Punjab Cabinet approves key decisions on employment, development and social welfare
Harshabab Sidhu
Chandigarh, November 15, 2025: After the Punjab Cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema addressed the media and announced that several important decisions related to employment, development, social security, and strengthening of the administrative framework have been approved.
Separate Cadre for BBMB Employees
Cheema informed that the Cabinet has approved the formation of a separate cadre for the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) employees.
The new system will ensure that future recruitments are made directly under this cadre. He said that earlier, officers were deputed temporarily, leaving several posts vacant after their return to parent departments, which affected the functioning of the nearly 3,000-member workforce. The new arrangement will prevent staff shortages.
New Posts in Malerkotla District
Following the creation of Malerkotla district, three new posts have been sanctioned in the Sports Department. Additionally, the Cooperation Department will see the creation of 11 new posts, including Registrar and Deputy Registrar positions.
Strengthening Health Services
To boost health infrastructure, the Cabinet approved 51 new posts at the CHCC Hospital in Doraha. The retirement age for dental teaching faculty has been raised from 62 to 65 years to retain experienced professors for longer service durations.
Revival of 16 CDPO Posts
Sixteen long-pending posts of Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) have been revived and will be filled soon to improve implementation of child welfare programs.
Key Industrial and Housing Decisions
The Finance Minister informed that the state’s Industries Department and Housing Board have suggested several studies and reforms. Under the IBC Department, the authority to bifurcate plots in industrial parks has been delegated to respective agencies such as GMADA and PUDA.
However, as per the new rules, plots smaller than 500 square yards cannot be created, and a fee of Rs 50 per square yard will be payable to the government at the time of bifurcation.
Relief for Low-Impact Property Owners
Owners of low-impact properties up to 4,000 square feet will now be allowed to construct houses on plots as small as 400 square yards, subject to existing conditions.
New Rules for Social Security and Welfare
The Finance Minister announced that new rules will be framed under the Social Security and Women & Child Development Department to address the needs of the transgender community. The government also plans to spend Rs 53 crore to provide sanitary napkins to underprivileged girls through Anganwadi centres.
Strengthening the Judicial Framework
Approval has been granted for six new posts for Additional Family Judge Court in Jalandhar to strengthen the judicial system.
Special Session Dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Cheema further announced that a special session dedicated to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji will be held on November 24 at Anandpur Sahib. The session will focus on the life and teachings of the revered Guru