Punjab is all set to add two more universities in its long list of around 26 universities, out of which approximately 13 are private. For, the Punjab Cabinet on Monday gave its nod to set up Surya World University and Akal University in the State “to impart quality higher education”. The approval, given under the Punjab Private Universities Policy, 2010, came during the State Cabinet meeting on Monday evening, chaired by the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
The Cabinet has approved the setting up of two self-financed universities — Surya World University to be established at Bapror in Patiala district, and Akal University at Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district. Even as the State legislators have, at several instances, pointed out the failings of the private or self-financed universities, the State Government has, seemingly, adopted a devil-may-care attitude.
Not only the opposition leaders, the MlAs from the ruling SAD-BJP combine had many a times raised their voice against setting up “recklessly” these “money making shops”, and have called for a proper effective mechanism to have checks and balances on such private universities.
The State Government had assured to have proper checks on such universities, while ensuring that they allot 10 per cent of total seats to the poor and needy students. Besides Central University at Bathinda, the State has around ten State universities, besides deemed and private universities.
Keeping in view the non-availability of requisite MD or MS degree holder specialist doctors, the Cabinet also gave permission to the State Health and Family Welfare department to fill these posts of Radiologist, Anaesthesia, Gynaecologist, Psychiatry and Paediatrics from diploma holders’ doctors through walk-in-interview.
The decision is expected to overcome the prevailing scarcity of super-speciality doctors on one hand, while providing the best healthcare facilities to the people on the other. “This step would also enhance the efficiency in delivery of health services in the Government health institutions across the State,” said the Government official spokesperson.
Presently, 117 posts of super specialty doctors were vacant in Paediatrics, 25 in Gynaecology, 38 in Radiology, 57 in Anaesthesia and 29 in Psychiatry. To implement the Food Safety and Standard Act of India (FSSA)-2006, and prevent unauthorised sale of harmful products, the Cabinet approved the creation of 48 new posts besides giving sanction for upgradation of 25 existing posts in the category of State Drug Controlling Authority, Food Safety Officers, Public Analyst, Government Analyst (Drugs), Deputy Public Analyst (Food), Junior Analyst, Drugs Control Officer (Drugs Inspector) and Food Safety Officer etc in the Health and Family Welfare Department.
Aiming at enhancing efficiency and discipline, the Cabinet gave its approval to reduce time limit by one year for passing departmental examination for IAS and PCS officers — from two-and-a-half years to one-and-a-half years — by amending sub-rule (2) of rule 7 of the Punjab Civil Services (General and Common Conditions of Service) Rules, 1994.
Cabinet has approved to withdraw all instructions regarding five-year special leave to Punjab Government employees for the purpose of self-employment in order to overcome staff shortage and bring more efficiency in the administration.