New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that over the past 12 years, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has worked intensively to create an environment where women can fully realize their potential.

Marking 12 years since he assumed office as Prime Minister, Modi noted that his tenure has set a record for being one of the longest democratically elected leaderships in India. In his posts on X, he emphasized that the NDA government has consistently promoted women-led development, which is evident across multiple sectors.

He highlighted women's contributions in economic inclusion, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science, and administration, stressing that the government's initiatives are rooted in dignity, opportunity, and empowerment.

Modi expressed pride in seeing Indian women excel in science, space, and innovation, and noted their growing role in emerging fields such as drone technology, which is reshaping opportunities and development nationwide.

He also underscored the government's strong support for self-help groups, which play a crucial role in making women financially independent.

In a major relief for students, the Cabinet has sanctioned free bus travel for candidates appearing in the reconducted NEET-UG exam on June 21, 2026. Students and one attendant can travel free of cost on Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS, and PRTC buses between June 20–22 by simply presenting their admit cards. The Transport Department will bear the cost, later reimbursed by the Finance Department.

To address vacancies in schools, the Cabinet approved recruitment for 1,013 Lecturer Cadre posts (Group-B), including backlog and new positions. A one-time five-year relaxation in upper age limit has also been granted to widen opportunities for qualified candidates.

Additionally, the Public Works Department will hire 156 Junior Engineers (127 Civil, 29 Electrical) through the PSSSB, ensuring better planning and execution of infrastructure projects.

The Cabinet greenlit two Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants in Patiala and Jalandhar, each with a capacity of 100 tonnes per day. Awarded to HPCL Renewable and Green Energy Limited, these projects will process wet waste, reduce landfill pressure, improve sanitation, and generate renewable energy and organic manure.

To resolve seniority disputes in civil services, amendments were made to Rule 8 of the Punjab Civil Services Rules (1994). Seniority will now be determined by merit scores in minimum educational qualifications, ensuring transparency in recruitment.

- Key changes to the Industrial & Business Development Policy, 2026 include:

- Extending fiscal incentives to existing industrial units.

- Supporting industrial clusters, R&D facilities, and sustainable technologies.

- Offering a ₹10 lakh incentive to the first 50 units achieving Gold Level ZED Certification or higher.

- Making incentive caps in sectoral policies indicative, not statutory, for greater flexibility.

These reforms are expected to attract investment, stabilize growth, and position Punjab as a prime hub for industrial expansion.