Punjab Cabinet Clears Key Decisions: Free NEET Travel, 1,013 Lecturer Posts, Industrial Policy Boost
The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved a wide-ranging set of measures aimed at supporting students, creating jobs, strengthening infrastructure, and boosting industrial growth. The decisions reflect the government’s dual focus on social welfare and economic progress, while also streamlining administrative processes to improve the ease of doing business.
Free Travel for NEET Candidates
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.
Strengthening Education & Employment
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.
Renewable Energy & Waste Management
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.
Administrative Reforms
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.
Industrial Policy Boost
- 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.
