— Green Signal for “English for Work” Course to Enhance Employability of College Students
— 40 Hunar Sikhiya Schools to Open Across Punjab for Technical Training
Chandigarh, March 13:
The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Thursday approved the summoning of the eighth session (Budget Session) of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, scheduled to be held from March 21 to March 28.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister at his official residence. A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office stated that the Cabinet has recommended the session’s dates to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who is authorized to officially summon the State Legislature as per Article 174(1) of the Constitution of India. The Governor’s address will take place on March 25, followed by a discussion on the address. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema will present the budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on March 26, with a general discussion on the budget to follow.
“English for Work” Course Gets Cabinet Nod
The Cabinet also approved the exemption of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Education Department and the British Council Education India Private Limited (BCEIPL) from Section 63(1) of The Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 2019. This exemption will facilitate the continuation of the “English for Work” course for the next two financial years (2025-26 and 2026-27) as per the terms of the MoU.
The course, aimed at improving English communication skills for better employability, benefits approximately 5,000 students annually across various government colleges in the state. The exemption ensures the smooth implementation of the program, enabling students to gain essential skills without any administrative hurdles.
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40 Hunar Sikhiya Schools to Open Across Punjab
In a significant move to boost technical education and employment opportunities for youth, the Cabinet approved the establishment of 40 Hunar Sikhiya Schools (Schools of Applied Learning) across the state. With an estimated cost of nearly ₹32 crore, these schools will offer training in high-demand trades such as Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Digital Design and Development, Beauty and Wellness, and Healthcare Sciences and Services.
Additionally, the schools will introduce three foundational courses: Functional English, Career Foundations (covering professionalism, CV creation, soft skills, and professional development), and Technology in Everyday Life (including writing emails, creating work plans, and using digital tools).
Annual Administrative Reports of Defence Services Welfare Department Approved
The Cabinet also gave its consent to the annual administrative reports of the Defence Services Welfare Department for the years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.
These decisions reflect the Punjab government’s commitment to enhancing education, employability, and skill development for its youth, while ensuring transparency and efficiency in governance.
