The Punjab Government was contemplating to enhance time limit for filing of Shagun Scheme application by providing a three months time to the beneficiaries i.e one month before the date of marriage and two months after solemnization of marriage. This was discussed in the meeting of Deputy Commissioners chaired by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal accompanied by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia and Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh.
Mr. Badal was informed by some Deputy Commissioners that there were thousands of pending cases, which were rejected due to late filing of applications as there was only one month’s time to file the application. The Deputy CM said that the Shagun Scheme should be smooth and hassle free for the beneficiaries and the time limit could be increased in such cases.
The Deputy CM asked the Secretary Welfare to come out with necessary changes in the scheme besides with a provision of sufficient time for submission of applications as well as before and after marriage. The Chief Secretary informed the Deputy CM about the ongoing disbursements of compensations to farmers in flood affected areas of Majha and Malwa region. Mr. Badal directed all the Deputy Commissioners to conclude the exercise by handing over the balance amounts to remaining farmers as compensation for the damage of crops and livestock. He said that all DCs would have to disburse the remaining compensation to farmers within a week and submit report in this regard with Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. Navreet Singh Kang.
Reviewing the status of delivery of scholarships and pensions to the beneficiaries, Mr. Badal also directed to expedite the disbursement of scholarships and pensions of all types. It was also informed in the meeting that more than 3.25 lakh students have been applied for scholarships on the portal of Punjab Government out of which till date more than 1.25 lakhs have been sanctioned while the process was on full swing for the remaining numbers.The Deputy CM also reviewed the progress of ongoing development works in 167 mandis of the state by giving instructions to expedite the works of sewerage, water supply, construction of stalls and public conveniences. Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to CM, Mr. S.K. Sandhu, , Financial Commissioner Revenue, Mr. Navreet Singh Kang, , Special Principal Secretary to CM , Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, , Secretary Welfare, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, Principal Secretary General Administration, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary Local Bodies , Mr. Ashok Gupta and deputy commissioners of all districts.