Daijiworld Media Network – Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Jun 11: The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Wednesday approved a slew of measures aimed at supporting students, creating employment opportunities, strengthening public infrastructure, promoting renewable energy, and boosting industrial growth in the state.
Among the key decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting were free bus travel for students appearing for the reconducted NEET examination and one attendant, recruitment of 1,013 lecturers and 156 Junior Engineers (JEs), establishment of wet waste-based compressed biogas (CBG) projects in Patiala and Jalandhar, and amendments to the Industrial & Business Development Policy, 2026.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the decisions reflect the government’s commitment to public welfare, education, employment generation, infrastructure development, renewable energy, and economic progress.
In a major relief for students appearing for the NEET UG re-examination, the Cabinet approved free travel in Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC buses for candidates and one attendant travelling to examination centres in Punjab and Chandigarh.
The NEET examination, originally scheduled on May 3, 2026, was cancelled and has been rescheduled for June 21. Students and attendants will be able to avail free travel on June 20, 21, and 22 by producing the candidate’s admit card. The Transport Department will bear the expenditure, which will be reimbursed by the Finance Department.
The Cabinet approved the filling of 1,013 vacant Lecturer Cadre (Group B) posts, including backlog and newly created vacancies, through the Education Recruitment Directorate. A one-time relaxation of five years in the upper age limit has also been granted for candidates applying to lecturer posts in the School Education Department.
In another employment-related decision, approval was granted for the recruitment of 156 Junior Engineers in the Public Works Department, including 127 Civil and 29 Electrical posts. The recruitment will be conducted through the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB).
To strengthen waste management and renewable energy generation, the Cabinet approved the establishment of two wet waste-based compressed biogas projects with a capacity of 100 tonnes per day each at the Municipal Corporations of Patiala and Jalandhar. The projects will be developed by HPCL Renewable and Green Energy Limited on a nomination basis.
The government said the projects would help scientifically process wet waste, reduce landfill burden, improve sanitation, generate renewable energy and organic manure, and curb methane emissions.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to Rule 8 of the Punjab Civil Services (General and Common Conditions of Service) Rules, 1994, to resolve seniority disputes where candidates have identical merit and date of birth.
Under the revised provision, inter se seniority will be determined on the basis of merit, including final grades or percentage secured in the minimum educational qualification prescribed for the post.
To further strengthen Punjab’s industrial ecosystem, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Industrial & Business Development Policy, 2026, and related sectoral policies under the Punjab Udyog Kranti initiative.
The revised provisions extend fiscal incentives to existing industrial units, strengthen support for industrial clusters, research and development facilities, and environmentally sustainable technologies. A one-time incentive of Rs 10 lakh for the first 50 eligible units has been expanded to include industries obtaining Gold Level ZED Certification or higher.
The government said the amendments are expected to attract greater investment, accelerate industrial growth, and reinforce Punjab’s position as a preferred destination for business and investment.