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Punjab Cabinet Approves Digital Universities, Private School Fee Cap and Outsourced Employee Bill
The Punjab cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, approved a series of legislative measures. Three new digital open universities will be established – one in Hoshiarpur and two in Patiala district villages. A fee‑regulation bill (Punjab Regulation of Fees of Un‑aided Educational Institutions Amendment Bill 2026) was passed to limit private school fee hikes to 5% unless a regulatory body grants permission. The Punjab State Outsourced Transition to Contractual Engagement Bill 2026 will bring outsourced workers onto direct government contracts after three years of service, with wages set according to the Code on Wages 2019 or the prevailing minimum wage.
Additional measures include the Punjab Protection of Trees Bill, which imposes fines and mandates planting new trees for illegal tree cutting, and the approval of direct recruitment for civil posts in the Punjab Public Works Department. Staffing levels in the state’s 582 veterinary hospitals were increased, adding 449 veterinary pharmacists and 451 cleaners. All bills have been forwarded to the Governor for assent.
Entities
Bhagwant Singh Mann · Hoshiarpur · Patiala · Punjab Cabinet · Punjab Government
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] All bills approved by the Punjab cabinet were sent to the Governor for assent. earlynews24.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Punjab cabinet passed the Punjab Regulation of Fees of Un‑aided Educational Institutions (Amendment) Bill 2026, capping private school fee increases at 5% without regulatory approval. earlynews24.com · hindikhabar.com · www.punjabkesari.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Punjab cabinet approved the Punjab Protection of Trees Bill, imposing fines and requiring planting of new trees for illegal tree cutting. earlynews24.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Punjab cabinet approved direct recruitment for civil posts in the Punjab Public Works Department. earlynews24.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Punjab cabinet increased staffing in state veterinary hospitals, adding 449 veterinary pharmacists and 451 cleaners across 582 hospitals. hindikhabar.com · www.punjabkesari.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Punjab cabinet approved the Punjab State Outsourced Transition to Contractual Engagement Bill 2026 to bring outsourced employees onto direct government contracts after three years of service, with pay earlynews24.com · hindikhabar.com · www.punjabkesari.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Punjab cabinet approved the establishment of three new digital open universities in Hoshiarpur and Patiala districts. earlynews24.com · hindikhabar.com · www.punjabkesari.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Punjab cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. earlynews24.com · hindikhabar.com · www.punjabkesari.com