- August 28, 2023
Punjab Cabinet Greenlights Establishment of Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in SAS Nagar

Chandigarh, August 28:
The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, made a significant decision to elevate the state’s medical care capabilities by approving the establishment of the Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in SAS Nagar. The move aims to provide world-class treatment for liver ailments within the state.
The decision was reached during a Council of Ministers meeting held under the leadership of the Chief Minister at the Punjab Civil Secretariat-I. With a proposed cost of Rs 59 crore, the institute will serve as a pivotal center for enhanced diagnosis, medical services, counseling, and treatment of liver-related diseases at affordable rates. The Cabinet also sanctioned the creation of 484 temporary positions within the institute, ensuring optimal benefits for the populace.
Furthermore, the Cabinet granted approval to fill 20 Technical Cadre posts in the Department of Governance Reforms and Public Grievances through direct recruitment. This move seeks to bolster departmental efficiency and quality of work in the public interest.
To ensure holistic student development, the Cabinet authorized the appointment of Visiting Faculty in Government Schools across the state. This initiative will initially cover 117 Government Schools before being expanded to other institutions. Retired teaching faculty from Government/Private Schools, Colleges, or Universities will be eligible for the Visiting Resource Faculty Scheme.
The Cabinet also gave its nod to the Policy of Disbursement of Discretionary Grants by the Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers for the fiscal year 2023-24. These funds will be judiciously utilized for infrastructure, environmental improvement, and basic needs fulfillment of the underprivileged in Punjab.
Amendments to the Punjab Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2023, were also approved, aiming to synchronize different sections of the act and prevent yearly amendments.
Additionally, the Cabinet consented to the consideration of premature release cases of prisoners, with some cases proposed for release and others for rejection. These cases will be forwarded to the Punjab Governor for deliberation under Article 161 of the Indian Constitution.
Finally, the Cabinet endorsed the Annual Administrative Report of the Water Resources Department for the year 2021-22.
The decisions taken by the Punjab Cabinet reflect a commitment to comprehensive healthcare, education, and the overall well-being of the state’s populace.