Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh on Tuesday announced in the Vidhan Sabha that the state government will bring together various departments and experts on to formulate a comprehensive strategy to address the stray animal menace in Punjab. 

The Minister informed the House that the Local Government Department will lead the coordination efforts among all concerned departments and stakeholders to devise an effective action plan. He reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the issue, recalling that the Chief Minister had already assured prompt action during the debate on the Amendment Bill of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Dr. Ravjot Singh highlighted that the department has already implemented “The Punjab Compensation to Victims of Animal Attacks and Accidents Policy, 2023″ under which financial relief is provided to families of deceased or those suffering permanent disability due to stray animal attacks. The compensation is disbursed by a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner of the respective district. 

Acknowledging the severity of the issue, the Minister stated that the number of stray animals has increased significantly, often leading to road accidents and public inconvenience. He informed that 1.4 lakh stray animals as per the 20th Livestock Census (21st Census data pending release). He said that over 2 lakh stray animals currently housed in 518 registered Gaushalas. He informed that 77 cattle sheds constructed by the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department across 20 government cattle pounds.  10 additional cow shelters being managed by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Dr. Ravjot Singh said that Urban Local Bodies regularly secure stray animals and shift them to government/private gaushalas. He said that Financial assistance is provided to gaushalas based on availability of Cow Cess funds and ULBs’ resources. Continuous directives are being issued to ULBs to take special measures to control the stray animal population, he added. 

The Cabinet Minister said that the government is committed to multi-pronged approach involving experts, animal welfare organizations and administrative departments to ensure a sustainable solution to the stray animal challenge.

Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barindar Kumar Goyal, while responding to a call attention motion, informed that the proposal to widen the Ghaggar river near village Tiwana in the Dera Bassi and strengthen its embankment is under consideration.

Responding to the call attention motion presented in the Vidhan Sabha by MLA Dera Bassi S. Kuljit Singh Randhawa, the Water Resources Minister said that due to heavy rainfall in 2023, the water level in the Ghaggar at Village Tiwana had risen significantly. Consequently, floodwater from the Ghaggar River inundated the cultivable land on the left bank and erosion caused the ground level to drop by approximately 8 to 10 feet. Subsequently, the department installed stone revetment and studs along a 2500-foot stretch to protect the cultivable land from erosion. To support this revetment, an embankment was constructed behind it by filling it with soil. He informed that the department spent Rs.5.06 crores on this project.

Sh. Goyal revealed that heavy rainfall in the Ghaggar’s catchment area on June 29, 2025 caused the river’s water level to surge suddenly, but the stone revetment remained completely intact. However, the soil embankment behind the revetment suffered some erosion in certain areas. The department immediately took action and completed the embankment repairs. This restoration work was carried out entirely at the department level. He mentioned that on July 8, 2025, substantial water flow occurred again in the Ghaggar River, but it passed through without causing any damage to the embankment.

The Cabinet Minister reiterated that the proposal is also under consideration to widen the Ghaggar River on the right side near Village Tiwana and utilize the excavated soil to broaden and strengthen the left bank. He indicated that according to the proposal, this work will be undertaken immediately by the department at an estimated cost of around Rs.11 lakh.

Chandigarh, July 15:

On a motion moved by Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha expressed deep sorrow over the death of eminent Punjabi Sikh runner Fauja Singh and paid tribute to him.

Dr. Ravjot Singh expressed grief over the demise of 114-year-old Fauja Singh in a road accident. He said that he was the world’s oldest runner who had brought glory to the Sikh community worldwide through marathon races.

The Minister said that Fauja Singh Ji will always remain in our memories. He prayed to God to grant the departed soul a place at His feet and to give the family the strength to bear the loss.

It is worth mentioning that yesterday, in a road accident, S. Fauja Singh died. He was walking outside his house when a car hit him.

Chandigarh, July 15

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday brought to the attention of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha the Justice Gurnam Singh Commission Report on the tragic incidents of the year 1986, a copy of which is in the Vidhan Sabha, but whose action taken part has mysteriously disappeared. He urged the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Kultar Singh Sandhwan, to form a committee to locate this crucial report. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker announces the formation of a committee to find out the missing report.

Addressing the Punjab Assembly during discussions on the Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema this missing part of Justice Gurnam Singh Commission’s report will enable the people of Punjab to ascertain the truth behind the 1986 incidents, understanding the actions of those involved at that time, and see the reality of their descendants’ current actions.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema mentioned the historical events to underscore the importance of the proposed legislation and the need for accountability. He stated that historically, whenever the Shiromani Akali Dal led government or a religiously aligned government came to power in Punjab, there were attempts, either directly or through conspirators, to desecrate the Guru Granth Sahib, aiming to destabilise the state. He cited the tragic incident of February 2, 1986, during a Shiromani Akali Dal tenure, when five sacred Birs were set ablaze at Gurdwara Sahib Guru Arjan Dev ji in Nakodar. He further recounted the events of February 4, 1986, when four youths – Ravinder Singh Littran, Baldhir Singh Ramgarh, Jhirmal Singh Gursiana, and Harminder Singh, were shot dead while peacefully protesting, mirroring the peaceful demonstrations seen at Bargari.

The Finance Minister pointed out that during these incidents, the state was governed by the Shiromani Akali Dal, with Surjit Singh Barnala as Chief Minister, Captain Kanwaljit Singh as Home Minister, and Sukhjinder Singh Khaira, father of current Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, as Education Minister. He expressed regret that not a single action or First Information Report (FIR) was filed by the then government.

Chandigarh, July 15:

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government took a historic step to safeguard religious sentiments by bringing the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025 against sacrilege, while lambasting the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress regime for their inaction in sacrilege cases.

During the discussion on the Bill in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday, Mr. Aman Arora underlined the failure of previous governments, including the Akali-BJP and Congress regimes, to deliver justice in sacrilege cases, particularly the 2015 Bargari, Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan incidents, which involved the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Highlighting the hypocrisy of Congress party, Mr. Aman Arora stated that despite constitution of multiple Special Investigation Teams (SITs) and commissions by previous regimes, none had named the Badals as accused in sacrilege cases. However, after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power in Punjab, a thorough investigation was initiated. A SIT led by ADGP LK Yadav submitted a comprehensive challan of over 7,000 pages, naming former Chief Minister Late Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, and others as accused. The case is currently pending in the Court of Faridkot Additional Sessions Judge.

The Badals, who claim to be guardians of Sikh faith, did nothing when Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s sanctity was violated. Even SAD government sent a weak bill to the Centre in 2016, which was rejected because it only protected one scripture. Now, they have the audacity to question our government’s sincerity, said Mr. Arora. 

He pointed out that previous governments failed to take action against the main culprits in sacrilege cases, with investigations being delayed or stalled. In contrast, the AAP government has taken a decisive approach, filing chargesheets in all cases and naming individuals, including the Badals , as accused based on investigation findings.

Highlighting the key provisions of the Bill, Mr. Aman Arora stated that it prescribes stringent punishments for sacrilege, including 10 years to life imprisonment. The bill, drafted after extensive consultations, defines desecration broadly to include acts such as tampering, burning, tearing, destruction, and defiling of sacred texts, encompassing scriptures like Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Gutka Sahib, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif, and Holy Bible, among others. Notably, the bill makes desecration a non-bailable and non-compoundable offense, punishable with a minimum sentence of 10 years and a fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. A key aspect of the bill is its inclusive nature, covering all religions and emphasising equal respect for all holy scriptures.

He said that the bill also ensures speedy investigation by a DSP or above rank officer, and mandates respectful handling of evidence, prohibiting any disrespect to religious remains. This provision underscores the importance of dignity and reverence in the handling of sacred texts, while ensuring swift justice in sacrilege incidents.

Urging all political parties to support the bill, Mr. Aman Arora emphasised that the AAP-led state government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s spiritual and social fabric, ensuring that no one would be allowed to exploit faith for political gain.

“We will not let Punjab’s religious harmony be destroyed again. This time, justice will prevail,” Mr. Arora affirmed.

Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond today launched a scathing attack on previous governments during a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, accusing them of promoting drug abuse and protecting drug traffickers in the state.

Participating in a discussion on the issue of drugs, Sond alleged that both the Akali-BJP alliance and the Congress governments had actively supported drug peddlers, resulting in widespread addiction among the state’s youth. He read out excerpts from media reports highlighting the busting of an illicit liquor factory in Khanna and the arrest of a notorious drug dealer, Gurdeep Rano, from the Payal constituency, presenting them as concrete evidence of past governments’ complicity.

“Before 2007, synthetic drugs were unheard of in Punjab. But thereafter, substances like ‘chitta’ infiltrated and devastated an entire generation,” Sond remarked. “One former Chief Minister even took a false oath to eliminate drugs but did absolutely nothing to act on it,” he added.

Sond said that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the government has launched a full-scale ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh’ which is yielding positive results. “We have dismantled the networks of drug traffickers, many of whom are now fleeing the state,” he asserted.

He informed the House that under this campaign, anti-drug camps have been organized in nearly 7,000 villages, where thousands have taken pledges to quit drugs. Over 4,500 villages have already declared themselves drug-free, and the campaign will now expand into urban wards with awareness camps to reach every corner of the state.

To safeguard the future of the youth and keep them engaged in healthy activities, Sond announced that the government will dedicate over 3,000 new sports grounds to the public within the next six months. “Each of Punjab’s 117 assembly constituencies will have a model sports complex to ensure boys and girls have access to safe recreational spaces,” he said. “These grounds will also be open for citizens for morning and evening walks.”

Sond concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to transforming the state into a ‘Rangla Punjab’, stating that all MLAs, ministers, and volunteers of the Mann government and AAP are working tirelessly, and the day is not far when Punjab will be completely drugs free.

CHANDIGARH/BATALA, July 15:

          In a significant breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has successfully foiled a targeted killing plot with the arrest of five operatives linked to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, being operated USA-based Husandeep Singh, and recovered two weapons— PX5 pistol and .32 bore pistol— from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          The intelligence-led operation was jointly conducted by Counter Intelligence Punjab and district police of Amritsar Rural and Batala.

          Those arrested have been identified as Lovepreet Singh, Sikandar Kumar alias Gola and Onkarpreet alias Jashan, trio resident of village Shahabad in Batala; Gagandeep alias Giani, a resident of Gandhi Camp in Batala and Mehakpreet Singh, a resident of Amritsar.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that preliminary investigations revealed incarcerated gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria— currently lodged in Silchar Jail (Assam)— had hatched a conspiracy to carry out a target killing of an alleged rival gang member to avenge the recent murder of his mother, an incident that has further intensified the turf war between rival criminal factions.

          The DGP said that Jaggu Bhagwanpuria had been conspiring to execute this target killing through his USA-based associate Husandeep Singh, who collaborated with ground handlers including Lovepreet Singh to mobilize shooters and execute the plan. Further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he added.

          The first breakthrough came when Amritsar Rural Police led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Maninder Singh apprehended an individual identified as Mehakpreet Singh. On being interrogated, the latter disclosed that one Sikandar Kumar alias Gola, son of Sutresh Kumar, resident of Village Shahabad, PS Rangar Nangal, Batala, had crucial information about the shooters and the execution plan.

          Sharing operational details, SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir said that acting swiftly on this information, Batala Police traced Sikandar Kumar and apprehended him along with his aide, Onkarpreet alias Jashan. Further interrogation led to the arrest of another associate, Gagandeep alias Giani, he said.

          He said that during sustained questioning, accused Sikandar Kumar revealed that he was being handled by one Lovepreet Singh— a key coordinator in this plot—, who was eventually apprehended by Batala Police in a separate operation.

          The SSP said that accused Lovepreet disclosed that the entire plan was being orchestrated by Jaggu’s close associate Husandeep Singh remotely from USA. The objective of the plot was to eliminate an alleged rival gang member, he added.

          A case FIR No. 80/2025 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and sections 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Rangar Nangal in Batala.

Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion and NRI Affairs Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that Punjab State has been awarded Gold in State category in the prestigious National One District One Product Awards 2024, which were announced on 14 July 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India recognising Punjab’s excellence and innovation in promoting district-specific products under the “One District One Product” initiative.

Furthermore, Sanjeev Arora highlighted that this remarkable achievement reflects the relentless efforts, dedication, and teamwork of the Department of Industries and Commerce.  A presentation showcasing the Best Practices of Punjab under the ODOP initiative was delivered by Kamal Kishor Yadav, Secretary, Department of Industries & Commerce, during the ODOP Awards 2024.  The presentation highlighted Punjab’s progressive and sustainable efforts in promoting district-based products and enabling ease of doing business. This award was received by Surabhi Malik IAS, Director Industries and Commerce, Punjab.

He added that this is a proud moment for Punjab, demonstrating how well-coordinated policy support and innovation can drive inclusive industrial growth. Key initiatives and outcomes of the Punjab include:- Green Stamp Paper Initiative, Quick approvals under Right to Business Act, 2020, Crop diversification through ODOP, Export achievements, Market promotion, Skill-building & innovation, Impressive growth.

Chandigarh July 15:

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan released a book today titled “Sachkhand Punjab The Divine Dawn of a Drugs Free Sacred Land” written by Raj Malhotra in which Shabads have been taken from Gurbani. This book shows that we should follow the path shown by  Guru Sahib Ji. We should follow the teachings of Guru Sahib which guide us  the right path. MLA Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra and Raj Malhotra were also present during the release of the book.

 The vision of Sachkhand Punjab- a land where the divine and human dance together in eternal harmony becomes reality through the infinite power of awakened  consciousness serving the highest good of all creation. With the sweetness of ragas, let us seat God in our hearts, instead of drugs, we need the intoxication of Name. In this way, we will be connected with our religion and abandon drugs from our lives. Following Guru Sahib Path, we will make Rangla Punjab which is the dream of the Punjab Government.

Chandigarh, July 15:

Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday unanimously referred the Punjab Prevention of Crime against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025 to the select committee of the assembly for seeking the views of all the stakeholders.

Taking part in the discussions of the bill on the floor of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji was the living Guru, who was highly revered by one and all across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji was a lighthouse of peace and tranquility for the entire mankind and the Punjab government is fully alive to the deep emotional hurt caused by the incidents of sacrilege against the holy granths in the past. He said that it is unfortunate that some forces had even gone to an extent of committing the most heinous sin against mankind through desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

The Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is an eternal Guru for mankind and no one could ever tolerate this dastardly act. Likewise, he said that Bhagwad Gita, Quran Sharif, Holy Bible and other granths were also respected by humanity for showing a way of life to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that this bill will ensure that no such heinous crime takes place in the future by making provision of the sternest punishment against the culprits.

The Chief Minister said that it is a serious issue and he was firmly of the opinion that no one will ever oppose this bill. He said that every devout Sikh is deeply connected with the ‘Shabad Guru’- in the form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and Gurmukhi which means originating from the mouth of Guru. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the sacrilege incidents had bruised the psyche of every Punjabi in general and every Sikhs in particular.

The Chief Minister said that in the absence of harsh punishment against this unpardonable crime there was no end to these incidents due to which the bill was necessitated. He said that it is unfortunate that after these incidents the accused evaded punishment by declaring himself mentally unstable, which was also a mockery of the law. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this bill will plug all such pilferages which allowed the perpetrators to escape the punishment for these incidents.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025 have been necessitated as over the years state has witnessed numerous incidents involving the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and other revered granths, deeply wounding public sentiment and causing unrest in society. He said that as existing law do not prescribe sufficiently stringent penalties to serve as an effective deterrent, this state-specific legislation will provide enhanced penalties—including life imprisonment—for those convicted of sacrilege against any holy granth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the bill mandates strict punishment, extending up to life imprisonment, for the desecration of sacred granths including the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagwad Gita, Holy Bible, Quran Sharif, and other revered granths.

The Chief Minister said with the enactment of this law, the state seeks to further strengthen the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood, peace, and amity adding that it will also act as a strong deterrent against anti-social and anti-national activities by ensuring severe punishment for perpetrators of this heinous crime. He said that this bill has been introduced in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and to take the view of all the stakeholders it has been now referred to the Select Committee of the state assembly. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this select committee will solicit the views of all the social, religious and other organizations of the state to make this bill more effective.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that though the unfortunate incidents of sacrilege date back to 2016 but the perpetrators of this cowardly act have not got the punishment for their sins. He said that even those who had assumed power by publically taking the oath of Gutka Sahib diluted the case so as to benefit the culprits. Slamming the previous governments for adopting an apathetic approach towards this highly emotive issue, Bhagwant Singh said that due to this laxity the criminals who have bruised the psyche of Sikhs by committing such unpardonable crime are still roaming free.

Reiterating the firm commitment of his government to punish the perpetrators of sacrilege incidents in the state, the Chief Minister said that it is the bounden duty of his government to ensure that these dreaded criminals get punishment. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every person who has been hand in glove in this crime will be ensured exemplary punishment for this sin. However, he said that this historic bill will definitely ensure that no such unpardonable act takes place in the coming times adding that the state government is duty bound to prevent such incidents in the future.