In a major move, the Punjab Cabinet under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has withdrawn the previous Congress government’s decision to deploy the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Bhakra Dam. This decision was finalized during a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the CM at the Punjab Civil Secretariat.
A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office revealed that the Cabinet strongly criticized the Congress-led administration’s July 23, 2021, order, calling it arbitrary and harmful to state interests. The Cabinet asserted that Punjab Police, with its proven track record and capabilities, is fully competent to handle the dam’s security, making the deployment of an external force unnecessary and disrespectful to the state’s institutions.
The Cabinet also made it clear that the Punjab government would not bear any cost related to the CISF deployment and plans to pass a resolution against it in the upcoming assembly session.
Approval for Animal Welfare Laws and Traditional Bullock Cart Racing
The Cabinet has approved the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025, along with rules to govern bullock cart races. These include the “Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Kila Raipur Rural Sports Event and Fair) Rules, 2025.”
These rules aim to revive traditional rural sports while ensuring proper care and supervision for animals involved, including veterinary checks, safety measures, registration, and penalties for violations. The move is expected to protect indigenous cattle breeds and promote Punjabi cultural heritage.
3600 Special Educator Posts Created
To support children with special needs, the Cabinet approved the creation of 3600 Special Educator posts in government schools — 1650 at the secondary (Master Cadre) level and 1950 at the primary level. This will benefit around 47,979 special needs students and will be implemented in phases by converting existing vocational, art & craft, and ETT teacher posts.
Tenure Protection for 22 Employees at Rural Institute, Badal
The Cabinet also decided to grant security of tenure to 22 employees working against 37 sanctioned posts at the Rural Institute for Vocational Training in Badal. This decision follows recommendations from the Finance and Personnel Departments and aims to resolve long-standing legal issues while ensuring job security for these employees.
Changes to Development Tax Law and Introduction of OTS Scheme
The Punjab Cabinet has approved amendments to the Punjab State Development Tax Act, 2018, including a clear definition of the term “salary” and the introduction of a One-Time Settlement (OTS) option. Taxpayers can now pay ₹2,200 annually upfront instead of monthly ₹200 installments, simplifying compliance and improving tax collection.
Provisions will also be added to handle tax liabilities in cases such as death, company liquidation, or mergers.
Green Light to New Private Universities in Punjab
To enhance higher education opportunities, the Cabinet gave approval for the establishment of two new self-financed private universities:
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CGC University Mohali (Jhanjeri, SAS Nagar)
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Rayat Bahara Professional University (Hoshiarpur)
Both universities will operate under the Punjab Private Universities Policy 2010 and are expected to provide quality education and contribute to regional development.