*Under leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Cabinet Gives Nod to Medical College at Lehragaga, historic Digital Open University Policy, and multiple pro-people decisions*

*Medical College at Lehragaga to start with 220-bed hospital and 50 MBBS seats, expand to 400 beds and 100 seats within eight years*

*Punjab Cabinet clears India’s first comprehensive Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026 to transform higher education*

*Cabinet approves extension of Amnesty Policy 2025, gives defaulting plot allottees fresh opportunity till March 31, 2026*

*Punjab Cabinet gives green signal to rationalise GMADA property prices based on independent valuation*

*Cabinet approves desilting of River Sutlej by NHAI at fixed rates to support Ludhiana–Ropar road project*

*Punjab Cabinet approves adjustment of Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute staff in govt departments to protect employee interests*

CHANDIGARH, 9th January 9 2026:Signalling an assertive push toward strengthening public healthcare, modernising higher education and delivering tangible relief to citizens, the Punjab Cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday cleared a sweeping set of decisions, led by the approval of over 19 acres of land at Lehragaga for setting up a Medical College and Hospital.

The decisions, taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Chief Minister, also include India’s first comprehensive Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026, extension of Amnesty Policy 2025 for plot allottees, rationalisation of GMADA property prices, approval for desilting of the Sutlej to fast-track infrastructure projects, and adjustment of staff of Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute in government departments, reflecting the government’s focus on healthcare expansion, education reform, infrastructure acceleration and pro-people governance.

*Medical college approved at Lehragaga*

Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting chaired by the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the office the Chief Minister stated that the Cabinet gave approval to allot 19 acre four Kanals land, located at Baba Hira Singh Bhatthal Technical College, Lehragaga, on nominal lease rent to Janhit society for establishing a minority medical college by the Jain community. The admission of students and allocation of seats in the medical college to be established by the Jain community shall be regulated strictly in accordance with the guidelines / notifications issued by the State Government from time to time. The fee structure for all categories of seats shall also be determined and charged strictly in accordance with the guidelines / notifications issued by the Punjab Government.

The Cabinet also decided that trust should start the functioning of hospitals at the earliest and within a period of five years from the date of execution / commencement of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The medical college would be established and operationalized with a hospital of not less than 220 beds and an intake capacity of 50 MBBS seats, and should be further expanded to a hospital of not less than 400 beds with an intake capacity of 100 MBBS seats within eight years of MOU. The move is aimed at imparting quality education to the residents of the state on one hand and emerging the state as a hub of medical education on the other.

*Cabinet approves Punjab Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026*

In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave nod to the Punjab Private Digital Open Universities Policy, 2026 to regulate and promote private digital open universities offering online and open distance learning (ODL) programs thereby imparting quality higher education to the students of the state thereby opening new vistas of employment for them. The policy aligns with UGC Regulations, 2020, and introduces state-level standards for quality, accessibility, digital infrastructure, data governance, and learner protection. This pioneering policy will expand flexible, affordable higher education and position Punjab as a digital learning hub.

Through this India’s First Historic Reform in Higher Education, The Punjab government has introduced a new Digital Open University Policy. Under this policy, private institutions can establish fully digital universities in Punjab. This is India’s first such policy and so far, only Tripura has set up a digital university, but without a comprehensive policy, so Punjab becomes the first state to provide both a policy and a model in this area.

The policy is need of hour as Crores of students worldwide are learning from online platforms. Similarly, lakhs of students are passing tough exams like JEE, NEET, and UPSC by watching free online lectures. In India too, crores of youth are building careers by learning from online courses and AI apps but the existing university policy only allowed physical campuses.

This meant digital-first universities were not legally possible in India, as a result, students got formal degrees from colleges but learned key skills online thereby creating a huge gap between the two but the new policy bridges this gap. Now students can complete their entire degree from home on mobile or laptop and these degrees will be legally valid and compliant with AICTE/UGC standards. This will prove to be boon For students or professionals busy with life, family, or jobs as they will be able to Complete degrees without quitting jobs, Without changing cities and even Without going to classrooms

Thus a New Era of Lifelong Learning and Upskilling will be heralded thereby strengthening the culture of continuous learning in fields like IT, AI, Business, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Data Science. For setting up these Digital Universities atLeast 2.5 Acres of Land, digital content studios, control rooms, server rooms, and operations centers, State-of-the-Art Digital Infrastructure and others will be required. Likewise, every digital university must have Digital content creation studios, IT server rooms, Learning Management System (LMS) operations center, Digital examination control rooms, Tech-enabled call centers, 24×7 student support systems and a Minimum ₹20 Crore Corpus Fund. This will ensure that Only serious and capable institutions come forward for this adding that Separate bills will be introduced in the Punjab Assembly for every approved proposal, ensuring each digital university is legally strong and transparent.

This policy is modeled on the world’s successful digital universities like Western Governors University (USA), University of Phoenix (USA), Walden University (USA), Open University Malaysia and others who have provided low-cost, modern, high-quality education to millions of students.

Punjab is now building India’s most modern higher education ecosystem to directly benefit Punjab’s Students as it Lowers Cost of Education, Digital mode reduces infrastructure costs,More affordable fees and No hidden expenses. New skills like AI, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Business Skills, and Robotics will be part of the degree program and it will solve students’ biggest problem as earlier, they got degrees from one place and real learning from another. But now, both will be available in one place through digital universities which will Saves Time and Money for Lakhs of Youth as there will be No commuting, PG/hostel, stationery, or travel expenses. Punjab is leading the country as the state government believes that Education can no longer be confined to the four walls of classrooms.

Every top university in the world is moving toward AI and digital modes and for India to advance, Punjab must take this transformative step first. This policy will make Punjab India’s first digital higher education hub and Punjab will Show India the Future of Higher Education. This policy is Modern, Innovative, Technology-driven, Accessible, Employment-focused, World-class, Future-oriented and will open a new chapter in Punjab’s higher education.

*Amnesty Policy 2025 extended for plot allottees*

In a big relief to the allottees of plots, the Cabinet also gave approval to the extension in the Amnesty Policy 2025 for allotted/auctioned plots under various schemes of the Housing and Urban Development Department. This will allow the default allottees of the Special Development Authority to apply one more time under Amnesty Policy 2025 before the cutoff date March 31, 2026 and allow the Allottee to deposit the requisite amount within three months of its approval to the concerned Special Development Authority. The allottee who is interested to avail the benefit under this policy will have to submit an application before the cutoff date i.e. March 31, 2026.

*Green signal to rationalise GMADA property prices*

In another pro-people initiative, the Cabinet also gave green signal for reducing the prices of various properties of GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority) as per the report submitted by the independent evaluators. The government has amended the guidelines for e-auctions related to determining reserve prices for various residential, commercial plots, institutional/industrial sites and others. It has been decided that development authorities will appoint three independent valuers empaneled by nationalized banks Income Tax Department to assess the rates of such sites.

For sites that have not sold in the previous two or more auctions, the average of the rates reported by these valuers will be considered as the criterion for determining the reserve price after approval from competent authority. The observations of the Committee have been considered for deciding the rates and these will be valid for one calendar year. However, for need based changes within the calendar year, approval shall be granted at the level of Minister in charge of the department of Housing and Urban Development.

*Approval for desilting of River Sutlej*

The Cabinet also gave approval to NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) or its agencies to carry out the desiltation in River Sutlej at the sites allotted by the Department of Water Resources at ₹3 per cubic feet i.e. the price at which desilting contract at Siswan Dam was executed. The approval comes with the further condition that the above said price shall be available to NHAI or its contractors/agencies only till June 30th, 2026 for providing simple earth to NHAI for construction of road projects namely Ludhiana to Ropar. Nod was also granted exemption from the provisions of Section 63 of the Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act 2019.

*Adjustment of staff of Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute*

The Cabinet also gave nod for adjustment of the staff members of Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute of Engineering and Technology against the vacant posts available in the Department of Technical Education & Industrial Training and autonomous institutions under the department on deputation. The decision has been taken in the larger public interest to safeguard the interests of the employees.

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*Easy Registry drives record property registrations across Punjab; Over 3.70 lakh documents registered from July to December 2025: Hardeep Singh Mundian*

*Digital reforms end corruption, boosts public confidence, dismantle VIP culture in property registration under Easy Registry: Hardeep Singh Mundian*

*Initiative empowering citizens with transparent & doorstep services: Hardeep Singh Mundian*

*Digital reforms drive highest-ever property registrations in Punjab under Easy Registry: Hardeep Singh Mundian*

CHANDIGARH, 9th January 2026:Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian on Friday said that the Easy Registry initiative has emerged as a game-changer in Punjab’s property registration system, delivering strong and consistent outcomes across the state.

Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that from its inception in July 2025 till December 2025, a total of 3,70,967 property documents were registered, marking a major push towards transparent, corruption-free and citizen-friendly land services. “The response to Easy Registry clearly shows that people trust a system that is transparent, time-bound and free from harassment. In just six months, more than 3.70 lakh property documents have been registered, which itself proves the success of these reforms,” he noted.

Sharing month-wise figures, the Revenue Minister said that 64,965 documents were registered in July 2025, followed by 62,001 in August, 55,814 in September and 53,610 in October. He said the momentum strengthened further with 58,200 registrations in November, while December recorded the highest figure with 76,377 documents. “This steady rise in registrations reflects growing public confidence in a simplified and technology-driven property registration framework,” he said.

Explaining the structural reforms, He said that Easy Registry has introduced online pre-scrutiny of documents, significantly reduced procedural delays and improved accessibility at Sub Registrar offices. “Unsigned copies of sale deeds are now scrutinised online within 48 hours, which has effectively closed avenues for harassment and corruption,” said the Minister, adding that all objections raised during scrutiny are monitored by Deputy Commissioners and SDMs to ensure accountability and action against frivolous practices.

The Revenue Minister said that the implementation of the First In First Out principle has ended queue-jumping and favouritism, thereby dismantling the VIP culture in property registration. “Citizens now have the freedom to register documents at any Sub Registrar office within their district. This has broken monopolies and ensured fair and equal access to services for all,” said Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian.

Highlighting the citizen-centric nature of the initiative, Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that applicants receive automated WhatsApp updates at every stage of the process, including scrutiny, payments and appointment scheduling. He said a direct complaint mechanism has also been put in place to report any demand for bribes, with immediate redressal ensured at the district level.

Detailing additional facilities, Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that citizens can draft sale deeds through the ‘Draft My Deed’ module, avail services at Sewa Kendra counters established in every Sub Registrar office, or opt for doorstep drafting and registration through helpline 1076. “Online payment of stamp duty and registration fees through 25 banks in a single transaction has further simplified the process and enhanced convenience for people,” he said.

The Minister said that an Integrated Token Management System has also been implemented to prioritise citizens with scheduled appointments and complete documentation. “This has reduced waiting time and ensured uniform service delivery across both urban and rural Punjab,” he said, adding that upgraded servers, trained staff and standardised processes have strengthened public trust and improved revenue collections for the state.

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*Vigilance Bureau Nabs ASI Red Handed Accepting Bribe of Rs 5000/-*

Chandigarh January 9, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Assistant Sub-Inspector Sarabjit Singh posted at Police Station City Phagwara, district Kapurthala red handed while accepting bribe of Rs. 5000/- in lieu of helping in granting the bail to complainant’s parents.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Issarwal, district Jalandhar.

He said that the complainant's parents were booked at Police Station City Phagwara and the accused ASI called the complainant to the court complex, Phagwara, in connection with joining the investigation of his parents. During this meeting, the accused demanded illegal gratification, threatening that in case of non-payment, the complainant's parents would be sent to jail. The complainant paid Rs. 2,000/- as bribe to the accused on the spot under duress.

Subsequently, the complainant along with his parents visited Police Station City Phagwara, wherein his parents joined the investigation, above accused ASI demanded a further bribe of Rs. 10,000/ for helping in granting the bail to the complainant's parents. As the complainant expressed inability to pay the entire amount, he paid another Rs. 2,000/- as bribe and was asked to pay the remaining amount later, he added.

He further informed that the accused ASI again called the complainant near the Rawalpindi Police Station and obtained bribe money of Rs. 2,000/- and asked him to pay the remaining amount. Even after the parents of the complainant were granted regular bail. The accused continued to demand the balance of the bribe amount. In this way, the accused had taken Rs. 6000/- as bribe from the complainant in three installments.

The spokesperson added that after a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused was arrested while accepting bribe money of Rs 5000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses. In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Jalandhar and further investigation into this case is under progress.

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*Lal Chand Kataruchak leads Lohri Celebrations at Anaj Bhawan*

· Also lauds Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department for successful paddy procurement season despite floods

Chandigarh, January 9:Punjab's vibrant harvest festival, Lohri, was celebrated with great fervour at Anaj Bhawan in Sector-39 here today. Led by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, the event saw a gathering of the entire department which came together to mark the beginning of the harvest season.

The festivities kicked off with the lighting of a bonfire, which filled the atmosphere was filled with the sound of traditional music and dance. During the celebration, participants savoured traditional sweets and snacks such as rewri, gajak, and popcorn. The bonfire was lit with great enthusiasm, and the employees sang folk songs and danced around it, seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness.

The Minister said that Lohri is a significant festival in Punjabi culture, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. It's a celebration of community bonding, gratitude, and the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. The festival is also associated with the legend of Dulla Bhatti, a folk hero of Punjab who played a stellar role in saving the women.

Earlier, the Minister also chaired a meeting with the District Food Supply Controllers (DFSCs) and appreciated them for ensuring a successful Paddy procurement season despite floods ravaging the State. The Minister also directed the DFSCs to exhort more and more people to get their e-KYC done to continue availing the benefits under the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tewari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Member Punjab State Food Commission Jasvir Singh Sekhon, Additional Directors Food Supply Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar, Ajayveer Singh Sarao and GM Finance Sarvesh Kumar.

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*Yudh Nashean Virudh; Punjab Govt to guard young minds through school-led action plan against drugs: Harjot Singh Bains*

*Education & prevention are most powerful weapons in this decisive ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’: Harjot Singh Bains*

*Senior secondary students to be sensitised on ill effects of drugs through special curriculum from next session: Harjot Singh Bains*

*Daily meditation period to be launched as pilot in Mohali schools to build mental discipline: Harjot Singh Bains*

*Schools & teachers to serve as first line of defence in Punjab’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’: Harjot Singh Bains*

Chandigarh/ SAS NAGAR, 9th January 2026:Under the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, the Punjab Government has decided to strike at the roots of drug abuse by focusing on education and prevention, with a comprehensive school-centric action plan aimed at safeguarding young minds. The initiative, being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, positions schools and educators as the first line of defence in the long-term fight against drugs.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, accompanied by former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and architect of Delhi’s education revolution Manish Sisodia, interacted with principals and teachers during an ongoing Capacity Building Training Programme under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ at the School of Eminence in Phase 3B1, Mohali, where the leaders reviewed the progress of the programme and outlined the road ahead.

Explaining the government’s approach, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that while strict action is being taken against drug smugglers, the real and lasting victory would come from protecting children before they fall prey to addiction. “Education and prevention are our most powerful weapons in this decisive war on drugs. Guarding young minds through awareness, values and discipline is the only sustainable way to eliminate this menace from Punjab,” he said.

The Education Minister announced that from the coming academic session, senior secondary classes across Punjab will be sensitised about the ill effects of drug abuse through a specially designed curriculum. “This structured intervention would ensure that students receive age-appropriate, factual and value-based education on the dangers of drugs, enabling them to make informed and responsible choices,” he added.

Minister Harjot Singh Bains further informed that the Punjab Government will introduce a daily meditation period as a pilot project starting from Mohali district. “A meditation session of around 30 minutes will be held at the beginning of the school day to strengthen students’ mental discipline, emotional balance and moral values. This will help children build inner resilience against negative influences,” he said.

Stressing the role of teachers and school leadership, the Education Minister said that the capacity building of principals and educators was a crucial step. “This training marks a powerful beginning. We are equipping our educators to identify early warning signs, intervene responsibly and guide children away from drugs. Our mission is to protect every child and to prepare them to become torchbearers in this fight,” he stated.

Minister Harjot Singh Bains also revealed that every school has been equipped with a Complaint-cum-Suggestion Box to allow students to confidentially share information, without revealing their identity, about drug peddlers or any corrupt practices shielding them. “All inputs received would be analysed at a centralised level and acted upon swiftly and independently to ensure accountability and effective action,” he added.

Meanwhile, former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia shared a few snippets on X and wrote: “The Punjab Government, under Phase 2 of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, is providing training to principals of all schools across the state. This training is focused on creating and sustaining a strong anti-drug environment within schools and on strengthening the mindset of every child so that they can firmly say a clear ‘no’ to drugs, without giving in to any pressure, provocation, or temptation.”

“The objective is to ensure that this resolve becomes a permanent part of their character and stays with them throughout their lives. These training programmes are being conducted across different districts, with psychologists and educationists engaging directly with principals to guide and train them,” he wrote.

Manish Sisodia further stated, “Today, I had the opportunity to participate in one such training programme in Mohali district along with Punjab’s Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. It was reassuring to see that the government is not only creating ‘pind de pehredaar’ but is also preparing ‘dimaag ke pehredaar’ to eradicate drug abuse from its roots and secure the future of the coming generations.”

During the interaction, teachers shared several innovative ideas on monitoring students more closely and guiding them in a positive direction. These suggestions were appreciated by both Harjot Singh Bains and Manish Sisodia, who encouraged educators to take ownership of the anti-drug mission within their schools.

Punjab School Education Board Chairman Dr Amarpal Singh was also present on the occasion. Earlier, girl students of the School of Eminence presented a Giddha performance with motivational lyrics, conveying a strong message on keeping society and Punjab free from the drug menace, reinforcing the spirit of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’.