Punjab Cabinet decisions:  The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Wednesday approved a series of key policy decisions. The Cabinet okayed the establishment of three new digital universities, a cap on annual private school fee hikes, relief for outsourced employees and a new law aimed at protecting trees.

The decisions were announced by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema after the Cabinet meeting.

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Three digital universities approved

The Cabinet has given the green light to establish three digital universities in Punjab to strengthen higher education through technology-driven learning. The approved institutions are Cloud University at Hoshiarpur, Balraj Singla Education Society Digital University at Fatehpur village in Patiala district and Physics Wallah Digital University at Nandpur Kesho village in Patiala district.

Decision for outsourced employees

The Cabinet also approved a bill concerning outsourced employees working in various government departments. According to Harpal Singh Cheema, employees engaged in hazardous jobs will become eligible for contractual appointment after completing three years of continuous service.

For employees working in other departments, five years of continuous service on an outsourced basis will be required before they can be brought under the contractual system. The proposed legislation will now be placed before the Punjab Legislative Assembly.

Private schools can increase fees by only 5%

In another significant decision, the Punjab Cabinet approved a bill that will regulate annual fee hikes by private schools. If passed by the Assembly, private schools in Punjab will be allowed to increase their annual fees by a maximum of 5%, providing greater transparency and financial relief to parents.

New tree protection law approved

The Cabinet has also cleared a new Tree Protection Bill aimed at promoting environmental conservation. Under the proposed law, anyone cutting down a tree will be required to plant 10 new trees as compensation. The bill also provides for penalties against those who violate the prescribed rules.

Bills to be tabled in the Monsoon Session

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said all the approved bills will be introduced during the Monsoon Session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly.

Once passed by the Assembly and completed through the legal process, the proposals will come into effect as law across the state.