Punjab Cabinet approves major reforms: New Forensic Directorate, Farm Stay Policy 2026, and Societies Law Amendment
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, 1 May 2026: The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Friday cleared a series of key decisions aimed at strengthening public safety, boosting rural incomes, and streamlining governance, including the creation of a new forensic science structure, approval of the Farm Stay Policy 2026, and amendments to the Societies Registration law.
In a major step to improve criminal investigations and evidence processing, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFS), Punjab, which will function under the Department of Home Affairs. The existing Forensic Science Laboratory system will be reorganised under the new directorate, with regional labs in Amritsar, Bathinda, and Ludhiana strengthened through new divisions such as DNA, Ballistics, Cyber Forensics, Documents, and Physics/Audio-Video analysis.
The government will also set up 28 Mobile Forensic Units across police districts to ensure on-the-spot scientific assistance at crime scenes. Additionally, 266 new technical posts will be created in a phased manner, along with recruitment for scientific officers, assistants, laboratory staff, and attendants to strengthen forensic capacity in the state.
The Cabinet also approved the Farm Stay Policy 2026 aimed at increasing farmer incomes and promoting rural tourism. The policy allows farmers to use a portion of their land for farm-based stays, offering visitors rural accommodation, local cuisine, and cultural experiences while maintaining core agricultural activity. It also focuses on eco-friendly practices, ease of regulation, and rural entrepreneurship, particularly for youth, to generate employment and reduce agrarian distress.
In another decision, the Cabinet gave its nod to the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2026, which will amend the existing Societies Registration Act, 1860. The proposal will now be placed before the Punjab Vidhan Sabha for legislative approval.