Chandigarh, March 21 — The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approved an amendment to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2011, aiming to boost parental involvement in government school management.
The decision, taken during a Council of Ministers meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, seeks to strengthen School Management Committees (SMCs) by increasing their membership from 12 to 16. According to a spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office, the revised structure will include 12 parent representatives and four members from fields such as education, sports, and extracurricular activities.
“This will bring more expertise and promote greater parental and community participation in subject-specific activities,” the spokesperson said, adding that the initiative aims to foster holistic academic growth in government schools.
Nod to Prisoner Transfer Amendment
The Cabinet also approved an amendment to the Transfer of Prisoner Act, 1950, allowing the transfer of under-trial prisoners between states. The process will require consent from both the transferring and receiving states, along with trial court approval.
Officials noted that this move is expected to ease overcrowding in Punjab’s jails.
New Social Security Rules and Appointments Approved
In another decision, the Cabinet cleared the creation of new rules for Group A posts in the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department. The move aims to streamline the department’s operations and benefit marginalized sections of society.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the terms and conditions for appointing the Chairman and Members of the Punjab Tirath Yatra Samiti, as well as the Advisor to the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board.
