Punjab Cabinet Approves Recruitment of 500 Jail Staff to Bolster Security
Move to Strengthen Jail Operations and Enhance Safety
Chandigarh, June 21, 2025
The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Saturday approved the recruitment of 500 personnel across various cadres in the Jail Department to enhance security and streamline operations in state jails. The decision was made during a Council of Ministers meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat I.
A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office detailed that the recruitment includes 29 Assistant Superintendents, 451 Warders, and 20 Matrons, to be conducted through the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board. This initiative aims to fortify jail security and improve operational efficiency.
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New Policy for Fragmentation of Industrial Plots Approved
The Cabinet also greenlit a comprehensive policy for the fragmentation and sub-division of industrial plots in PSIEC-managed estates to optimize land use. Responding to demands from industrialists, plot owners, and associations like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mohali Chamber of Industry & IT, and Mohali Industrial Association, the policy supports smaller plots for IT and service sectors. Applicable to freehold plots of 1,000 square yards or larger, subdivided plots must be at least 400 square yards. A fee of 5% of the current reserve price will apply, reduced by 50% for family members or legal heirs of deceased allottees. The policy includes a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure transparency, fostering a business-friendly environment and driving economic growth.
Ex-Post Facto Approval for Anti-Drug Sub-Committee
The Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval for forming a High-Powered Cabinet Sub-Committee to intensify Punjab’s ‘War on Drugs.’ This sub-committee will oversee daily progress in combating drug abuse, aiming to make Punjab drug-free and protect youth from this menace.
Punjab Fire and Emergency Services Rules, 2025 Framed
The Cabinet approved the Punjab Fire and Emergency Services (Validity of Fire Safety Certificate) Rules, 2025, enabling the state to specify the validity period of Fire Safety Certificates for buildings, including high-risk categories, via notification.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTYEjn56Fco
Amendments to Punjab Factory Rules, 1952 for Ease of Doing Business
To facilitate ease of doing business, the Cabinet amended Rules 2A, 3A, 4, and 102 of the Punjab Factory Rules, 1952. The amendments allow self-certification of factory plans and structural stability certificates by civil, structural, or mechanical engineers with five years of experience or a Master’s degree with two years of experience, subject to departmental verification. Women workers will now be permitted in pottery, ceramics, and vegetable oil extraction processes, previously restricted.
Amendments to Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965
The Cabinet consented to amend the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1965, to align it with current needs. The revised provisions aim to make the fund more progressive, safeguarding workers’ interests and ensuring they live with dignity.
Update to Punjab Financial Rules
The Cabinet approved updates to Punjab Financial Rules Volume I and II, originally framed in 1984. The revisions incorporate changes introduced by the Department of Finance to prevent litigation and ensure clarity.
Amendment to PRTPD Act
The Cabinet amended Section 29(3) of the PRTPD Act, designating the Chief Secretary as the chairman of the development authority, following the model of authorities like Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) and NOIDA. Previously, the Chief Minister held this role, but his busy schedule sometimes impacted operations. The decision also includes integrating departments like Revenue, Industry, and Water Supply & Sanitation into development authorities.
