Punjab Cabinet Reverts To Old Method Of Depositing Zoo Revenue Into PZDS Account

5 Dariya News

Chandigarh 30-Jul-2019

The Punjab Cabinet on Tuesday decided to revert to the earlier system of depositing the revenue collected from sale of entry tickets and other sources in all zoos of the state into  the Punjab Zoos Development Society (PZDS) account.The decision, which was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, has been  prompted by the increase in footfalls at the zoos, especially the Chhatbir Zoo, thus leading to growing challenges in maintaining the upkeep of the zoos.The Bill would also  mandate PZDS deposit of revenue collected from all other sources at the zoos, such as Canteens, Parking place, Safaris, Vehicles etc., as well as revenue to be generated in  future from food court or any other source of income.It will supersede the Cabinet Sub-Committee decision taken on February 5, 2018, directing the society to deposit all proceeds  into the state government treasury.Pertinently, Punjab Zoos Development Society was notified vide Punjab Government notification dated 26.06.2012 for the development of  zoos, and the revenue from the sale of entry tickets of the zoos was being deposited the accounts of PZDS since April 01, 2013. However, following the objections raised by  Accountant General, it was decided to deposit the entire revenue proceeds into the State treasury.