Chandigarh, 05 September (H.S.):The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Saturday approved a series of key decisions aimed at ensuring smooth paddy procurement during the Kharif Marketing Season 2026-27 and strengthening healthcare and administrative services in the state.

The Cabinet approved the Punjab Custom Milling Policy for Kharif 2026-27, the Punjab Foodgrains Transportation Policy 2027 and the Punjab Foodgrains Labour & Cartage Policy 2027. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, these policies are intended to ensure hassle-free procurement, transportation and handling of paddy during the upcoming season.

The Cabinet reiterated the state government’s commitment to procure every grain brought by farmers to the mandis. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was also authorised to make necessary amendments to the policies in case of administrative requirements during the paddy procurement season.

In another decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab Public Service Commission (Group ‘A’) Service Regulations, 2012. The amendment will enable the addition of a provision for promotion from Personal Assistant to Personal Secretary within the Punjab Public Service Commission.

The Cabinet also approved the revival of 33 posts at the Sub-Divisional Hospital, Chamkaur Sahib, which was upgraded from a Community Health Centre. These posts include Medical Officers in Medicine, Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia, Pathology, Ophthalmology and Radiology, besides MBBS General doctors, Nursing Sisters, Staff Nurses, Senior Assistants, Accountants, drivers, clerks and other supporting staff.

To strengthen healthcare services in Malerkotla district, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation of 19 new posts of different cadres in the office of the Civil Surgeon.

It also approved 119 new posts at the Sub-Divisional Hospital, Dhuri, and the newly constructed Mother and Child Health Centre there. The move is aimed at providing more comprehensive and advanced medical facilities to residents of the area.

In addition, the Cabinet gave approval for filling 80 vacant posts of Medical Officer (Dental) in the Department of Health and Family Welfare. Of these, 53 posts have remained vacant for more than a year, while 27 have been vacant for less than a year.

The government said the decisions are aimed at improving procurement operations, administrative efficiency and public healthcare delivery across Punjab.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH