Punjab Cabinet approves Private School Fee Cap, Outsourced Workers’ Relief bill and three Digital Universities
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 5, 2026: The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Wednesday approved several major proposals concerning private school fees, outsourced workers, higher education, environmental protection, veterinary services and recruitment in the Public Works Department (PWD).
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting held at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the decisions were aimed at promoting education, employment, environmental conservation and the overall development of the state.
Private School Fee Hike Capped at 5%
The Cabinet approved the conversion of the ordinance introduced to regulate fees in unaided private schools into a Bill. The proposed legislation aims to prevent arbitrary and excessive fee hikes by private schools.
Under the proposed law, the annual increase in school fees will be capped at 5 per cent. Schools seeking to increase fees beyond the prescribed limit will be required to obtain approval from the designated regulatory body.
The Bill also provides for forensic audits and financial scrutiny of private schools. It will become law after being passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and receiving the Governor’s assent.
Relief Proposed for Outsourced and Contract Workers
The Cabinet also approved a proposal to introduce a special Money Bill aimed at providing relief to workers employed through outsourcing agencies during previous governments.
The proposed legislation seeks to bring eligible outsourced workers directly under the government on a contractual basis. Cheema said prior approval from the Governor is required before a Money Bill can be introduced in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, and the proposal has been sent for approval.
Once the approval is received, the Bill will be tabled in the Assembly for consideration and passage.
Three New Private Digital Open Universities Approved
To promote modern and technology-driven education, the Cabinet approved the establishment of three new institutions under the Punjab Private Digital Open University Policy.
Punjab’s first Cloud University will be established on the Hoshiarpur-Chandigarh Road and will offer education through advanced digital learning methods.
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of MS Digital University by the Balraj Singla Education Society at Fatehpur village in Patiala.
Education technology company Physics Wallah will establish a digital university at Anandpur Keshav village in Patiala district.
New Tree Protection Bill Introduced
Keeping in view the growing concerns over global warming and climate change, the Cabinet approved the Punjab Protection of Trees Bill to strengthen environmental conservation in the state.
Under the proposed legislation, a person cutting down one tree will be required to plant 10 new saplings.
The Bill provides for escalating penalties for violations. A fine of ₹10,000 per tree will be imposed for the first violation, while a second violation will attract a penalty of ₹35,000. For a third or subsequent violation, the fine may extend to ₹50,000.
Veterinary Services Extended; PWD Recruitment Cleared
The Cabinet also approved the extension of services of providers at 582 veterinary sub-centres, 449 veterinary pharmacists and 552 sanitation workers under the Rural Development, Panchayats and Animal Husbandry departments.
Their services have been extended from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
In another decision, the Cabinet approved direct recruitment to civil posts in the Punjab Public Works Department (PWD).
Finance Minister Cheema said the decisions would contribute to Punjab’s development, strengthen environmental protection, create employment opportunities and support the future of the state’s youth.