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The Punjab assembly has finalized the dates for its budget session, scheduled to run from March 1 to March 15. During this session, Punjab's finance minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, will present the budget proposals for the fiscal year 2024-25 on March 5. The decision was reached during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Chandigarh.

Aid for families of deceased and policy changes

In light of recent events, the cabinet approved several measures aimed at supporting families affected by tragedies and implementing policy changes. Expressing solidarity with the family of Shubhkaran Singh, a 21-year-old farm protester who recently passed away, Cheema announced that AAP MLAs and leaders would be providing support to protesting farmers at the state's borders with Haryana.

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Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned ₹1 crore for the family of Jaspal Singh, a home guard volunteer who lost his life in a clash between Punjab Police and Nihang Sikhs in Kapurthala. The aid is intended to assist the family during this challenging time.

Support for small businesses and war widows

Recognizing the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Punjab's economy, the cabinet approved the creation of a dedicated MSME wing. This initiative aims to provide assistance to small enterprises, thereby promoting their growth and sustainability. Cheema highlighted Punjab's high number of MSMEs, emphasizing the potential benefits of this decision for the sector.

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Furthermore, the cabinet increased the honorarium for widows of war heroes from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 annually, demonstrating support for families of veterans. Additionally, amendments were made to the teacher transfer policy, including relaxing the age limit for filling 612 posts of college lecturers to 45 years. These policy changes aim to address various needs within the state and support key sectors like education and small businesses.