To streamline and make the functioning of the Industries & Commerce Department and its separate Controller of Stores wing more efficacious, the Punjab Cabinet on Friday decided to restructure the same by creating 38 new posts in place of 683 old ones that were either obsolete or non-essential and had been lying vacant for long.The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.The Cabinet also directed all departments to expedite the process of filling up all critical vacant posts to ensure time-bound and effective implementation of important projects. This, felt the Council of Ministers, was imperative for the holistic and speedy development of the state in all its vital aspects.The Department of Industries & Commerce had 1644 sanctioned posts, of which 650 were lying vacant while the office of Controller of Stores had 84 sanctioned ones, with 33 being unfilled since long. The 38 new posts will be created in lieu of the 683 obsolete posts, leading to savings of about Rs. 24.90 crore annually and enabling greater efficiency.The initiative, according to an official spokesperson, would go a long way in improving the business environment to spur growth and employment generation in the state.The spokesperson said that with the changing industrial landscape, the need was felt to redefine the role, mandate and scope of services to be provided by the Department of Industries & Commerce and Controller of Stores. Accordingly, detailed deliberations were held on restructuring the department, keeping in view its aims and objectives.Notably, Punjab’s industry is dominated by small and medium enterprises and the state has a rich base of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) units in auto components, bicycle parts, hosiery, sports goods, agricultural implements, among others. The State Government accords the highest priority to enhance the ease of doing business in Punjab.
OKAYS RESTRUCTURING OF ENGINEERING WING OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT & PANCHAYATS DEPT
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved restructuring of the Engineering Wing of the Rural Development and Panchayats Department to ensure holistic rural development across the state. Under its restructuring plan, the Cabinet also gave nod for recruitment of vacant feeding cadre posts and the vacancies that would result from the restructuring. This endeavour would be instrumental in smooth and effective implementation of government policies and schemes in the rural sector, said the spokesperson.Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved the annual administrative report of the Department of School Education for the years of 2016-17 & 2017-18 and of Department of Industries and Commerce for the year 2016-17. The annual report of the Department of Civil Aviation for 2017-18 has also been approved.