The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Wednesday approved a series of major policy decisions aimed at accelerating the state’s development and enhancing public welfare.
Among the key decisions, the Cabinet approved the Fee Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a significant move intended to curb arbitrary fee hikes by private schools. The government said the legislation would provide much-needed relief to parents by ensuring greater transparency and accountability in school fee structures.
In another important decision, the Cabinet approved a policy concerning outsourced employees who have been working continuously for the past five years. The government said the move is aimed at protecting the interests of long-serving contractual workers.
To promote environmental conservation, the Cabinet also cleared the Trees for Protection Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen green cover across Punjab and encourage sustainable development.
In the education sector, the Cabinet approved the establishment of three new Digital Open Universities to expand access to quality higher education through technology-enabled learning platforms.
The Cabinet also sanctioned the creation of a new Tarsika Block in Amritsar, approved fresh recruitment in the Public Works Department (PWD), and cleared a proposal to increase the working hours of veterinary doctors to improve the delivery of animal healthcare services.
Additionally, the Cabinet endorsed measures aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework and further empowering the Panchayati Raj system to improve grassroots governance.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the decisions reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring inclusive development, improving public services, protecting the interests of citizens, and building a stronger and more progressive Punjab.
