*Punjab’s Quiet Revolution for Workers: How Bhagwant Mann Govt Put Construction Labourers at Centre of Governance*

*Under visionary leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann, Punjab isn't only building institutions of excellence that bring world-class infrastructure but also celebrating workers who build them: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*

CHANDIGARH: Feburary 4:For decades, Punjab’s construction workers remained among the most invisible citizens of the state. Despite building its roads, schools, hospitals and homes, they lived in difficulty and poverty, trapped in bureaucratic delays and a welfare system that largely existed on paper. Under the Bhagwant Mann Government, that reality has begun to change in a decisive and measurable way.

At the heart of this transformation is a clear shift in governance philosophy. Instead of forcing workers to navigate a maze of forms, offices and delays, the Punjab Government has restructured the system itself. The Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (BOCW), the nodal agency for nearly two lakh registered construction workers across the state, has been overhauled to function with speed, dignity and accountability.

*From Neglect to Accountability*

Previous governments left behind a system where welfare benefits took an average of 206 days to be processed. With labour cards valid for only one year, construction workers often waited endlessly, unsure whether support would ever arrive. The Bhagwant Mann Government inherited not just administrative delays, but years of accumulated neglect and serious liabilities.

Instead of incremental tinkering, the government opted for structural reform. Unnecessary conditions that humiliated workers were removed. One of the most telling examples was the abolition of the Bal Aadhaar requirement for maternity benefits. Expecting families to obtain Aadhaar for newborns merely to access financial support was neither humane nor rational. That practice has now ended, restoring basic dignity to the welfare process.

*Technology with a Human Purpose*

What distinguishes Punjab’s reforms is not technology for its own sake, but technology designed to reduce hardship. Application processes that earlier passed through 11 stages have been simplified, with redundant approvals removed across 14 schemes. Departments now share data, ensuring workers are no longer asked to submit documents that the government already possesses.

Earlier, construction workers had to repeatedly visit schools and government offices to submit forms and then get Aadhaar verification done separately for education-related benefits. This meant losing daily wages and spending days running from one office to another. Now, because the entire system is online and technology-driven, there is no need for workers or their families to go anywhere for Aadhaar verification or linkage. Once basic details are submitted, the process moves automatically, saving time, money and effort. Similarly, health insurance benefits, now enhanced to ₹10 lakh, are accessible across hospitals without paperwork, ensuring zero-hassle treatment during emergencies.

*Measurable Results, Not Rhetoric*

The outcomes of these reforms are tangible. Average processing time for benefits has fallen by 64 percent, from 203 days to 73 days, with a further reduction to 45 days already in sight. Welfare disbursement has increased by 67 percent, rising from ₹93 crore in 2020–21 to ₹125 crore within the first three quarters of 2025–26, with projections crossing ₹150 crore by the end of the financial year. Most significantly, 81,000 construction workers have already received benefits this year, nearly three times the number supported earlier.

These figures translate into live change: school fees paid on time, medical emergencies handled without debt, dignity restored through Shagun assistance for marriages, and long-term security for families through fixed deposits for newborn girls.

*Governance That Respects Labour*

The recently held Labour “Kirt” Conference underscored this shift in approach, serving as a platform to consolidate reforms and strengthen field-level implementation through the launch of the BOCW Handbook. More importantly, it reflected the government’s intent to institutionalise welfare delivery rather than rely on announcements.

Speaking on the reforms, Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond emphasised, stating: “Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab is not only building institutions of excellence such as schools, hospitals, roads etc that bring world-class infrastructure but also celebrating the workers who build them. These many big bang reforms are proof of our commitment towards our construction workers. I would like to appeal to all construction workers to enroll with the Punjab BOCW Board and seek benefits of various schemes.”

Punjab’s reforms are also being seen as a model for the rest of the country. At a time when workers’ welfare and labour rights are being overlooked in many states and even at the national level, Punjab has taken the initiative to place labour welfare at the centre of governance. By prioritising the needs of construction workers and ensuring benefits reach them in time, Punjab is setting an example for other states and the nation to follow.

In an era where welfare is often reduced to slogans, Punjab’s construction worker reforms stand out for their seriousness, scale and outcomes. By treating workers with trust and respect, the state has demonstrated that welfare ceases to be charity and becomes justice

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*Major Governance Reforms Transform Urban Local Bodies; Faster Clearances, Decentralised Decision-Making and Mission-Mode Urban Development: Sanjeev Arora*

Chandigarh, February 4, 2026:Punjab Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Industries & Commerce, Power, and Investment Promotion, Sh. Sanjeev Arora, today said that the State Government has rolled out far-reaching administrative, financial, and structural reforms in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure time-bound decision-making, transparency, and uninterrupted execution of development works across Punjab.

Reviewing the functioning of ULBs, the Minister stated that, under the able guidance of Hon’ble National Convener Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Hon’ble Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, prolonged pendency of resolutions and approvals had earlier affected development and public service delivery. To address this, the Government has adopted a reform-driven, decentralised, and accountability-based governance framework, supported by daily monitoring, systemic restructuring, and strict timelines.

As a result, a substantial backlog of long-pending resolutions has been cleared, 1100 resolutions were pending and in last 3 week 900 have been cleared. Some resolutions were pending from 2018, restoring momentum to urban infrastructure and civic development works. The remaining cases are under active process and are expected to be disposed of shortly.

To institutionalise these reforms, the e-Nigam software has been implemented w.e.f. 01.02.2026 for exclusive online processing of all ULB resolutions. This marks a decisive shift away from manual procedures and ensures speed, transparency, traceability, and accountability. Further procedural simplification and decentralisation are being undertaken to prevent future pendency.

*Enhanced Financial Powers and Faster Project Approvals*

Sh. Sanjeev Arora announced that financial approval powers have been significantly enhanced to expedite execution of development projects at the field level: Superintending Engineers (SEs) are now empowered to accord financial approvals up to ₹2 crore, enhanced from the earlier limit of ₹1 crore.

Chief Engineers (CEs) can now approve projects up to ₹10 crore, doubled from the previous ceiling of ₹5 crore.

In another major reform, two Committees of Chief Engineers have been constituted at the Headquarters in place of the earlier single committee, ensuring elimination of bottlenecks and zero pendency at the Head Office level.

The Minister further directed that all resolutions, vetting of proposals, technical sanctions, and related approvals for Local Government works shall be completed within a strict timeline of 10 working days, reinforcing time-bound governance and officer accountability.

*Rationalisation of Engineering Cadre and Regional Structure*

Sh. Arora informed that, based on geographical and administrative considerations, all Urban Local Bodies have been reorganised into six regions—Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Patiala.

Under the new structure: One Chief Engineer (CE) has been designated for each region, overseeing Municipal Corporations and Councils, including B&R and O&M works.One Superintending Engineer (SE) has been posted per region.One Sub-Divisional Engineer (SDE) has been posted per district.

This rationalisation aims to improve coordination, enhance field-level supervision, and accelerate execution of projects.

*Mission-Mode Sewer Line Cleaning through Rate Contracts*

The Minister stated that the tender process for sewer line cleaning under rate contracts has been initiated, with awards already completed for 161 Urban Local Bodies. The five major Municipal Corporations—Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Bathinda, and Patiala—are in the final stages of tendering, and six agencies have been empanelled to carry out the work.

He emphasised that Municipal Councils have been freed from repeated tendering, enabling faster mobilisation and reduced delays through pre-approved contractors. By fixing unit rates, the Government has protected public funds from price fluctuations while maintaining fiscal discipline. These contracts are designed to ensure mission-mode cleaning of critical sewer lines ahead of the monsoon.

He added that tenders for Municipal Corporations under the “One City, One Operator” scheme are progressing and will be awarded shortly.

*Water Supply and Sewerage Infrastructure under AMRUT 2.0 & SBM (Urban) 2.0*

Sh. Sanjeev Arora further stated that a major shift from groundwater to canal-based water supply is being implemented under AMRUT 2.0. At present, Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) are operational in 90 towns with a total capacity of 609 MLD, ensuring 100% water supply coverage in 148 towns. Additionally, four Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a combined capacity of 87 MLD are being implemented under the scheme, with a total outlay of ₹3,626 crore.

Speaking on SBM (Urban) 2.0, he informed that STPs are being developed in 56 towns with a total capacity of 213 MLD. Procurement of 730 sewer-cleaning machines has been completed under the scheme, which has a total outlay of ₹1,647 crore.

“These reforms are not isolated measures but part of a comprehensive transformation of urban governance in Punjab. Our focus is on faster delivery, transparency, fiscal discipline, and visible improvement in civic services,” Sh. Sanjeev Arora

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*Legitimate demands of freedom fighters’ families to be addressed on priority: Mohinder Bhagat*

*Cabinet Minister holds special meeting with families of freedom fighters and representatives of the Freedom Fighters’ Descendants Association*

*Punjab Government committed to welfare of freedom fighters and their families*

Chandigarh, February 4-Punjab Freedom Fighters Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today held a special meeting with the family members of freedom fighters and representatives of the Freedom Fighters’ Descendants Association, Punjab, at the Punjab Civil Secretariat here. Special Chief Secretary, Freedom Fighters Department, Smt. Raji P. Shrivastava, and Joint Secretary Mr. Rajpal Singh were present on the occasion.

During the meeting, Mr. Bhagat carefully heard the issues and demands raised by the families of freedom fighters and the association representatives. He assured them that all legitimate demands would be resolved on a priority basis and directed the concerned departments to take immediate and necessary action.

Mr. Bhagat said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains fully committed to honouring the supreme sacrifices made by freedom fighters in securing the country’s independence and to safeguarding the welfare of their families.

He further stated that matters falling within the purview of the Freedom Fighters Department would be addressed on priority, while issues requiring approval at the level of the Chief Minister or the Finance Department would also be taken up for special consideration.

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RTI Commission issues warrant against PIO-cum-Assistant Town Planner

Chandigarh, February 4:The Punjab State Information Commission has issued a warrant against PIO-cum-Assistant Town Planner of Building Branch (Zone D) of Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana during the hearing of a case.

Giving information in this regard, Commissioner of Punjab State Information Commission Harpreet Singh Sandhu informed that in the appeal case No. 6157 of 2023 filed by Jasvir Singh resident of Guru Nanak Nagar, village Bholapur Jhabewal, district Ludhiana, the Commission has issued a warrant against PIO-cum-Assistant Town Planner Kuljit Singh Mangat of Building Branch Zone D of Ludhiana to appear before the Commission on March 11, 2025.

S. Harpreet Singh Sandhu said that Kuljit Singh Mangat remained absent despite the instructions of the Commission in the 4 hearings held so far in this case, regarding which a show cause notice was also issued by the Commission.

He said that now in this case, the Commission has issued an order under Section 18 (3) (a) of the RTA Act 2005 to the Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana to serve a copy of these warrants on Kuljit Singh Mangat PIO cum Assistant Town Planner and issue instructions to appear before the Commission on the next date of the case on March 11, 2026.

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*PUNJAB SC COMMISSION TAKES SUO MOTU NOTICE OF ASSAULT ON MINOR GIRL*

*REPORT SOUGHT FROM SSP SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB*

*Chandigarh, February 4:*The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has taken suo motu notice of a case involving the assault of a minor girl belonging to a Scheduled Caste in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. The notice has been taken by the Chairman of the Commission S. Jasvir Singh Garhi following reports of the incident.

Sharing details, an official spokesperson said the matter came to the notice of the Chairman through a report published in a newspaper. Acting under Section 10(2)(h) of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Act 2004, the Commission has sought a detailed report from the Senior Superintendent of Police Sri Muktsar Sahib. The information has been directed to be submitted to the Commission office through the Deputy Superintendent of Police by February 10, 2026.

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*Punjab Govt to strengthen three-tier mechanism to address traders’ issues: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Special statewide district-level camps on February 10 & 11 to resolve traders’ grievances: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*District Trade Committees directed to proactively engage with traders across Punjab: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Complex trade-related issues to be escalated to Punjab State Traders Commission for swift resolution: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Finance Minister Chairs high-level meeting of Punjab State Traders Commission*

CHANDIGARH, 4th February 2026:Punjab Minister for Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting of the Punjab State Traders Commission (PSTC) as part of the Punjab government’s push to further strengthen ease of doing business across the state. The meeting was held at Punjab Bhawan and focused on deepening engagement with the trading community, improving grievance redressal mechanisms and enhancing technical capacity at the district level.

Addressing the meeting in his capacity as Chairman of the PSTC, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Our objective is to establish a robust three-tier system that directly connects the trading community with the administration, so that every trader in Punjab has access to timely support and their concerns are heard and resolved.”

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema issued clear directions to the District Trade Committee Chairmen to proactively engage with traders in their respective areas and gather feedback on ground-level issues. He announced the organisation of special district-level camps on February 10 and February 11 to ensure prompt redressal of local grievances. “District Trade Committee Chairmen must reach out actively to traders and understand their issues. Special camps will be organised on February 10 and 11 so that local problems can be addressed immediately at the district level,” he said.

The Minister further instructed that issues requiring intervention beyond the district level should be systematically documented and forwarded to the Punjab State Traders Commission for swift resolution. “Any complex matter or feedback that needs state-level action must be properly listed and shared with the Commission so that effective and time-bound solutions can be ensured,” he said.

The meeting was attended by PSTC Vice Chairman Anil Thakur, Financial Commissioner Taxation Ajit Balaji Joshi and Taxation Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal. During the deliberations, special emphasis was laid on the technical empowerment of trade committees. Financial Commissioner Taxation Ajit Balaji Joshi and Taxation Commissioner Jatender Jorwal gave a detailed briefing on key technical aspects of GST filing, aimed at equipping district committee members with the necessary knowledge to assist traders in complying with regulatory requirements.

Reiterating the broader vision behind the initiative, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the three-tier system was designed to create a seamless and responsive environment for commerce in Punjab. “The core mission of this system is to ensure that the voice of every trader is heard and acted upon. Through district-level outreach and strong policy support at the state level, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government is working to build a transparent and business-friendly ecosystem,” he said.