Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab Cabinet clears Medical College at Lehragaga, Historic Digital Open University Policy, extends Amnesty Scheme
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 9, 2026:Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Cabinet on Friday approved a series of far-reaching, pro-people decisions aimed at strengthening public healthcare, reforming higher education, accelerating infrastructure projects and providing relief to citizens.
At a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Chief Minister, the Cabinet gave approval for allotment of land for a new medical college at Lehragaga, cleared India’s first comprehensive Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026, extended the Amnesty Policy for plot allottees, approved rationalisation of GMADA property prices, allowed desilting of the Sutlej river for infrastructure works and sanctioned adjustment of staff of the Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute in government departments.
Medical college approved at Lehragaga
The Cabinet approved the allotment of over 19 acres of land at Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Technical College, Lehragaga, on nominal lease rent to Janhit Society for establishing a minority medical college by the Jain community. Admissions, seat allocation and fee structure will be strictly regulated as per state government guidelines.
As per the decision, the trust must begin hospital operations within five years of signing the Memorandum of Understanding. The medical college will initially function with a 220-bed hospital and an intake of 50 MBBS students, and will be expanded to a 400-bed hospital with 100 MBBS seats within eight years. The move is expected to boost access to quality medical education while strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the region.
Historic Punjab Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026
In a landmark reform, the Cabinet approved the Punjab Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026, making Punjab the first state in India to introduce a comprehensive policy framework for private digital open universities offering online and open distance learning programmes.
Aligned with UGC Regulations, 2020, the policy sets state-level standards for academic quality, digital infrastructure, data governance, learner protection and accessibility. It allows private institutions to establish fully digital universities, enabling students to earn legally valid degrees entirely through online modes.
The policy aims to bridge the gap between formal degrees and skill-based learning by integrating emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science and business skills into degree programmes.
Each digital university will be required to meet strict criteria, including minimum land requirements, advanced digital infrastructure, dedicated content studios, 24×7 student support systems and a minimum corpus fund of ₹20 crore. Separate legislation will be introduced in the Punjab Assembly for each approved digital university to ensure transparency and legal robustness.
The initiative is expected to reduce the cost of education, promote lifelong learning and position Punjab as a national hub for digital higher education.
Amnesty Policy 2025 extended
Providing major relief to plot allottees, the Cabinet approved the extension of Amnesty Policy 2025 for plots allotted or auctioned under various Housing and Urban Development Department schemes. Defaulting allottees will get another opportunity to apply under the policy till March 31, 2026, and will be allowed to deposit the required amount within three months of approval.
GMADA property prices to be rationalised
In another citizen-friendly decision, the Cabinet approved rationalisation of GMADA property prices based on independent valuation. Development authorities will appoint three independent valuers empanelled by nationalised banks or the Income Tax Department. For properties that have failed to attract buyers in multiple auctions, the average valuation will be used to determine reserve prices, subject to approval by the competent authority.
Desilting of River Sutlej approved
To support infrastructure development, the Cabinet approved desilting of the River Sutlej by the National Highways Authority of India or its agencies at a fixed rate of ₹3 per cubic feet. The approval, valid till June 30, 2026, will facilitate the Ludhiana–Ropar road project and includes exemption from certain provisions of the Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 2019.
Adjustment of Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute staff
The Cabinet also cleared the adjustment of staff of Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute of Engineering and Technology against vacant posts in the Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training and its autonomous institutions on deputation. The decision has been taken to safeguard employee interests and in the larger public interest.