Punjab Cabinet approves amendment to increase parental participation in government schools

The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Friday approved an amendment to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2011. The amendment aims to increase parental participation in the management of government schools to further enhance the quality of education.

This decision was made at a meeting of the Council of Ministers held at the Chief Minister’s office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat.

A spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s Office said that the amendment seeks to enhance parental and community participation in the School Management Committees to enable holistic academic development in government schools across the state. The amendment proposes to increase the number of members on the School Management Committee of government schools from the current 12 members to 16. This includes 12 members representing parents of students and four other members from fields such as education, sports, and extracurricular activities. This will provide specific expertise and increase parental participation and community involvement in subject-specific activities.

Approves amendment to Transfer of Prisoner Act, 1950

The Cabinet also gave its consent to amend the Transfer of Prisoner Act, 1950, to transfer under-trial prisoners from one state to another. This process will be carried out with the consent of both the states, where the under-trial prisoners are currently lodged and the state to which they are to be transferred and after approval of the trial court. This step will be helpful in easing the situation of overcrowding in jails of Punjab.

Approves creation of new rules for Group A of Social Security, Women and Child Development Department

The Cabinet also gave approval for creating new rules for Group A of the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department in the larger public interest. This will help in streamlining the functioning of the department thereby immensely benefitting the weaker and underprivileged sections.

Approval to terms and conditions of appointments

The Cabinet also gave approval to the terms and conditions for appointment of Chairman and Members of Punjab Tirath Yatra Samiti and Advisor to Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board.