three years. Now, buyers will be required to deposit the full amount within 180 days of allotment.   This reform is intended to expedite the realization of revenue by the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), improve liquidity for municipal development, and reduce legal disputes arising from payment delays, said a spokesperson from the Chief Ministers Office.   The decision is expected to benefit both the state and citizens by enabling quicker infrastructure rollouts and ensuring smoother transactions with fewer litigations, while simultaneously boosting the financial health of ULBs.   Rs 5-cr for Punjab Innovation Mission   In another forward-looking move, the Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs five crore to the Punjab Innovation Mission, a strategic initiative designed to position the state as a hub for industrial growth and entrepreneurial development. The Mission aims to generate employment, attract investment, and promote a robust innovation ecosystem across Punjab. Officials stated that the Punjab Innovation Mission has already begun playing a vital role in catalyzing economic development. The newly-sanctioned funds will further enhance its ability to facilitate startups, support research, and link industry with academia.   Service Rules Cleared for Specially Promoted Police Cadre   The Cabinet also cleared a proposal to frame dedicated service rules for 207 personnel in the Punjab Polices specially-promoted cadre, particularly those promoted under the Sports quota. This move is expected to provide clarity on promotion channels and streamline service-related matters for these officers. By bringing these employees under a structured rule-based system, we are institutionalizing fairness, transparency, and predictability in promotions within the force, said a senior official.   Obsolete Laws Set for Repeal   Continuing its effort to declutter outdated laws, the Cabinet gave its nod to the Punjab Appropriation Acts (Repeal) Bill, 2025. This legislation, based on the recommendations of a Group of Secretaries, aimed to repeal expired appropriation acts that had authorized department-wise expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of the State. The repeal is largely procedural and has no bearing on actions validly taken under the original acts.  

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