Led by CM, Cabinet approves summoning of Budget session from March 21
Green signal for implementation of “English for Work” course for college students
Approval for opening of 40 Hunar Sikhiya Schools across state to impart technical training to students
Chandigarh, March 13 (WISHAVWARTA):- Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday approved summoning of the eight session (Budget Session) of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 21 to 28.
A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann here at his official residence.
Giving the details a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet gave nod for recommending the same to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who is authorized to officially summon the State Legislature as per Article 174(1) of the Constitution of India. The Governor address will take place on March 25 followed by discussion on the address. The Finance Minister will present the budget for the year 2025-26 on March 26 general discussion on Budget will take place thereafter.
*Green signal for implementation of “English for Work” course for college students*
The Cabinet also gave nod to exempt the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Education department with British Council Education India Private Limited
(BCEIPL) to improve English Communication skills for better employability in the future from Section 63(1) of The Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act. 2019. This waiver will be placed before the upcoming session of the Legislative Assembly to continue the “English for Work” course for the next two financial years, 2025-26 and 2026-27, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the MoU. This initiative benefits approximately five thousand students across various Government Colleges in the state every year. The exemption will ensure the smooth running of the scheme without any obstacles and allow students to benefit from it.
*Approval for opening of 40 Hunar Sikhiya Schools across state to impart technical training to students*
In order to impart technical education to the students, the Cabinet also gave nod to start Hunar Sikhiya Schools (School of Applied learning) across the state thereby opening new vistas of employment for youth. As per decision 40 schools will be opened in the state at a cost of nearly Rs 32 crore which will impart training in trades of Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Digital Design and Development, Beauty and wellness and Healthcare Sciences and Services. Apart from it three foundational courses in functional English, career foundations (professionalism, CV creation, soft skills and professional development) and Technology in everyday life ( writing emails, creating work plans and using digital tools) will also be introduced.
*Accords consent to annual administrative reports of Defence Services Welfare Department*
The Cabinet also accorded consent to the annual administrative reports of the Defence Services Welfare Department for the year 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.
