Chief secy replaces CM as devp authorities' chairman

Move aimed at improving functioning of development authorities as due to CM's busy schedule, works were getting delayed, says Cheema

- Vishal Rambani

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab cabinet on Saturday decided to appoint the chief secretary as the chairman of all local development boards in the state, effectively transferring this responsibility from the chief minister, who traditionally held this role.

The cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of chief minister Bhagwant Mann, amended Section 29(3) of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development (PRTPD) Act. The amendment empowers the chief secretary to lead the state's development authorities, a move modelled after urban planning bodies such as Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA), NOIDA, Meerut, Kanpur, and Lucknow. An amendment bill will be tabled in this regard the Vidhan Sabha during the next session.

The reallocation of power marks a significant departure from Punjab's norm, where political figures — including chief ministers and ministers — have traditionally chaired key development bodies such as GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority), GLADA (Greater Ludhiana Development Authority), and PUDA (Punjab Urban Development Authority).

Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema explained that the move was aimed at improving the functioning of the development authorities. "The chief minister is the chairman of the authority, but due to his busy schedule, the work sometimes gets delayed. This change will help streamline proceedings and ensure timely decision-making," Cheema said during a media briefing.