-Historic Private Digital Open Universities Policy & Multiple Pro-People Decisions
Chandigarh, January 9
In a major push to strengthen healthcare, revolutionize higher education, accelerate infrastructure, and provide relief to citizens, the Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, today approved a series of far-reaching decisions. Key highlights include the establishment of a new medical college at Lehragaga, introduction of India’s first comprehensive Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026, extension of the Amnesty Policy 2025, rationalisation of GMADA property prices, desilting of the River Sutlej to support major road projects, and protection of staff interests at Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute.
New Medical College Approved at Lehragaga
The Cabinet approved allotment of 19 acres and 4 kanals of land at Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Technical College campus, Lehragaga, on nominal lease rent to Janhit Society for setting up a minority medical college by the Jain community.
The medical college will start operations with a minimum 220-bed hospital and an intake of 50 MBBS seats. Within eight years of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), it must expand to at least 400 beds and 100 MBBS seats.
Admissions and seat allocation will be strictly governed by Punjab Government guidelines/notifications, and the fee structure for all categories will also be regulated as per state norms. The trust is required to commence hospital functioning at the earliest and fully operationalize the college within five years of the MoU.
This initiative aims to provide quality medical education to Punjab’s youth and position the state as a leading hub for medical education.
watch….“ਸਾਡੇ ਬਜ਼ੁਰਗ ਸਾਡਾ ਮਾਣ” ਮੁਹਿੰਮ 16 ਜਨਵਰੀ ਤੋਂ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ
Punjab Becomes First State to Approve Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026
In a landmark reform, the Cabinet cleared the Punjab Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026 — India’s first comprehensive policy to regulate and promote fully digital private open universities offering online and open distance learning (ODL) programs.
Aligned with UGC Regulations 2020, the policy sets high standards for quality, accessibility, digital infrastructure, data governance, and learner protection. It will enable flexible, affordable, and high-quality higher education, opening new employment avenues for students.
Unlike traditional universities that require physical campuses, this policy allows students to complete full degrees from home via mobile or laptop — legally valid and compliant with AICTE/UGC standards. It will benefit working professionals, homemakers, and youth who cannot relocate or attend regular classes.
Institutions must provide state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, including content creation studios, server rooms, Learning Management Systems (LMS), examination control rooms, 24×7 student support, and a minimum ₹20 crore corpus fund. A minimum of 2.5 acres of land will also be required.
Separate bills will be introduced in the Punjab Assembly for each approved digital university, ensuring transparency and legal strength.
The policy draws inspiration from successful global models like Western Governors University, University of Phoenix (USA), Walden University (USA), and Open University Malaysia. It will promote lifelong learning in emerging fields such as AI, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Science, Business, Healthcare, and Robotics — at lower costs, with no commuting or hostel expenses.
Punjab is now set to become India’s first digital higher education hub and lead the nation into the future of education.
Extension of Amnesty Policy 2025 for Plot Allottees
The Cabinet approved an extension of the Amnesty Policy 2025 for defaulting allottees/auction winners of plots under various Housing and Urban Development Department schemes. Defaulting allottees of Special Development Authorities can now apply under the policy until March 31, 2026, and deposit the required amount within three months of approval.
Rationalisation of GMADA Property Prices
In a citizen-friendly move, the Cabinet approved reduction in prices of various GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority) properties based on independent valuation reports. Guidelines for e-auctions have been amended: three independent valuers empanelled by nationalised banks or the Income Tax Department will assess rates.
For sites unsold in two or more previous auctions, the average of the valuers’ rates will determine the reserve price (after competent authority approval). Rates will be valid for one calendar year, with mid-year changes requiring approval from the Housing and Urban Development Minister.
Desilting of River Sutlej Approved for Infrastructure Projects
The Cabinet permitted NHAI (or its agencies) to carry out desilting in the River Sutlej at sites allotted by the Department of Water Resources at a fixed rate of ₹3 per cubic foot — the same rate as the Siswan Dam contract. This facility is available only until June 30, 2026, to provide earth material for the Ludhiana–Ropar road project. Exemption from Section 63 of the Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 2019, was also granted.
Staff Adjustment for Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute
In the interest of employees, the Cabinet approved absorption/adjustment of staff from Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute of Engineering and Technology against vacant posts in the Department of Technical Education & Industrial Training and its autonomous institutions on deputation basis.
These decisions reflect the Punjab Government’s continued commitment to healthcare expansion, education innovation, infrastructure development, and citizen-centric governance under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
