*Punjab officially notifies Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as Holy Cities*

*Historic decision to declare holy cities should have been implemented long ago; I’m grateful to Almighty for granting us wisdom & strength to take this historic decision: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Will leave no stone unturned for comprehensive development of three holy cities: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Walled City Amritsar, Sri Damdama Sahib and Sri Anandpur Sahib will have world-class facilities: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*To facilitate pilgrims visiting these sacred cities, e-rickshaws, mini-buses, and other public transport services will be further introduced: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 21st December, 2025:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the Punjab Government has taken a historic decision by issuing a notification granting the status of holy cities to Sikh religious cities, calling it a moment of gratitude, humility, and responsibility for the state.

Addressing the people of Punjab in a video message, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Dear Punjabis, your own government in Punjab has taken a historic decision by issuing a notification to grant Sikh religious cities the status of holy cities. The announcement was made from the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib on the occasion of the state level function to commemorate 350th ‘Shaheedi Diwas’ (martyrdom day) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. I am thankful to the Almighty, who blessed us with wisdom, strength, and the capability to take such a historic decision.”

Explaining the significance of the move, the Chief Minister said that out of the five Sikh Takhts, three are located in Punjab. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib at Amritsar, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo are situated in Punjab. The cities associated with these sacred Takhts have now officially been granted the status of centres of faith and holy cities,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the state government will ensure all necessary facilities for devotees visiting these cities with reverence. “The Punjab Government will make all necessary arrangements and provide facilities, including e-rickshaws, mini-buses, and other public transport services, to ensure that devotees and sangat arriving from across the world in faith do not face any inconvenience,” he said.

The Chief Minister made it clear that strict regulations will now apply in these holy cities. “In all these cities, the sale of meat, alcohol, tobacco, and any intoxicating substances will be completely prohibited,” he said, assuring that this decision reflects the sanctity of the places.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, he said, “I assure you with full responsibility that no effort will be spared in ensuring the overall and appropriate development of these cities. These cities are not only religious centres but also a very important symbol of our cultural heritage.”

Congratulating the Sikh community, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Sikh sangat. This historic decision to declare holy cities should have been implemented long ago. With the issuance of the notification, this decision has now come into effect, and these cities have officially attained the status of holy cities.”

On December 15, 2025, the Punjab Government officially issued a notification declaring the walled city of Amritsar in Amritsar district, the city of Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, and the city of Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda district as Holy Cities of the State of Punjab. The notification formally accords these historically and religiously significant cities special status in recognition of their spiritual importance and global faith-based relevance.

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*WE ARE PREPARING YOUTH FOR FUTURISTIC NEEDS WHEREAS AKALIS WANT TO DRAG THEM

BACK IN MESOZOIC (DINOSAUR) ERA: QUIPS CM*

*SAYS RESOUNDING SUCCESS OF MEGA PTM A REFLECTION OF EDUCATION REVOLUTION IN STATE*

*REVIEWS DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN DHURI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT*

Dhuri, December 21:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said that while state government is making strenuous efforts to prepare Punjabi youth for futuristic needs by making them Doctor and Engineers, Akali Dal is bent upon dragging them back to Mesozoic (Dinosaur) Era in the state.

Interacting with the media persons here today, the Chief Minister said that the AAP government is trying to make Punjab’s youth doctors and engineers, so that they can excel in lives. However, he said that the Akali Dal, who had ruined the youth by introducing drugs in the state, wants to take the state back to the dinosaur era. In a humorous tone, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the’ “dinosaur” of Akalis is actually just a plastic toy filled with air which will be deflated soon by the people.

The Chief Minister said that the participation of 23.3 lakh parents in recent mega teacher-parent meetings in government schools is a very good sign, reflecting a bright future for Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this was a paradigm shift as such PTMs were a regular practice earlier in private schools but were missing in government schools. He said that this is one of the best practices of education being adopted here for the well being of the students.

On being asked about the Nagar Kirtan protest issue in New Zealand, the Chief Minister said that the Government of India should take up this matter with the New Zealand government. He added that New Zealand is an educated country and that the issue of migration has become a global concern. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the firm commitment of state government to safeguard interest of Punjab and Punjabis.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held a meeting with panchayats in Dhuri Assembly constituency and reviewed the progress of development projects. Addressing the elected representatives, he said that they should understand the issues of villages and the people, and make every effort to resolve them. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasised that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) should be utilized to the fullest so that the needy get employment and development works are completed efficiently.

The Chief Minister urged the Sarpanchs that development works must be carried out on a priority basis and there should be no complaints. He exhorted sarpanches, panchayats, and the newly elected members of the Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad to rise above party lines and focus on development. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the Punjab government’s main objective is to provide every village with facilities at par with the cities.

The Chief Minister said that completion of community centers should be prioritized so that common people can get maximum benefit. He stressed that there must be full coordination among officials for development work and assured that there would be no shortage of funds for panchayats. Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that every village would be connected through a mini-bus service, and bus permits would be issued to youths.

Earlier, the Chief Minister congratulated the newly elected members of Zila Parishads and Block Committees and urged them to work for solving people’s problems. He informed that their oath-taking ceremony will be held in the first week of January, followed by training sessions at MGSIPA (Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration) about their duties and responsibilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed satisfaction that development works are progressing rapidly which is a positive sign as for the first time, development works are actively underway in every village.