Punjab Cabinet takes major welfare decisions, approves 3% qoute for sportspersons in Education jobs
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 7, 2026:The Punjab Cabinet has taken several key decisions aimed at public welfare and administrative reforms, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said during a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan on Saturday.
Addressing the media, the ministers said the Cabinet meeting focused on initiatives to benefit the people of Punjab. Among the major decisions, the Cabinet approved a 3 percent quota for sportspersons in recruitment across educational institutions in the state, a move aimed at encouraging sports and providing more opportunities to athletes.
In another important decision related to the Health Department, the Cabinet approved an amendment allowing diploma holders to apply for pharmacist posts. Previously, they were ineligible to apply, but the revised rule will now make thousands of diploma holders eligible for recruitment.
The Cabinet also approved financial assistance of ₹1 crore for the family of Home Guard personnel Ashok Kumar, who was martyred recently in Gurdaspur.
The ministers further stated that certain posts, particularly in Group C and other categories, which had been removed during the previous Indian National Congress government, have now been restored.
Highlighting a major educational initiative, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a world-class university at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The university will be dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Additionally, the government has decided to set up a medical college on 28 acres in Medicity, further strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the state.
In another welfare measure, the Cabinet approved a change allowing dependent disabled siblings of unmarried government employees to receive pension benefits if the employee dies, a provision that was not available earlier.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that he will present the Punjab Budget in the Punjab Legislative Assembly at 11 am on Sunday.