Govt schools to enrol 3+ kids

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 20

Enrolment in pre-primary classes for the next academic session is all set to start in government schools across the state this month, with the Cabinet giving its nod to a proposal in this connection today.

With this, schools will start enrolling children more than three years old in pre-primary classes. At present, rules permit government schools to admit children six years of age and above.

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh suggested improvement in the curriculum, with references to historical events and heroes added to the curriculum. Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu suggested inclusion of cultural topics in the syllabus.

PSEB selection norms

The Cabinet approved an amendment to the Punjab School Education Board Act, 1969, to abolish the post of Senior Vice Chairman. It decided that no person will be appointed as Chairman or Vice Chairman unless he or she has served with the Centre or the state government or both on a gazetted post for not less than 15 years. With this, the government scrapped the criterion of 10-year experience approved during the previous SAD-BJP government.

Safeguarding depositors

Concerned over the growth of fraudulent financial establishments, the Cabinet approved the introduction of a fresh Bill in the Vidhan Sabha to protect the interests of depositors against default.

The government has withdrawn the Punjab Protection of Interests of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Bill, 2015. It was sent to the Centre for obtaining the assent of the President.

The move follows complaints against several financial establishments that allegedly fleeced depositors by offering huge and unrealistic returns.

Key Cabinet decisions 

• Go-ahead for inviting global tenders to establish a world-class technology university in Mohali. The move aims at generating 2,400 direct jobs
• Opening district bureaus of employment as a step towards implementing the ‘Ghar Ghar Rozgar’ scheme
• Amendment to the Punjab Excise Act to allow licensed liquor vends in the municipal limits to sell liquor even if they are located within 500 m from national or state highways
• Ferrying of more than 12 liquor bottles of 750-ml capacity each will be a non-bailable offence. Vehicles carrying more than three cases of liquor will be confiscated
• Amendment to the Punjab Land Reforms Act to pave the way for implementation of several infrastructural and SEZ projects