Mann Cabinet gives nod to convene 13th Session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha from August 3-10
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 21, 2026: The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Tuesday approved the convening of the 13th Session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from August 3 to August 10 and cleared a series of key decisions, including reforms in police recruitment, the establishment of a startup innovation centre, and the implementation of a new rural employment scheme.
The decisions were taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Chief Minister.
Punjab Assembly session from August 3
A spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s Office said the Cabinet recommended summoning the 13th Session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from August 3 to August 10. The previous session had concluded on May 1, 2026.
Under Article 174(1) of the Constitution of India, the Governor is empowered to summon the State Legislature, and the Cabinet has forwarded its recommendation accordingly.
Direct recruitment at SI rank abolished
In a significant police reform, the Cabinet approved an amendment to the Punjab Police Rules, 1934, abolishing direct recruitment to the post of Sub-Inspector (SI).
Under the revised policy, direct recruitment will now be carried out at the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) level, with 30 per cent recruitment in the District, Intelligence, Investigation and Technical Support Services (TSS) cadres, and 10 per cent in the Armed Cadre.
The government said ASIs investigate the majority of criminal cases and form the backbone of police investigations. Recruiting highly qualified candidates directly at the ASI level is expected to strengthen investigative capabilities at police stations.
Cabinet panel for rural employment scheme
The Cabinet also approved the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee to oversee the implementation of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Scheme in Punjab with effect from July 1, 2026.
The Rural Development Department has been authorised to issue notifications and operational guidelines for the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, which will be funded on a 60:40 cost-sharing basis between the Centre and the Punjab Government.
Startup and innovation hub in Mohali
To promote entrepreneurship and innovation, the Cabinet approved the establishment of an Integrated Innovation and Startup Centre at Kalkat Bhawan, Mohali.
Modelled on South Korea’s Pangyo Techno Valley, the centre will bring together incubation, research, startup acceleration and industry collaboration under one ecosystem. It will primarily support agri-tech startups along with ventures in other sectors.
Extension for desilting work
The Cabinet also approved an extension for allowing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to continue desilting rivers and drains and utilise the excavated material for National Highway construction projects.
The government said the earlier timeline was affected by delays in operationalising sites, forest clearances and other local issues. Since substantial quantities of usable material remain available at approved desilting sites, the extension has been granted in the larger public interest to facilitate ongoing highway projects in Punjab.