Cabinet approves Sri Guru Teg Bahadur University at Anandpur Sahib

Chandigarh: The Punjab cabinet on Saturday approved the establishment of a "world-class" university in the name of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Punjab Cabinet also cleared the Industrial and Business Development Policy–2026 and approved recruitment of 1,158 assistant professors and librarians in govt colleges. An official spokesperson said that the council of ministers gave its nod for setting up the university and approved the draft Bill for the ‘Sri Guru Teg Bahadur World Class University', which will be presented in the Assembly. The cabinet also authorised the chief minister to take all necessary decisions for the setting up of the university.
Quota for sportspersonsThe cabinet approved a policy to streamline reservation for sportspersons in govt jobs and admissions in educational institutions. It lays down objective and easily understandable criteria for assigning marks to certificates of achievement in sports. As per the policy, 75% weightage will be given to achievements in sports, while 25% weightage will be based on performance in the entrance test.New bill to replace old ActThe cabinet also approved enactment of the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, which will replace the Prisons Act, 1894 currently in force in the state. The move aims to modernise prison administration and further strengthen jail security through the installation of advanced technology, gadgets and equipment, ensuring a more robust and foolproof security mechanism.Amendment in service rulesThe Cabinet also approved an amendment in the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Technical (Group-C) Service Rules, 2016, to include a diploma in pharmacy as an additional educational qualification for recruitment of pharmacists.Ex-gratia grant for Ashok KumarAs a humanitarian gesture, the Cabinet approved an ex-gratia grant of ₹1 crore to the family of Martyr Punjab Home Guards Volunteer Ashok Kumar, as a special case. Ashok Kumar recently laid down his life while performing duty at Gurdaspur.1,158 posts of assistant professors and librariansThe cabinet gave concurrence to initiate a fresh recruitment process for 1,158 posts in govt colleges across the state, including 1,091 assistant professors and 67 librarians. The recruitment will be conducted in accordance with UGC Regulations, 2018, through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). The govt will withdraw the earlier requisition of 612 assistant professor posts pending with the PPSC and submit a fresh consolidated requisition for all posts.MICE project and multi-purpose structureThe Cabinet approved a world-class MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) project and a multi-purpose structure for organising commercial, scientific, educational and govt events. Investors faced difficulties due to a lack of clarity regarding charges for MICE projects in the state.Medicity policy-2014 amendedThe Cabinet approved amendments in the Medicity Policy-2014 to allow certain sites to be disposed of through the existing policy and others through e-auction. The authority to decide which sites will go for e-auction was delegated to the minister, housing and urban development department.Education plots for schools by GMADAThe Cabinet has approved the Policy for Allotment of Education Plots for Establishment of Senior Secondary Schools by GMADA. The policy was formulated on the recommendations of Boston Consulting Group (India) to improve the e-auction process for sites under Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA)'s jurisdiction.Prices of GLADA propertiesThe Cabinet also approved the rationalisation of property prices of Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) based on valuation reports submitted by independent valuers and observations of GLADA. The revised rates will serve as base reserve prices for e-auctions, with allotment to be made to the highest bidder in accordance with the prevailing E-Auction Policy. These rates will remain valid for 1 calendar year and will thereafter be revised as per existing departmental policy.Punjab civil service rulesThe Punjab Cabinet also approved an amendment to Rule 6.17(3) of the Punjab Civil Services Rules, Volume-II, to define family pension by including dependent disabled siblings of govt employees. Accordingly, such dependent family members will now be entitled to the benefit of family pension. MSID:: 129216363 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !