Punjab Cabinet clears major reforms; Now land decisions for public institutions to be taken at DC level; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 20, 2026: The Punjab Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Tuesday approved several key decisions related to administrative reforms, agriculture, and the health sector, aimed at easing public inconvenience and accelerating the state’s development.
Briefing the media, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the Cabinet has taken a major decision to delegate the authority of allocating land for public institutions to the district level. Under the new system, a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) will take decisions regarding land allotment. The move is intended to reduce delays, cut red tape, and address public grievances more effectively.
Watch Video
In a significant boost to agriculture, the Cabinet approved a large-scale crop diversification project with support from Japan. The plan aims to increase the area under horticulture from 6 percent to 15 percent over the next 10 years.
As part of the project, cold chain infrastructure, marketing intelligence systems, and processing units will be developed at the field level to enhance farmers’ income.
To promote public health, the Cabinet decided to further intensify the Yogashala campaign. As many as 1,000 additional yoga trainers will be recruited. Trainees will receive Rs 8,000 per month during training, which will increase to Rs 25,000 per month after selection.
In the healthcare sector, Cheema announced that four major hospitals—Badal, Khadoor Sahib, Jalalabad, and Fazilka Faisal Care Centre—have been brought under the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, with the objective of improving medical services and patient care.
Additionally, to connect the younger generation with cultural heritage, the Cabinet approved staging the show ‘Hamare Ram’, based on the life of Lord Ram, in 40 major cities across Punjab.