Punjab Cabinet on Thursday approved the summoning of the Budget Session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 21 to 28. Alongside finalizing the budget timeline, the Cabinet also gave a green signal to major educational and skill development initiatives, including the implementation of the ‘English for Work’ course for college students and the establishment of 40 ‘Hunar Sikhiya Schools’ to provide technical training to youth.
The Cabinet’s decision on the Budget Session will now be sent to the Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who will officially summon the legislature as per Article 174(1) of the Indian Constitution. The session will commence with the Governor’s address on March 21 — that is Friday, followed by discussions. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema will present the state budget for 2025-26 on March 26 — that is Wednesday, after which a general discussion will take place.
Major Boost to English Skills for Job Readiness
In a move aimed at enhancing employability, the Cabinet approved a waiver from Section 63(1) of The Punjab Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 2019, to continue the ‘English for Work’ course for the next two financial years. The initiative, being run in collaboration with British Council Education India Private Limited (BCEIPL), benefits nearly 5,000 students across government colleges in Punjab annually. This exemption ensured that the program runs without administrative hurdles, allowing students to improve their English communication skills — a key factor for securing better jobs in both domestic and international markets. The waiver will be placed before the upcoming Vidhan Sabha session for legislative approval.
40 Hunar Sikhiya Schools to Empower Youth
Recognizing the need for industry-relevant education, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of 40 Hunar Sikhiya Schools (Schools of Applied Learning) across Punjab at an estimated cost of Rs 32 crore. These specialized schools will focus on vocational and technical training in fields such as banking, financial services, and insurance; digital design and development; beauty and wellness; and healthcare sciences and services. Additionally, three foundational courses will be introduced in Functional English; Career Foundations (covering professionalism, CV creation, soft skills, and career development); Technology in Everyday Life (teaching practical digital skills like writing emails, creating work plans, and using digital tools). The move is expected to bridge the gap between education and industry requirements, making Punjab’s youth more competitive in the job market.
