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Punjab Approves Rs 68.50/Quintal Subsidy for Sugarcane Farmers

The Punjab Cabinet has approved a direct subsidy of Rs 68.50 per quintal to be paid to sugarcane farmers on behalf of private mills. It also created 1,000 new posts for yoga trainers under the 'CM di Yogshala' project with a Rs 35 crore budgetary provision. In a healthcare boost, several civil hospitals and health centres will be transferred to Baba Farid University of Health Sciences for improved services. Additionally, new policies were approved to facilitate the transfer of municipal properties and abandoned paths to accelerate urban development.

Key Points: Punjab Cabinet Approves Subsidy for Sugarcane Growers

  • Direct subsidy for sugarcane growers
  • 1000 new yoga trainer posts
  • Healthcare infrastructure transfer
  • Municipal property transfer policy
  • Unlocking stalled land development
3 min read

Punjab Cabinet approves subsidy for sugarcane growers

Punjab Cabinet led by CM Bhagwant Mann approves direct subsidy for sugarcane farmers, yoga trainer posts, and healthcare reforms.

"Punjab already offers the highest state agreed price for sugarcane in the country - CMO Spokesperson"

Chandigarh, Jan 20

The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Tuesday, approved a direct subsidy of Rs 68.50 per quintal out of the fixed state agreed price for sugarcane growers.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers, which also delivered a series of approvals spanning healthcare reform, public fitness initiatives and urban governance.

A spokesperson for the Chief Minister's Office said the subsidy of Rs 68.50 per quintal out of the fixed SAP would be paid directly to sugarcane farmers on behalf of private sugar mills for 2025-26.

"Punjab already offers the highest state agreed price for sugarcane in the country at Rs 416 per quintal, reflecting an increase of Rs 15 from the previous year. This ensures that Punjab's cane growers remain the best compensated in the country and the present decision will further strengthen income security for farmers."

The state Cabinet also approved the creation of 1,000 additional posts of yoga trainers under the 'CM di Yogshala' project.

It was said that a budgetary provision of Rs 35 crore will be made for this initiative in 2026-27, aimed at promoting a healthy and fit Punjab.

In another key decision to strengthen healthcare services, the state Cabinet approved the complete transfer of civil hospitals at Badal village in Muktsar district, Khadur Sahib in Tarn Taran district, Community Health Centre Jalalabad, and the Tertiary Care Centre in Fazilka district to Baba Farid University of Health Sciences in Faridkot.

The transfer will enable residents of these areas to access improved treatment and diagnostic services, leveraging the university's advanced medical infrastructure and expertise.

The Cabinet also accorded approval for formulation and notification of directives under Section 4 of the Punjab Management and Transfer Municipal Act, 2020, to facilitate the transfer of municipal properties belonging to government departments, boards, corporations, and other public sector undertakings for public purposes.

This decision is expected to give fresh momentum to development projects across the state, ensure uniformity in land allocation, and prevent misuse of public land.

A committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of the district will recommend the allotment process, subject to approval by the state government.

To accelerate development through optimal utilisation of land resources, the state Cabinet approved a policy for transfer by sale or exchange of abandoned and active paths (rastas) or water courses (khals) located within all government-licensed projects inside municipal limits.

This policy is aimed at unlocking stalled development potential and improving urban planning outcomes.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows agricultural policies, Punjab consistently leading in sugarcane pricing is impressive. The focus on healthcare and urban land management in the same meeting shows a holistic approach to governance. The yoga trainer initiative is interesting for public health.
P
Priyanka N
Good step for farmers, no doubt. But I have a respectful criticism: what about crop diversification? Punjab's water table is critical. While supporting sugarcane growers is needed, long-term policies to move away from water-intensive crops are equally important. The land policy for urban areas seems practical though.
A
Aman W
Transferring hospitals to Baba Farid University is a smart decision. It will definitely improve healthcare in those districts. Faridkot has good medical facilities. Hope this model is replicated. The subsidy is a big relief for the *kisan*.
K
Karthik V
Rs 68.50 per quintal directly is substantial. Combined with the highest SAP in the country, Punjab farmers are getting a good deal. The key is implementation. The committee for municipal land allotment must be transparent to prevent any misuse.
M
Michael C
The range of approvals here is quite broad—from farm subsidies to yoga trainers to urban land policy. It shows the cabinet is working on multiple fronts. The policy to unlock abandoned paths for development sounds like it could reduce bureaucratic delays in cities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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