The Punjab Cabinet led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday accorded approval for a revamped forensic science system.Earlier known as Forensic Science Laboratory, Punjab, the new Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFS) will function directly under the Department of Home Affairs.The new nomenclature of the Regional Testing Forensic Science Laboratories will now be the Regional Forensic Science Laboratories working under DFS, while the Chief Chemical Examiner Laboratory, Kharar, will be integrated into the DFS as a Special Toxicology Division. The Chief Chemical Examiner Laboratory, Kharar, will be integrated into the DFS as a Special Toxicology Division.The forensic services will be strengthened through the creation of new technical divisions, dealing with DNA, ballistics, cyber forensics, documents and physics/audio voice, at the Regional Science Laboratories in Amritsar, Bathinda and Ludhiana.Twenty-eight mobile forensic units will also be established, with one mobile forensic van operating in each police district under the supervision of a scientific officer (crime scene).The sanctioned posts of forensic science laboratory, chemical examiner laboratory and ministerial staff will be adjusted in the DFS, while additional 266 posts of technical staff and one post of ministerial staff will be created and filled in a phased manner through direct recruitment.Farm stay policyThe Cabinet also gave concurrence to the Farm Stay Policy, 2026, to boost farmers’ incomes and rural tourism.The policy aims to promote farm-based experiential tourism while creating sustainable and supplementary income opportunities for farmers across the state.The policy enables farmers to utilise a small portion of their agricultural land to offer authentic rural experiences, farm-based accommodation, local cuisine and cultural activities without disturbing primary agricultural practices.The policy reduces procedural hurdles, promotes ease of doing business and encourages rural households, particularly youth, to participate in tourism-linked entrepreneurship alongside farming.This policy aims at generating rural employment, enhancing farmers’ income, reducing agrarian distress and creating vibrant village-level economic activity, while offering visitors an immersive experience of Punjab’s countryside, traditions and way of life.