Chandigarh, July 21-
The Punjab Cabinet led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday gave approval for summoning of the 13th Session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from August 3rd to August 10th.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister here today.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the 12th session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha had concluded on May 1, 2026. According to clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India, the Governor is authorized to summon the State Legislature to meet at such time and place, as he thinks fit. So the Cabinet has recommended the convening of 13th Session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from August 3-10.
GIVES NOD TO AMEND PUNJAB POLICE RULES, 1934 FOR DOING AWAY WITH DIRECT RECRUITMENT AT SI RANK
In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave nod to amend Punjab Police Rules, 1934 for doing away with direct recruitment at Sub Inspector (SI) rank in Punjab Police. It was also decided that direct recruitment will take place at ASI rank for 30% in District, Intelligence, Investigation and TSS cadres, and 10% in the Armed Cadre. Earlier Sub-Inspectors were recruited by way of Direct recruitment upto 50% of the Posts. Pertinently, ASIs, are the IOs of most cases and are the backbone of investigation so direct recruitment at ASI rank will bring fresh, highly educated talent as IOs to the Police Station.
NOD FOR CONSTITUTING A CABINET SUB COMMITTEE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF VB-G RAM G SCHEME
In a major pro-people initiative, the Cabinet also gave nod for constituting a Cabinet Sub Committee for Implementation of Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Scheme in Punjab from July 1, 2026 under the provisions of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. The Rural Development Department has been authorized to issue the Scheme Notification and operational guidelines from time to time. The VB-G RAM G Scheme will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in Punjab. The cost sharing pattern is 60:40 between the Central and State Governments.
APPROVAL TO SET UP INTEGRATED INNOVATION AND STARTUP CENTRE AT KALKAT BHAWAN
In another initiative aimed at giving impetus to the industry, the Cabinet also gave nod for establishment of “Integrated Innovation and Startup Centre”. Based on the Korea’s Pangyo Techno Valley model, which integrates incubation, research, startup acceleration and industry collaboration under one ecosystem, an Integrated Innovation and Startup Centre will be established at Kalkat Bhawan, Mohali. This centre will cater to Agri tech Start-ups, and Startups in other sectors.
GIVES NOD TO EXTEND TIME FOR ALLOWING DESILTING RIVERS AND DRAINS
The Cabinet also gave nod to extend time for allowing desilting rivers and drains by the NHAI for utilization of excavated material for National Highway projects. The Cabinet had earlier taken this decision to allow NHAI but the implementation, desilting operations were adversely affected due to delayed operationalization of sites, forest clearance issues, local issues and others. As substantial quantities of recoverable material are still available at approved desilting sites and are required for ongoing National Highway projects in the State, so Cabinet has accorded its consent in larger public interest.
