The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday gave the nod to hold the Monsoon Session of the state assembly from August 3 to August 10.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chief Minister Mann said several bills and ordinances will be presented during the week-long session. He added that the duration of the session could be extended if needed. The formal recommendation has been sent to the Governor.
In a major policy change for Punjab Police, the cabinet decided to stop direct recruitment for Sub-Inspector (SI) posts. Going forward, direct hiring will take place at the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) level instead. About 30 percent of ASI posts in District, Intelligence, Investigation, and Technical cadres will be filled directly, along with 10 percent in the Armed Cadre. The state government reasoned that since ASIs handle most field investigations, direct entry at this level will bring better-qualified officers into police stations.
To boost food welfare, the state announced plans to issue 10 lakh new ration cards. Applications will open on July 22 via online portals, Seva Kendras, and the food department website. Seven lakh cards are set aside for new eligible families, while three lakh will go to e-Shram registered workers and migrants. Eligible households will get 5 kg of wheat along with a ‘Meri Rasoi’ kit containing mustard oil, salt, and turmeric.
The cabinet also approved a rural employment scheme named ‘Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Gramin)’, which will operate on a 60:40 funding split between the Centre and the state. Additionally, an Integrated Innovation and Startup Center inspired by South Korea’s Pangyo Techno Valley will come up in Mohali. The government also extended the timeline, allowing NHAI to desilt local rivers and drains to obtain construction materials for ongoing highway work.
Addressing national issues, Mann urged the Centre and Haryana to clear the Shambu border blockade and hold talks with farmer unions. He also raised concerns over national exam leaks while noting that 881 students from Punjab cleared NEET this year, up from around 80 in 2021.