The Punjab Cabinet, in a significant administrative overhaul, has given its nod to upgrade Banur to a full-fledged tehsil and create a new sub-tehsil in Hariana. The decisions, taken on Monday, December 29, 2025, are aimed at bringing government services closer to the people and streamlining local governance.
Administrative Reorganization for Public Convenience
In its meeting, the cabinet approved the upgradation of Banur sub-tehsil into a tehsil within the Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Simultaneously, it sanctioned the creation of Hariana as a new sub-tehsil in the Hoshiarpur district. According to an official statement, this strategic move is expected to significantly ease public access to administrative services and reduce travel burdens for routine official work.
Sources indicate that the push for the sub-tehsil in Hariana village, which has a population of less than 5,000, came from Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot. This follows a similar pattern where the government earlier acceded to a demand by Ludhiana (North) MLA Madan Lal Bagga, leading to a separate sub-tehsil in his Assembly constituency.
Land Revenue Act Amended to Curb Litigation
In a parallel decision aimed at judicial and administrative efficiency, the Cabinet cleared crucial amendments to the century-old Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887. The changes specifically target the appeals process to reduce unnecessary legal battles.
As per the amendments, no order of remand shall be passed by the appellate authority. Since the aggrieved party already has the option to file an appeal, a review of the decision will not be permitted, a step expected to save considerable time for all parties involved.
Officials stated that these reforms aim to reduce unnecessary litigation, save time for litigants, and prevent the harassment of non-litigants. Furthermore, the amendments will grant legal recognition to digital land records and digital signatures. This move is set to strengthen paperless record-keeping and enhance transparency in land administration across the state.
The government has already operationalized an e-services portal to simplify land-related procedures. This platform enables citizens to apply online for services like 'Khangi Taqseem' (family partition), land demarcation, dispute resolution, land transactions, compensation for crop damage, and obtaining Jamabandi copies.
Age Relaxation for Contractual Special Educators
In a separate but impactful decision for the education sector, the cabinet approved a one-time relaxation in the upper age limit for contractual Special Teacher Educators working under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. This relaxation paves the way for their regularization within the School Education Department.
Sources revealed that the government proposed to absorb these teachers on contract, irrespective of their current age. The existing rules prescribe an upper age limit of 37 years for such appointments. The cabinet's decision overrides this limit, ensuring these special educators are absorbed into government service.
Officials emphasized that this step is crucial to ensure continuity of inclusive education for children with special needs. Importantly, the regularization will not impose any additional financial burden on the state exchequer, making it a sustainable policy intervention.
