Chandigarh, March 13 – The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, approved summoning the Budget Session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 21 to 28.
The session will begin with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria’s address on March 25, followed by discussions. Finance Minister will present the 2025-26 Budget on March 26.
‘English for Work’ Course Extended
The Cabinet cleared the continuation of the “English for Work” course in government colleges for the next two financial years, exempting the Education Department’s MoU with British Council Education India Private Limited from provisions of the Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 2019. The program benefits around 5,000 students annually by enhancing their English communication skills for better employability.
40 Hunar Sikhiya Schools to Open
To boost technical education, the Cabinet approved the establishment of 40 Hunar Sikhiya Schools across Punjab at a cost of ₹32 crore. These institutions will offer training in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Digital Design, Beauty and Wellness, and Healthcare Sciences.
Besides, foundational courses in functional English, career development, and digital skills will be introduced.
Administrative Reports Approved
The Cabinet also gave consent to the annual administrative reports of the Defence Services Welfare Department for 2022-23 and 2023-24.
