Chandigarh, August 21
The Punjab Council of Ministers today approved the proposal of the department of personnel to declare the entire selection to the PCS (Executive) and the PCS (allied) made by the PPSC in 1998 as null and void.

As a result the selection and appointment of 63 officers — 10 Excise and Taxation Officers, 11 District Food and Supply Officers, eight Assistant Registrars (Cooperation), 15 Employment Officers and 19 Tehsildars — was declared null and void.

Chief Secretary Y.S. Ratra told TNS that this Cabinet decision would now be sent to the five respective departments to pass the necessary orders removing all 63 officers all 63 officers from service.

The Council of Ministers also approved that the government shall hold a fresh test and all candidates whose selection/appointment has been declared null and void will again be permitted to participate in the selection process. The Council of Ministers also decided to afford another opportunity to the unauthorised occupants of urban government land for the transfer of land in their favour. The unauthorised occupants of urban land could now get the same regularised on already laid-down terms and conditions by submitting an application by October 31.

The Council of Ministers also cleared a proposal to dispose of the Bhupindra Agricultural Training Centre and adjoining area measuring 241 kanals and 3 marlas situated in Inderpura village adjacent to Patiala city to the Government of India at a sum of Rs 1,28,46,657.

It was also decided to amend the Punjab Financial Commissioners’ Secretariat (Class-I) Service Rules, 1986, which would now be known as Punjab Financial Commissioners’ Secretariat (Class-I) (first Amendment) Service Rules 2002. Under the amended rules, the promotion to the posts of Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary would now be made from amongst Under Secretaries and Superintendents (Grade-I) and Private Secretaries of the Financial Commissioners’ Secretariat.

No person would be appointed by promotion unless he has worked as Superintendent (Grade- I) or Private Secretary for a minimum period of four years.