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Punjab Cabinet approves Directorate of Forensic Science Services, Farm Stay Policy 2026, and Societies Registration Bill
The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, approved the establishment of the Directorate of Forensic Science Services and related forensic capacity enhancements, concurred on the Farm Stay Policy 2026 to boost rural incomes, and gave consent to The Societies Registration Bill, 2026. The decisions were taken at a cabinet meeting on May 1, 2026.
Why It Matters
The measures aim to speed up crime investigations through improved evidence processing, promote rural tourism and farmer incomes, and update regulatory frameworks for civil society organisations in Punjab.
Timeline
3 Events
Consent to The Societies Registration Bill, 2026 (amending the Societies Registration Act, 1860)
May 1, 2026
The cabinet gave consent to The Societies Registration Bill, 2026 by amending the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The bill will be placed before the Punjab Vidhan Sabha for approval by the state legislature.
Concurrence to Farm Stay Policy 2026 to boost farmer incomes and rural tourism
May 1, 2026
The cabinet gave concurrence to the Farm Stay Policy 2026 to promote farm-based experiential tourism and supplementary farm incomes. The policy enables farmers to use a small portion of agricultural land to offer farm-based accommodation, local cuisine and cultural activities, with a simplified regulatory framework designed to foster rural entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism while protecting primary farming activities.
Establishment of Directorate of Forensic Science Services in Punjab
May 1, 2026
The Punjab Cabinet approved the establishment of the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFS), moving from the former Forensic Science Laboratory. DFS will be under the Department of Home Affairs, with Regional Testing Forensic Science Laboratories renamed as Regional Forensic Science Laboratories, and the Chief Chemical Examiner Laboratory, Kharar, integrated into DFS as a Special Toxicology Division. New technical divisions including DNA, ballistics and cyber forensics will be created at Regional Science Laboratories in Amritsar, Bathinda and Ludhiana. Twenty-eight Mobile Forensic Units will be established, with one Mobile Forensic Van in each Police District under scientific supervision.