• Source:JND
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The Punjab cabinet approved a one-time settlement plan for traders who owed money in taxes as well as a pilgrimage program for the elderly on Monday.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presided over a meeting of the council of ministers where the approval was given.

Following the cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema addressed the media and announced that the "Mukh Mantri Tirth Yatra" scheme had been approved. Under this scheme, elderly people would be able to travel to various religious sites, such as Nanded Sahib, Hazur Sahib, Chintpurni, Jawalaji, and Naina Devi, at no cost using buses or trains.

The chief minister announced in a post on X that this program will be launched on November 27.

FM Cheema stated that Rs 40 crore has been set aside for the 'Mukh Mantri Tirth Yatra' scheme. He also stated that a sub-committee has been formed for the scheme. When asked what age group would be eligible for this scheme, he said the subcommittee would make a decision.

Cheema also stated that the cabinet has approved the launch of a one-time settlement scheme (OTS) for the state's traders and business community. “We are going to give a very big relief to Punjab's traders. It is a Diwali gift for them,” he said.

A lump sum tax of up to Rs 1 lakh has been waived, according to Cheema, under the OTS. 39,787 traders throughout the state will profit from this.