Chandigarh: The Punjab Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has granted approval for the convening of the fifth session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, scheduled to take place on November 28-29. The decision was reached during a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Chief Minister at the Punjab Civil Secretariat-I.

The session is set to commence with obituary references on November 28. The agenda for the two-day Assembly session will soon be determined by the Business Advisory Committee.

Additionally, the Punjab Cabinet has sanctioned the creation and staffing of nine positions within Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Sports University in Patiala. These roles encompass one Assistant Manager, two Programmers, two Technical Assistants, and a Clerk-cum-Data Entry Operator. The establishment of these positions aims to enhance the university's operational efficiency, facilitating students in their day-to-day activities.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has given its nod to the Punjab Canal and Drainage Bill, 2023, aimed at regulating and overseeing canals and drainage systems within the state. The bill's primary objective is to ensure uninterrupted canal water supply for irrigation purposes, maintenance, timely cleansing, and repair of canals, drainages, and natural waterways. Additionally, it seeks to establish a transparent mechanism for addressing water users' grievances and imposing regulatory measures against unnecessary water wastage.

The government has also approved the closure of the Punjab State Social Welfare Board (PSSWB) and the assimilation of its staff, including headquarters employees, pensioners, and five ICDS blocks, into the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development.

In another decision, the Cabinet has granted approval for the submission of one case for seeking the premature release of life convicts in state jails and the rejection of four other cases. Following the Cabinet's authorization under Article 163 of the Indian Constitution, these special remission/premature release cases will be presented to the Punjab Governor under Article 161 for consideration.

Lastly, the Cabinet has endorsed the Annual Administrative Report of the Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Archives, and Museum Department of Punjab for the year 2021-2022.

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