Chandigarh:- Taking important decisions with the aim of promoting higher education, industrial development and administrative reforms in the state, the Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today approved the establishment of a world-class university in the name of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib. During the meeting of the Cabinet led by the Chief Minister, the green signal was given for the recruitment of 1158 assistant professors and librarians in government colleges.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, sharing information about this, the Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved the establishment of the university and the draft bill for Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur World-class University. The Cabinet has authorized the Chief Minister to take all necessary decisions for the establishment of the university in a timely manner.
**Green flag for new Industrial and Trade Development Policy-2026**
The Cabinet has given its approval to the Industrial and Trade Development Policy-2026 under the Punjab Industrial Revolution and this policy reflects sector-based policies, detailed schemes and guidelines.
The objective of this policy is to establish a comprehensive and structured system for financial incentives, regional development, employment generation, strengthening of infrastructure and promotion of emerging industries in the state. This is expected to give a major boost to economic activities and put Punjab on the path of high economic growth.
**Approval of policy to further streamline reservation for sportspersons in government jobs and admissions to educational institutions**
The Cabinet approved the policy to streamline reservation for sportspersons in government jobs and admissions to educational institutions. It lays down objective and easily understandable criteria for assigning marks to certificates of achievement in sports. As per the policy, 75 percent weightage will be given to achievements in sports while 25 percent weightage will be based on performance in the entrance examination.
**Amendment in ‘Punjab Health and Family Welfare Technical (Group-C) Services Rules-2016’ approved**
The cabinet led by Bhagwant Singh Mann also approved the amendment in the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Technical (Group-C) Services Rules, 2016 to include Diploma in Pharmacy as an additional educational qualification for recruitment of Pharmacists. This will enable diploma holders to apply for the post of Pharmacist and help strengthen the delivery of quality healthcare services to the people of Punjab.
**Green signal for ex-gratia grant for martyr Ashok Kumar of Punjab Home Guards**
Taking a humanitarian approach, the Cabinet approved an ex-gratia grant of Rs. 1 crore to the family of martyr Punjab Home Guards volunteer Ashok Kumar, No. 25140/GSP, as a special case. Ashok Kumar had recently sacrificed his life while on duty at Gurdaspur. The Cabinet took this decision in recognition of his great contribution towards protecting the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.
**Consensus to introduce ‘The Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, Stockists and Retailers (Amendment) Bill,-2026’ **
The Cabinet has given its consent to introduce ‘The Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, Stockists and Retailers (Amendment) Bill,-2026’ in the current session of the Vidhan Sabha. The move aims to convert the ‘Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, Stockists and Retailers (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026’ into an Act.
In another major decision, the Cabinet has approved the initiation of a fresh recruitment process for 1,158 posts in government colleges across the state, including 1,091 Assistant Professors and 67 Librarians. The recruitment will be done through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) strictly as per UGC Rules-2018. The government will withdraw the earlier demand for 612 posts of Assistant Professor pending with the PPSC and submit a fresh combined demand for all the posts.
To provide a fair opportunity to all the candidates, including those who had applied under the advertisement dated October 19, 2021, a one-time relaxation in the upper age limit will be given. Reserved category candidates will get additional age relaxation as per the existing government policy.