Punjab Withdraws CISF Deployment at Bhakra Dam, Clears Key Education and Policy Reforms
Punjab Government Withdraws CISF Deployment at Bhakra Dam, Greenlights Sweeping Reforms in Education, Animal Welfare, and Higher Education
Chandigarh, July 7, 2025: In a high-stakes Cabinet meeting held under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government on Monday announced a series of pivotal decisions aimed at restoring state autonomy, strengthening inclusive education, and reviving traditional rural sports. Foremost among these was the withdrawal of the previous Congress government’s decision to deploy the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Bhakra Dam.
The Cabinet declared it would bring a resolution in the upcoming Assembly session to formally oppose the move, asserting the Punjab Police is fully capable of securing the strategic infrastructure.
Bhakra Dam Security: Punjab Asserts State Autonomy
A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office revealed that the Cabinet was unanimous in condemning the Congress government’s 2021 decision to deploy CISF personnel at Bhakra Dam. “It was an affront to the state’s competence and autonomy. Punjab Police has a stellar track record in managing security across the state, including border areas,” the statement said.
The Mann government clarified that Punjab will not bear any cost for CISF deployment, signaling its firm opposition to outsourcing dam security. “If Punjab Police can maintain law and order across a border state, it certainly doesn’t require external forces to guard our dams,” said CM Mann.
Boost to Inclusive Education: 3,600 Special Educator Posts Approved
In another landmark move, the Cabinet approved the creation of 3,600 Special Educator posts to serve students with special needs in government schools.
- 1,950 posts for the Primary Cadre
- 1,650 posts for the Master Cadre
These roles are being created by restructuring existing vocational, art & craft, and ETT posts and will be filled over the next three years. The decision is set to benefit over 47,000 Children with Special Needs (CWSN) enrolled across Punjab.
This initiative aligns with the state’s broader goal of inclusive education, ensuring equal learning opportunities for every student.
Bullock Cart Races Get Legal Framework Under Animal Welfare Laws
Reviving Punjab’s rural sporting legacy, the Cabinet gave the nod to the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Act 2025, along with rules governing bullock cart races.
The newly approved “Conduct of Kila Raipur Rural Sports Event and Fair Rules, 2025” outlines:
- Veterinary supervision and safety standards
- Mandatory registration and documentation
- Penalties for violations to ensure animal welfare
These measures are designed to preserve indigenous cattle breeds and promote traditional Punjabi sports while ensuring humane treatment of animals.
Employment Security: Tenure for 22 Long-Serving Vocational Trainers
The Cabinet also resolved a long-standing issue concerning 22 employees of the Rural Institute for Vocational Training, Badal, by granting them security of tenure. These individuals had been working against 37 permanent posts and were caught in administrative limbo since 2016.
This move follows recommendations from the Finance and Personnel departments and is expected to end legal complications while securing the livelihood of the affected staff.
Simplified Tax Payment Under Punjab Development Tax Act
In a move aimed at improving tax compliance, the Cabinet amended the Punjab State Development Tax Act, 2018:
- Clarified the definition of “Salary”
- Introduced a Lump Sum Option of ₹2,200/year payable by April 30
- Proposed OTS (One Time Settlement) mechanism to resolve tax dues in cases of death, liquidation, or company restructuring
This initiative is expected to broaden the tax base and simplify compliance for taxpayers statewide.
Higher Education Boost: New Private Universities Approved
To expand higher education access, the Punjab government has approved two private self-financed universities:
- CGC University Mohali, Jhanjeri, SAS Nagar
- Rayat Bahara Professional University, Hoshiarpur
Both institutions will operate under the Punjab Private Universities Policy 2010 and are expected to catalyze regional development, provide industry-aligned education, and reduce the exodus of students to other states.