Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the state Cabinet has approved several decisions aimed at tourism development, employee welfare and strengthening government departments. The decisions were taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Mann on Monday.
The Cabinet approved the Ranjitgarh Development Authority Bill, 2026, aimed at planned, sustainable and eco-tourism-oriented development of the Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpur Kandi Dam areas in Pathankot. The proposed authority will function under the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department and will have administrative, financial and regulatory powers for integrated development of the region.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will chair the authority, while the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister will serve as its vice-chairperson. An executive committee headed by the Chief Secretary will oversee its day-to-day functioning and coordination between departments.
Bhagwant Mann: PICTES Non-Teaching Staff to be Regularised
The Cabinet also approved the regularisation of contractual non-teaching employees working under the Punjab Information and Communication Technology Education Society (PICTES). The employees brought under the regularisation framework will receive the prescribed PICTES pay scales.
Nursing Service Rules Amended
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab Nursing Education Service Rules, 2016, allowing eligible nursing staff with an MSc in Nursing in the relevant speciality to be considered for promotion to tutor posts at Government Colleges of Nursing in Patiala and Amritsar. Preference will be given to candidates with one year of teaching experience. Reports said the changes will benefit around 1,400–1,467 nursing personnel.
New Posts in Chief Electoral Officer’s Office
The Cabinet also approved the creation of new driver posts in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab. The posts are being created by surrendering existing posts, including peon and moharrir positions, as part of a restructuring of the office’s staffing.
