The Punjab Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday, passed several key decisions, including the significant move to create a separate state cadre for employees to be posted in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), alongside approving a policy for de-listed lands and bolstering the state’s healthcare workforce.

1. Separate Cadre for Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)

The Cabinet approved the creation of a separate cadre comprising 2,458 posts dedicated solely for recruitment and posting in the BBMB.

• Reasoning: Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema explained that the current system relies on posting employees to the BBMB on deputation. However, when these assigned duties are canceled, Punjab’s quota posts in the BBMB often remain vacant, allowing the board to fill them with employees from other states. The new cadre ensures that employees are recruited specifically to serve in the BBMB, safeguarding Punjab’s representation.
• Context of Conflict: This decision comes amid heightened tension between the Punjab government and BBMB authorities over issues like water sharing and the proposed inclusion of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan as permanent members of the BBMB, a move Punjab alleges would dilute its constitutional and riparian rights. Currently, Punjab and Haryana are the permanent members of the BBMB, which manages the water and power supply from the Bhakra-Nangal and Beas projects.

2. Policy for De-listed Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) Lands

The Cabinet gave its nod to a new policy aimed at establishing a standardized framework for lands that have been de-listed from the purview of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA).

• Objective: The policy allows for the regularization of existing structures and permits the construction of new low-impact residential units on these de-listed lands.
• Strict Controls: The policy mandates stringent environmental and structural controls, including:
  • A minimum plot size of 4,000 square yards.
  • Restrictions such as a low Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and limited site coverage.
  • A restriction on building to Ground plus One (G+1) structures.
• Environmental Safeguards: The policy strictly prohibits any commercial activity and incorporates mandatory safeguards such as:
  • Plantation of indigenous species.
  • Use of sustainable building materials.
  • Provisions for rainwater harvesting and solar energy.

3. Healthcare, Education, and Social Welfare Approvals

The Cabinet also took several decisions to address human resource gaps and social schemes:

Area	Decision	Details
Healthcare Recruitment	Approved the recruitment of 311 nursesin the Health and Family Welfare Department.	This is part of a larger plan to ensure adequate staffing, with over 400 additional nurses already in the recruitment process, set to join before December.
Social Security	Approved the revival of 16 vacant postsof Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs).	These officers are crucial for the effective implementation of schemes related to social security, women, and children (e.g., ICDS, POSHAN).
Medical Education	Approved to enhance the retirement agefor:	This is intended to meet the shortage of teaching staff and improve institutional stability.
	* Administrative posts in the Department of Medical Education and Research (MER) from 62 to 65 years.
	* Dental teaching faculty from 62 to 65 years.
Social Scheme	Approved the launch of the Navi Dishaa Scheme.	This scheme will focus on promoting menstrual hygiene, awareness, and the free distribution of sanitary napkins to adolescent girls and vulnerable women.

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4. Special Legislative Session

The Cabinet approved the summoning of the 10th (Special) Session of the Punjab Assembly to be held on November 24 at Bhai Jaita Ji in Anandpur Sahib. This special session will be part of the commemorative events marking the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur.