Day 5 — Punjab Laws Every Aspirant Must Know: SDEO PERA 2024, Price Control Act 2024 & Colonization Act 1912
On Day 5 of our study plan we focus on three high-value Punjab laws that frequently appear in competitive exams: SDEO (Sub Divisional Enforcement Officer) under PERA 2024, the Punjab Price Control of Essential Commodities Act 2024, and the historic Colonization of Government Lands (Punjab) Act, 1912. These laws are important for MCQs, short answers and essay topics.
Punjab Enforcement & Regulation Act 2024 (PERA) — SDEO Role (Exam Focus)
PERA 2024 creates the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority and sets up a provincial enforcement framework. A key post within this structure is the Sub Divisional Enforcement Officer (SDEO), who leads Enforcement Stations at the sub-division level and executes orders, supervises Enforcement Officers, handles encroachments, public nuisances, and assists Hearing Officers.
Exam-relevant points (quick):
- Establishment of Enforcement Stations and composition (SDEO, Enforcement Officers, Investigation Officers).
- Powers: arrest, issue notices, remove encroachments, impose fines (within pecuniary limits), audio-video recording of hearings.
- Grievance redressal, whistle-blower protection and appeal procedures to Hearing Officer and Board.
Punjab Price Control of Essential Commodities Act 2024 — Why it matters
This Act empowers the Price Control Council and Provincial Controller General to fix maximum prices, regulate distribution, and penalize profiteering. With rising inflation and price volatility, the Price Control Act 2024 is a current affairs staple for exams and interviews.
Exam-relevant points (quick):
- Creation of a Price Control Council and District Price Control Committees.
- Powers for search, seizure and disposal of seized essential commodities.
- Penalties: fines, imprisonment and non-bailable offences; appeal routes to Divisional Commissioner and the Council’s appellate committee.
Colonization of Government Lands (Punjab) Act, 1912 — Foundation law
The Colonization Act 1912 deals with government land allotment, tenant rights, succession, and the Collector’s powers. It is a historical law but remains relevant for land & revenue questions.
Exam-relevant points (quick):
- Tenancy rules, succession to tenancies, and transfers of tenancy rights.
- Powers of Collector: re-entry, compensation, penalties and recovery as arrears of land revenue.
- Restrictions on transfers and protective provisions for tenants.
FAQ — Quick exam tips
Q: What should I memorise for PERA 2024?
A: Learn definitions (Authority, Enforcement Station, SDEO), SDEO duties, pecuniary limits, powers of arrest/seizure, appeal routes and whistleblower protections.
Q: How is Price Control Act 2024 examined?
A: Focus on the Price Control Council composition, powers to fix prices, seizure & disposal rules and penalties (fines/imprisonment) plus appeal timelines.
Q: Is the Colonization Act still relevant?
A: Yes — particularly for land, tenancy and revenue questions. Understand succession rules, restrictions on transfers and Collector’s re-entry & compensation powers.
Study Plan — How to use today’s material (30–60 minutes)
- Read PERA 2024 summary (10–15 mins) and highlight SDEO duties.
- Skim Price Control Act 2024 for powers & penalties (10–15 mins).
- Review Colonization Act 1912 for tenancy rules (10–20 mins).
- Make 5–7 short flashcards (definitions, limits, appeal routes).
Use the download links above to save PDFs for offline revision.
