Punjab Cabinet approves reservation roster changes in 6 districts; Grants farmers relief for flood prevention
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 17, 2026: The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Friday approved a series of key decisions focusing on administrative reforms and flood management measures across the state.
Sharing details after the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the Cabinet has cleared amendments to the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, and reservation rules. The changes come as a result of the reorganisation of blocks and panchayat committees, affecting six districts.
Under the new arrangement, certain villages from Patiala have been merged into Mohali, while territorial adjustments have also been made in Fazilka-Ferozepur and Sangrur-Malerkotla regions.
The government has decided that if administrative changes in any area exceed 10 percent, the reservation roster will be revised accordingly. Residents have been given a 10-day window to file objections to the revised roster.
In another significant move, the Cabinet announced relief measures for farmers aimed at preventing flood damage. Referring to the destruction caused by last year’s floods, Cheema criticised the Centre for not providing financial assistance despite field visits by central teams.
The state has identified vulnerable zones along the Sutlej River and Ghaggar River, including areas such as Harsa Bela, Mandala Tajowal (Nawanshahr), and Bada Kali Rao (Ferozepur).
To strengthen flood preparedness, farmers owning land in these sensitive zones will now be allowed to undertake desilting of rivers after obtaining official approval. The move is aimed at ensuring timely cleaning of riverbeds ahead of the monsoon season, thereby reducing the risk of flooding in the future.