6 days ago
Punjab Cabinet approves Bill to make sale of spurious seeds non-bailable offence
The Punjab Cabinet Friday gave its nod to introduce The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 to make sale of spurious seeds a non-bailable offence. The decision was taken by the council of ministers at its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
As per an official statement, the Cabinet gave its nod to introduce The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 to ensure supply of high-quality seeds to the farmers of the state.
'There has been no amendment to Section 19 of the Seeds Act 1966 since its inception due to which the fines and penalties have no deterrence. So the Cabinet gave its nod to amend and insert Section 19A for contravention of Section 7 of the Seeds Act (Regulation of sales of seeds of notified kinds or varieties), enhancing the fine and penalty, and making it cognizable and non-bailable,' the statement said.
As per the provision, the first offence by a company will invite punishment of one to two years and fine of Rs 5-10 lakh, and punishment of two to three years and fine of Rs 10-50 lakh for repeated offence.
'Similar misdeed by a dealer/person will invite a punishment of six months to one year and fine of Rs 1-5 lakh for the first offence and a term of 1 to 2 years and fine of Rs 5-10 lakh for repeated offence,' the statement said.
Currrently, the fine is Rs 500 for first offence and Rs 1,000 and prison term of up to six months for repeat offence.
The Cabinet also cleared a mechanism to provide land parcels on sale or lease to boost industrial and business investment, featuring a bi-annual digital land pool, investor facilitation for projects above Rs 200 crore, and e-auction procedures.
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved an amendment in Rules 5 (b) and 5 (d) of the Punjab State (Group D) Service Rules, 1963, thereby enhancing the upper age limit for Group D recruitment from existing 35 years to 37 years.
The council approved a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme to clear old loans under various industrial support programmes, with complete waivers for loans under the Punjab State Aid to Industries Act, 1935, and the Integrated Rural Development Programme. Accordingly, there will be a complete waiver of principal and interest for loans under IRDP and Punjab State Aid to Industries Act, 1935. The eligible units will be required to avail of the scheme and clear their dues within 180 days of publication of notice in newspapers.
The Cabinet also gave its nod to the 'The Punjab Foodgrains Transportation Policy 2025′ and 'The Punjab Labour and Cartage Policy 2025′ for the smooth and hassle-free transportation of foodgrains in the state. The Punjab government through its state procurement agencies and FCI procures foodgrains from various designated centres/mandis. According to the new policy, during the year 2025, foodgrain transportation works will be allotted through a competitive and transparent online tender system.
Other approvals included revising District Mineral Foundation rules, extending services of 951 veterinary staff, and amending VAT rules and temple advisory committees.
Will develop robust semiconductor ecosystem: CM
CM Mann said that the state government will make every possible effort to develop a robust semiconductor ecosystem in the state. Chairing a meeting with representatives of the semiconductor industry, Mann assured them of full support and cooperation, including the establishment of a dedicated semiconductor park in and around Mohali.
He said Punjab offers a conducive industrial environment, a skilled workforce, and ample resources, making it an ideal destination for semiconductor investments.
The industry, he noted, will not only spur industrial growth but also create significant employment opportunities for the youth. Mann emphasised the vital role semiconductor chips play in modern technology, stating that they are essential components in virtually all electronic devices.
He added that semiconductors enable a wide range of functionalities from basic computation to advanced technologies. Mann highlighted the vast potential of the semiconductor industry, noting that it is currently experiencing an impressive annual growth.
