Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Friday that the state cabinet has approved the reinstatement of the old pension scheme (OPS), which was phased out in 2004.

Mann also stated that a notification to fix the sugarcane rate at 380 per quintal was approved by the cabinet, which met here under his chairmanship.

When asked about the Old Pension Scheme, Mann, who was speaking at a press conference following the cabinet meeting, said, “The cabinet has given its approval to OPS. Details will be provided. The old pension scheme will benefit many employees. A notification has been sent.”

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The old pension scheme, under which the government provided the entire pension amount, was phased out in the country on April 1, 2004.

The Punjab government decided to restore the scheme for its employees, which had been their main demand, at a cabinet meeting nearly a month ago.

Employees will be given the option to join the old pension scheme, according to State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema last month.

Mann told reporters about other cabinet decisions while briefing reporters “The notification regarding the 380 per quintal sugarcane rate, which is the highest in the country, was approved during today’s cabinet meeting. We have paid all outstanding sugarcane debts owed by farmers “He stated.

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Beginning November 20, all sugar mills will begin crushing sugarcane.

Mann also stated that 645 lecturer positions in government colleges will be filled, and that the age limit for principal appointments in 16 government colleges has been relaxed from 45 to 53.

He stated that all registered ‘gaushalas’ in Punjab will have their power arrears waived until October 31.

He said that a total of 5 lakh has been given to 624 families whose next of kin died during the farmers’ agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, and that 326 such families have been given jobs. He also stated that the remaining families will be compensated with jobs in the near future.

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When asked about the state’s law and order, Mann stated, “Punjab police are capable of keeping the peace. We have given Punjab police strict instructions to conduct random searches, and those who flash weapons, make hate speeches, or provoke should be dealt with strictly according to the law.”