Chandigarh, June 21:
In order to enhance the security in jails, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday gave approval for filling 500 posts of various cadres in the jail staff.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister at his office in Punjab Civil Secretariat I.
Divulging the details a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that, the Cabinet also gave its concurrence to recruit 500 vacant posts of Assistant Superintendents, Warder and Matron under direct recruitment quota in the Jails Department, Punjab. This recruitment will include 29 Assistant Superintendents, 451 Warder and 20 Matron, which will be done by Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board, thereby helping to beef up the security in the jails. This move will act as a catalyst in further streamlining the functioning of the jails besides helping in making them safe and secure.
APPROVES COMPREHENSIVE POLICY FOR FRAGMENTATION AND SUB DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL PLOTS
The Cabinet also approved a comprehensive policy for the fragmentation and sub-division of industrial plots in PSIEC-managed industrial estates to enhance land use efficiency. This policy caters to the demands of industrialists and plot owners as well as of prominent industry associations, including the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mohali Chamber of Industry & IT, and Mohali Industrial Association. It addresses the need for smaller industrial plots, particularly for the IT and service sectors, to promote efficient land use, attract investments and establish a structured, transparent mechanism for plot fragmentation and sub-division.
The policy facilitates the optimization of land usage, boosts operational efficiency, and supports project expansion by addressing long-standing demands from industrial stakeholders. It applies to freehold plots of 1,000 square yards or larger, with subdivided plots maintaining a minimum size of 400 square yards. A fee of 5% of the current reserve price of the original plot will be charged, reduced to 50% for family members or legal heirs of a deceased allottee.
This policy includes a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline its implementation. This landmark decision reflects the Government’s commitment to
foster a business-friendly environment and support Punjab’s industrial ecosystem. The policy is poised to drive economic growth by providing greater flexibility to stakeholders while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
EX POST FACTO APPROVAL FOR CONSTITUTION OF HIGH POWERED CABINET SUB COMMITTEE
The Cabinet also gave Ex-post facto approval for the constitution of the High-Powered Cabinet Sub Committee to intensify the ‘War on Drugs’ program of the State of Punjab. This move will further help in day to day scrutiny of the ongoing war against drugs thereby making Punjab free from the menace of drugs and wean away the youth of state from this scourge.
GIVES NOD TO FRAME PUNJAB FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (VALIDITY OF FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE) RULES, 2025
The Cabinet also gave nod for Framing of Punjab Fire and Emergency Services (Validity of Fire Safety Certificate) Rules, 2025. This will enable the state Government to prescribe the period of Fire Safety Certificate in the case of buildings or premises, including those of specified risk categories through a notification.
PUNJAB FACTORY RULES, 1952 AMENDED FOR EASE OF DOING BUSINESS
The Cabinet also gave approval to Amend Rule 2A, Rule 3A, Rule 4 and Rule 102 of Punjab Factory Rules, 1952 for facilitating Ease of Doing Business. This will enable Self certification plans of the factories by any civil/structural/ mechanical engineer with 5 years of experience or Masters Degree with 2 years experience subject to verification by the department. Structural stability certificate by any civil/structural engineer with 5 years of experience or Masters Degree with 2 years experience will also be allowed subject to verification by the department. Likewise, Women workers will be allowed to work in the manufacturing of pottery and ceramics, and the process of extracting vegetable oil which is banned presently.
CONSENT TO AMEND THE PUNJAB LABOUR WELFARE FUND ACT 1965
The Cabinet also gave consent to Amend the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act 1965. Several provisions of the Act are no longer in line with present-day needs. So, various provisions of the Act have been amended to secure the interests of the Labour by making the Fund more realistic and progressive. This fund will safeguard the interests of the labour thereby enabling them to live life with dignity and pride.
GREEN SIGNAL FOR UP-DATION OF PUNJAB FINANCIAL RULES VOLUME I AND VOLUME-II
The Cabinet also gave its green signal for Up-dation of Punjab Financial Rules Volume I and Volume-II as these Rules were framed in the year 1984. As, since then, a lot of changes have been made by way of instructions issued by the Department of Finance, so, there was a need to incorporate them in rules to avoid litigation and confusion.
*NOD TO AMEND SECTION 29(3) OF THE PRTPD ACT*
*In a landmark decision reflecting visionary leadership, the Hon’ble Chief Minister has proactively decided to delegate the Chairmanship of all Urban Development Authorities to the Chief Secretary. This bold reform is aimed at strengthening decentralised governance, speeding up decision-making, and empowering the administrative setup to act swiftly on ground-level issues.*
*Previously, these authorities had inconsistent structures. Now, the Cabinet has approved a uniform framework across all 8 authorities, with Deputy Commissioners and Municipal Commissioners included as members—ensuring that local matters are resolved efficiently at the authority level itself.*
*The decision is based on a comprehensive review of national models, where such bodies are headed by IAS officers or Ministers—not Chief Ministers—as seen in Ahmedabad, NOIDA, Kanpur, Bangalore, and others. By delegating routine matters, the Hon’ble CM has ensured that strategic oversight remains focused on larger state priorities, while operational decisions are handled promptly.*
*Additionally, the Cabinet approved a long-pending update of the Punjab Financial Rules (Vol I & II), last revised in 1984. The updated rules will codify past instructions, reduce legal ambiguity, and streamline financial governance.*
*Together, these reforms demonstrate clear, bold leadership committed to systemic efficiency, decentralisation, and faster execution.
