Punjab Cabinet Greenlights Major Educational and Policy Initiatives
The Punjab cabinet, in a significant meeting held on Saturday, approved a series of wide-ranging decisions aimed at boosting education, employment, and governance in the state. Among the key approvals is the establishment of a world-class university named after Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in Sri Anandpur Sahib, along with the recruitment of over a thousand assistant professors and librarians in government colleges.
New University and Recruitment Drive
An official spokesperson confirmed that the council of ministers gave its nod for setting up the Sri Guru Teg Bahadur World Class University. The draft Bill for this institution has been approved and will be presented in the Assembly. The cabinet has authorized the chief minister to take all necessary decisions for its establishment, emphasizing the government's commitment to enhancing higher education infrastructure.
In a move to address staffing shortages in educational institutions, the cabinet cleared the recruitment of 1,158 posts in government colleges across Punjab. This includes 1,091 assistant professors and 67 librarians. The recruitment process will be conducted in accordance with UGC Regulations, 2018, through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). The government will withdraw an earlier requisition of 612 assistant professor posts pending with the PPSC and submit a fresh consolidated requisition for all positions.
Policy Reforms and Updates
The cabinet also approved several policy amendments and new initiatives:
- Sports Quota Policy: A new policy to streamline reservation for sportspersons in government jobs and educational admissions was approved. It assigns 75% weightage to sports achievements and 25% to entrance test performance, with clear criteria for evaluating certificates.
- Prison Reform: The Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026 was approved to replace the outdated Prisons Act of 1894. This aims to modernize prison administration and enhance security through advanced technology and equipment.
- Health Service Rules: An amendment to the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Technical Service Rules, 2016, now includes a diploma in pharmacy as an additional qualification for recruiting pharmacists.
- Family Pension Expansion: Rule 6.17(3) of the Punjab Civil Services Rules was amended to extend family pension benefits to dependent disabled siblings of government employees.
Infrastructure and Development Projects
Several infrastructure-related decisions were made to spur economic and social development:
- MICE Project: A world-class Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) project and a multi-purpose structure were approved to host commercial, scientific, educational, and government events, addressing investor concerns over unclear charges.
- Medicity Policy Amendment: Amendments to the Medicity Policy-2014 allow for disposal of certain sites through existing policy and others via e-auction, with the housing and urban development minister authorized to decide on the method.
- Education Plots Policy: A policy for allotting education plots for senior secondary schools by GMADA was approved, based on recommendations from Boston Consulting Group (India) to improve e-auction processes.
- Property Price Rationalization: The cabinet approved rationalizing property prices of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) based on valuation reports, setting base reserve prices for e-auctions valid for one year.
Humanitarian Gesture and Industrial Policy
In a humanitarian move, the cabinet approved an ex-gratia grant of ₹1 crore to the family of Martyr Punjab Home Guards Volunteer Ashok Kumar, who died while on duty in Gurdaspur. Additionally, the Industrial and Business Development Policy–2026 was cleared to boost economic growth and investment in the state.
These comprehensive approvals reflect the Punjab government's focus on education reform, job creation, policy modernization, and infrastructure development to foster a progressive environment for residents and businesses alike.
