Did the Punjab Cabinet Approve 500 New Jail Posts?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 500 new positions approved for Punjab's Jail Department.
- Recruitment managed by the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board.
- New policies for industrial plot fragmentation introduced.
- 'War on Drugs' initiative receives a boost with a new sub-committee.
- Amendments to Punjab Factory Rules facilitate easier business operations.
Chandigarh, June 21 (NationPress) In a significant move to strengthen jail security, the Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved the recruitment of 500 positions across various categories within the Jail Department. This decision was reached during a recent Council of Ministers meeting.
A spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s Office revealed that the Cabinet also agreed to fill 500 vacant roles, including Assistant Superintendent, Warder, and Matron, through the direct recruitment quota in the Jails Department.
The recruitment process will be managed by the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board. Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned a comprehensive policy aimed at the fragmentation and subdivision of industrial plots within PSIEC-managed industrial estates to optimize land usage.
This policy addresses the needs of industrialists and plot owners, including prominent industry associations like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mohali Chamber of Industry and IT, and Mohali Industrial Association. It focuses on the demand for smaller industrial plots, particularly to benefit the IT and service sectors, thereby promoting efficient land use, attracting investments, and establishing a transparent process for plot fragmentation and subdivision.
The Cabinet also granted ex-post facto approval for the formation of a high-powered Cabinet sub-committee to escalate the ‘War on Drugs’ initiative. This measure aims to enhance daily oversight of the ongoing battle against drug abuse, striving to liberate Punjab from this serious issue and protect the youth of the state.
Moreover, the Cabinet approved the framing of the Punjab Fire and Emergency Services (Validity of Fire Safety Certificate) Rules, 2025. This will empower the government to define the duration of fire safety certificates for buildings or premises categorized as high risk through an official notification.
Finally, the Cabinet sanctioned amendments to Rule 2-A, Rule 3-A, Rule 4, and Rule 102 of the Punjab Factory Rules of 1952 to facilitate ease of doing business. This will allow self-certification plans for factories by any engineer with at least five years of experience or a Master's degree with two years of experience, subject to departmental verification.