OTHER CABINET DECISIONS

The cabinet also decided to expand the state government’s social media outreach by setting up 15 expert social media teams through outsourcing. An annual budget of ₹7 crore was approved to engage the services of 63 social media professionals and experts, including a media manager, two assistant media managers, 15 digital media executives, 15 video editors, 15 graphic designers and 15 content writers for one year.

The council of ministers also approved the restructuring of the water resources department, giving the nod to fill 70 posts in the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) on contract or deputation basis. The restructuring will involve cutting down of sanctioned strength of 24,263 employees to 15,606. The restructuring plan will help in saving ₹71 crore per annum, said an official spokesperson.

The cabinet also approved Group ‘A’ Service Rules of

Punjab commissioners’ offices to include officials drawing grade pay of ₹5,000 and above in Group ‘A’ service.