DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

In a significant decision, the Punjab Cabinet led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday decided to withdraw the decision of the Congress government to deploy the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Bhakra Dam.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the Council of Ministers held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister at his office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat I.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the Cabinet bemoaned that the Congress government had arbitrarily given the nod to deploy CISF on Bhakra Dam through its decision on July 23, 2021. This anti-state stance was a sheer humiliation for the state as the Punjab Police was fully capable of guarding the dams. Turning the tables, the state Cabinet today withdrew this decision in the larger interests of the state adding that a resolution against the move to deploy CISF at Bhakra Dam will be passed in the ensuing session of the state assembly.

The Cabinet vehemently opposed the decision to deploy the outsourced CISF at the Dam adding that the state government will not pay a single penny for deployment of this force. It was opined that previous Congress government had jeopardized the interests of the state by giving this consent to deploy the force whereas Punjab Police has a glorious legacy of safeguarding the border state. The Cabinet wondered that when the well equipped Punjab Police can deftly maintain law and order in the state, where was the need to allow CISF to secure the dams.

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave green signal to the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act 2025 and the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Bullock Cart Race) Rules, 2025. Pertinently, Bullock cart racing was an integral part of the rural sport events throughout the state but it faced numerous hurdles due to one

or other reasons.

So, to regulate the animal sports events in the State of Punjab, "The Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Kila Raipur Rural Sports Event and Fair) Rules, 2025" has been approved. The main objectives of these rules are safety measures for animals taking part in sports with adequate animal veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration/ documentation and penalty for violations. This will also help saving indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab besides promoting the traditional sports in the villages.

The Cabinet also gave nod for creation of 3600 posts of Special Educator Teachers at Primary and Secondary level. As per decision 1650 posts of Special Educator Teacher (Master Cadre) and 1950 posts of Special Educator Teacher (Primary Cadre) have been approved. This decision will benefit 47979 Children with Special Needs studying in Government Schools across Punjab. These posts are being converted from vocational teacher, Art and Craft teachers and ETT posts and will be filled in a phased manner over three years.

The Cabinet, while reviewing the decision taken by the Council of Ministers on 05.12.2016, provided Security of Tenure to the 22 individuals who are working against the 37 permanent posts created for the Rural Institute for Vocational Training, Badal. As per the advice of the Finance Department and Personnel Department, it will help the Department/ Government to get relief from the legal complications that have been persisting for a long time. Similarly, this will also secure the future of these 22 employees working in the institute.

The Cabinet also gave consent to amend the Punjab State Development Act 2018 by defining the term Salary in the Act. This move will widen the tax base and ensure the comprehensive coverage of taxpayers across the state. Against the monthly tax liability of Rs 200 of the Taxpayer, he will be given one more option to opt for Lump Sum payment of tax Rs 2200 for the full financial year by April 30th of the new financial year.

This will simplify tax compliance and improve the collections and efficiency. The consent was also given to make an OTS settlement mechanism in the Act by inserting new sections and provisions were proposed to address the tax liability in cases of death, Company, Amalgamation or Liquidation.

In another move, the cabinet also approved two private universities -- CGC University in Mohali and Rayat and Bahra Professional University in Hoshiarpur.

(editor@dailyworld.in)