The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved a series of policy reforms aimed at strengthening education, improving public administration, enhancing employment security and promoting environmental conservation across the state.
One of the key decisions was the approval of the Punjab Regulation of Fee of Un-Aided Educational Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to curb arbitrary fee hikes by private unaided schools and provide relief to students and parents from excessive annual increases.
The Cabinet also approved the Punjab State Outsourced Transition to Contractual Engagement Bill, 2026, allowing eligible outsourced employees with five years of continuous service, or three years in notified risk-prone jobs, to transition to contractual employment while ensuring wages remain at or above the legally prescribed minimum wage.
To expand access to higher education, the government cleared the Punjab Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of Cloud University in Hoshiarpur, M.S. Digital University in Patiala and PhysicsWallah Digital University in Patiala.
The Cabinet approved the creation of a new Tarsikka Block in Amritsar district by carving out 64 gram panchayatsfrom the existing Jandiala Guru Block to improve local administration and accelerate development projects.
To maintain veterinary healthcare services, the government extended the services of 449 veterinary pharmacists and 451 sanitation workers working in 582 veterinary hospitals across Punjab until March 31, 2027.
In the environmental sector, the Cabinet cleared the Punjab Protection of Trees Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening tree conservation, reducing pollution and improving ecological balance. The government also reaffirmed its goal of increasing Punjab’s forest and tree cover to 7.5 per cent by 2030.
The Cabinet further approved amendments to the Punjab GST Bill, 2026 to simplify tax compliance, reduce litigation and facilitate export refunds and post-sale commercial discounts.
Additionally, amendments to the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 were approved, merging the cadres of Panchayat Secretaries and Gram Sevaks (VDOs) into a new post of Panchayat Development Secretary to streamline rural governance and administration.
The Punjab government said the decisions represent a comprehensive package of governance reforms focused on improving education, strengthening public services, protecting workers’ rights, expanding digital learning opportunities and promoting sustainable development across the state.
