Punjab Cabinet clears Guru Tegh Bahadur varsity plan

March 8, 2026

The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has approved the establishment of a world-class university named after Guru Tegh Bahadur at Anandpur Sahib. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers and is seen as a major step toward strengthening higher education and honouring Sikh heritage.

According to officials, the Cabinet has approved the draft bill for setting up Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur World Class University, which will now be presented in the ongoing session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha for legislative approval. Once passed, the government will begin the process of establishing the institution and developing its infrastructure.

The state government said the university will be developed as a centre of excellence for education and research while also promoting the philosophy and teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who sacrificed his life for the protection of religious freedom.

Tribute to the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur

The proposed university is intended to serve as a lasting tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, revered for his courage and commitment to human rights and religious liberty. The institution will focus not only on academic excellence but also on research related to Sikh history, philosophy and interfaith harmony.

Government officials believe that establishing the university in Anandpur Sahib—an important Sikh religious centre—will strengthen the region’s cultural and spiritual significance. The city is closely associated with Sikh history and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.

The university is expected to provide opportunities for students from Punjab and across the world to study subjects related to history, social sciences, technology and emerging fields, while also learning about the values of sacrifice, courage and humanity associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Boost to higher education in Punjab

Apart from approving the university, the Cabinet also cleared a proposal to recruit 1,158 posts in government colleges, including 1,091 assistant professors and 67 librarians. The recruitment drive aims to address faculty shortages and improve the quality of higher education across the state.

Officials said the recruitment will strengthen the teaching infrastructure in colleges and help improve student-teacher ratios. It will also enhance the academic environment and encourage research activities in government institutions.

The government believes that these measures will contribute significantly to the development of Punjab’s education sector and create better opportunities for young students.

New policy for sportspersons’ reservations

The Cabinet also approved a policy to streamline reservation for sportspersons in government jobs and educational institutions. The new framework introduces a transparent system for evaluating sports achievements and assigning marks.

Under the revised policy, 75% weightage will be given to sports achievements, while 25% weightage will be based on entrance test performance. The government said the move will ensure fairness and encourage talented athletes to pursue both sports and education.

Other key Cabinet decisions

Several other important proposals were cleared during the meeting. These include amendments to the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Technical Service Rules, allowing diploma holders in pharmacy to apply for pharmacist posts in government healthcare institutions.

The Cabinet also approved an ex-gratia grant of ₹1 crore to the family of a Punjab Home Guards volunteer who was killed in Gurdaspur district. Additionally, approval was given for legislative proposals related to crusher units’ regulation and prison reforms aimed at modernizing correctional facilities in the state.

Strengthening development and heritage

With the approval of the Guru Tegh Bahadur university project, the Punjab government aims to combine education, heritage and development. Officials believe the institution will help promote global academic collaboration while preserving the legacy of Sikh history and values.

The project is expected to boost tourism, research and educational opportunities in Anandpur Sahib, further establishing the city as an important centre of learning and culture.