Punjab looks towards fund for cancer treatment infrastructure

Punjab Cabinet today gave approval for introducing a bill in the upcoming Budget session of the state Assembly that would create a special fund for infrastructure used in cancer treatment and de-addiction.
The Punjab State Cancer and Drug Addiction Treatment Infrastructure Fund Bill, 2013, aims at establishing the fund for infrastructure, including machinery equipment and provision of medicines in select hospitals, for treatment of cancer and drug addiction in the state, an official release said here.
A surcharge or cess would be levied on some items, taxes, receipts and a share from sale of government and semi-government properties. This money would be deposited in the dedicated fund.

A board under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister would be created to administer the fund, the release said.
The Punjab Budget session will start from March 11.
In order to ensure more participation of citizens in the working of all Nagar Panchayats or Municipal Councils and Municipal Corporations in the state, the Cabinet also gave the go ahead for the Punjab Community Participation in Municipalities Act, 2013.

The new Act, which would be presented in the Budget session, envisages constitution of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees in all municipalities thereby providing an opportunity to the citizens for effective participation in civic affairs.

To facilitate NRIs in getting their properties vacated quickly, the Cabinet also gave nod to introduce Punjab Rent (Amendment) Bill, 2013, in the Budget session.
In order to curtail expenditure, the Cabinet cleared the security policy of the state under which protection to selected representatives and officials will be provided based on the threat perception.
In order to establish a mega textile park in Barnala district, the Cabinet also allowed to include the district in the list of eligible ones for availing all the incentives, including exemption from electricity duty for seven years, under Textile Policy of 2006.