*Under leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Vidhan Sabha pays homage to unparalleled shaheedi of four Sahibzadas*

*Punjab Assembly remembers Mata Gujri Ji, Baba Jivan Singh Ji, Baba Sangat Singh Ji, Diwan Todar Mal Ji, and other martyrs*

*These supreme sacrifices teach us never to bow before oppression & to stand firm for our principles, even at cost of our lives: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab Govt fulfilled its duty by making elaborate arrangements to commemorate 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji & during Shaheedi Sabha:CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 30th December 2025:During a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday, the House paid homage to the unparalleled ‘Shaheedi’ (martyrdom) of the four Sahibzadas, reaffirming Punjab’s legacy of resistance to tyranny. Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Assembly paid tributes to Baba Ajit Singh Ji, Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, and also remembered Mata Gujri Ji, Baba Jivan Singh Ji, Baba Sangat Singh Ji and Diwan Todar Mal Ji.

The Chief Minister said these supreme sacrifices teach society never to bow before oppression and to stand firm for principles, while noting that the Punjab Government had duly commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with full dignity and preparation.

Participating in the discussion during the 11th (special) session of the state assembly, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the great sacrifices of the Sahibzadas hold a unique place in the history of the entire humanity. “Though the Sahibzadas were martyred at a very young age, their supreme sacrifice inspires us even today to not bow before injustice or oppression of the tyrannical rulers. These sacrifices will forever motivate our future generations to stand firm against tyranny, oppression and injustice,” he noted.

The Chief Minister said that standing by the principles is the toughest test of any individual adding that walking on thorns is much easier than walking on the values and ideologies. “However, the Sahibzadas chose the path of righteousness and set an example in history, giving us the message to uphold these ideals even in hostile circumstances to preserve human freedom. The younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji were confined in the ‘Thanda Burj’ during the spine-chilling month of Poh, but then also they stood by the principles taught by their parents and grandparents, which is unparalleled in entire world history,” he pointed out.

He said that even though this tragic martyrdom took place more than three centuries ago, its pain and anguish is still felt deeply today. “After the family of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji got separated several iconic warriors like Baba Jivan Singh Ji, Baba Sangat Singh Ji, Diwan Todar Mal Ji, Baba Moti Ram Mehra and others made immense contributions in the Sikh history in their own ways,” he added.

Paying homage to them, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the entire humanity will always remain indebted to those brave and courageous souls who raised their voices against tyranny.

Speaking about the arrangements for the lakhs of devotees arriving from around the world during the Shaheedi Sabha, the Chief Minister shared that extensive measures were taken for health facilities, transportation, sanitation, and security so that no devotee faces any inconvenience. “E-rickshaws and buses were arranged for the pilgrims, along with proper security arrangements to facilitate the devotees. In November this year, the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom anniversary) of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, was observed with great devotion and respect at Sri Anandpur Sahib adding that elaborate arrangements were also made to mark this occasion,” he concluded.

==============================

*Punjab Vidhan Sabha pays rich tribute to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and His Sahibzadas*

Chandigarh, 30 December 2025:The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today started 11th special session of 16th Punjab Legislative Assembly by paying rich tributes to the Sahibzadas, Mata Gujri Ji and Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He remembered the supreme sacrifice made by Guru Sahib and His sons for protecting the Sikh community from the cruelty of tyranny Mugal rulers. He said Guru Sahib promoted universal brotherhood, secularism and protected human rights. His unparrelled sacrifice will always be remembered across the globe and remain unmatched in human history.

Speaking on the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Session, Hon'ble Chief Minister Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, AAP MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, AAP MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura, BSP MLA Nachhatar Pal, Independent MLA Rana Inder Pratap Singh, SAD MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali and INC MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh paid heartfelt tributes to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and His Sahibzadas.

=====================================

*DR BALBIR SINGH TERMS VB-G RAM G BILL AS 'SECOND MURDER OF MAHATMA GANDHI', EXPOSES CENTRE'S 'RED HERRINGS' AGAINST POOR*

*— FUNDS ARE GOING TO STATES ONLY WHERE THERE ARE ELECTIONS, SAYS DR BALBIR SINGH*

*— ASSERTS FARMERS' MOVEMENT FORCED CENTRE TO REPEAL LAWS, WARNS OF SIMILAR FIGHT AGAINST ANTI-POOR SCHEMES*

CHANDIGARH, December 30:Launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government, Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday termed the 'Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)' (VB-G RAM G) as a deceptive ploy and a second murder of Mahatma Gandhi. He accused the Centre of using "Red Herrings" to mislead the public while systematically dismantling the ethos of guaranteed employment.

While addressing the house during the discussion on an official resolution during the special session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Cabinet Minister painted a picture of blatant hypocrisy. “Their (BJP led Central Government) strategy is “Muh Mei Ram Ram, Bagal Mei Chhurri” (Ram Ram on the lips, but a dagger under the arm). They speak of Garib Kalyan but their policies are a knife in the back of the poor," he stated, questioning the very name of the scheme. "What does this 'Ram G' have to do with Lord Ram? The real 'Maryada Purushottam' acted for the welfare of the poor. This scheme does the opposite."

Elaborating on the "daggers" aimed at the people, Dr Balbir Singh highlighted that the first dagger is this VB G RAM G scheme itself, which is the second murder of Mahatma Gandhi. He detailed how the Centre has moved from a demand-driven to a supply-driven model, where bureaucrats decide fund allocation through an opaque 'Normative' system, stripping Gram Sabhas of their rightful power to plan and execute works based on local needs.

The Minister termed second "dagger" to the arbitrary categorisation of villages into A, B, C types, a move apparently aimed at excluding B and C type villages which will leave many in lurch from guaranteed work.

The Cabinet Minister also highlighted the wilful neglect of Punjab, stating, "Punjab has not received material cost for the last 2.5-3 years. How can labour work without material? Where natural disasters like floods occur, work days should be increased from 100 to 150, but Punjab is denied. However, Bihar, where elections were due, was given Rs 1,370 crore this year. Funds are going to states only where there are elections," he alleged.

Concluding with a firm resolve, Dr Balbir Singh drew a parallel to the historic farmers' movement. "I sat at the borders for 13 months. The farmers, by forcing the repeal of the agri-laws, have shown the way. The Seeds Bill and the Electricity (Amendment) Bill are links in the same chain designed to impoverish the poor and the farmers further. The time has come to teach a lesson to those playing with the lives of the people. We will force them to withdraw these anti-people policies just like the farm laws were taken back,” he said.

=============================

FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA DECLARES ‘VIKSIT BHARAT – GRAM G’ AS AN ATTACK ON THE POOR AND FEDERALISM*

*READS POIGNANT LETTER FROM WOMAN WORKER HIGHLIGHTING SCHEME'S IMPORTANCE*

*APPEALS, LETTERS FROM MGNREGA WORKERS TO BE FORWARDED TO PMO*

*ACCUSES CENTRE OF WORKING AGAINST PRINCIPLES OF SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC*

*HIGHLIGHTS AAP GOVERNMENT'S INITIATIVES INCLUDING RESERVATION IN AG OFFICE, LOAN WAIVERS AND RECORD ALLOCATION UNDER SC/ST SUB-PLAN*

Chandigarh, December 30-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Union Government, accusing it of systematically dismantling the MGNREGA scheme and stripping the poor of their right to a livelihood. Speaking in the Vidhan Sabha in support of a resolution against the recent changes and the renaming of the MGNREGA scheme to ‘Viksit Bharat – GRAM G’, Cheema labelled the move as an "assault on the stomachs of the marginalised."

During his address, the Finance Minister read a poignant letter from a woman worker, Charanjit Kaur, which highlighted the fears of thousands of rural labourers. Kaur’s letter expressed the anxiety that changing rules and centralised village lists would deprive children of education and the elderly of medicine. Cheema emphasised that by centralising the scheme and moving to complex mobile-based attendance, the Union Government is snatching away the "Guarantee" of work that was once the backbone of rural survival.

Accusing the BJP of working against the spirit of the Constitution authored by Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Finance Minister slammed the BJP-led Union Government for working against the spirit of the Constitution, authored by Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He emphasised that the Preamble to the Constitution, which embodies the fundamental principles and values of the nation, is being undermined by the Centre's policies. The Preamble reads, "We, the People of India, solemnly resolve to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic." The Finance Minister said that the Supreme Court of India has repeatedly pronounced in its judgments that the Preamble to the Constitution cannot be changed or disturbed, affirming its sacrosanct nature.

In a strongly worded critique, Finance Minister Cheema further added that the Union Government is attempting to turn the country's labourers into "bonded labourers" and "slaves" of a centralised system by centralising every scheme. This approach, he argued, is destroying cooperative federalism, stripping states of their rights, and weakening local economies, which he described as a direct attack on the soul of democracy.

Raising strong objections to the renaming of the scheme after religious icons, Cheema said that while the world respects Lord Rama, using a religious name for a government scheme is a political tactic to shield the government from criticism. He warned that this creates a dangerous precedent where protesters seeking wages or rights can be labelled as being disrespectful to religious sentiments.

Contrasting the Center's policies with the Punjab Government's initiatives, Cheema highlighted that the Aam Aadmi Party is working day and night for the elevation of the Dalit community through concrete actions. He pointed out that for the first time in Punjab’s history, the Dalit community has received unprecedented representation with 6 out of 15 ministers in the Mann cabinet. In another historic first, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appointed the state's first Dalit Finance Minister, a position that previous Congress and Akali regimes never entrusted to a Dalit leader.

The Minister further detailed the tangible benefits delivered to the community, noting that the AAP government has already provided government jobs to over 15,000 Dalit youth. Financial empowerment has been a cornerstone of this agenda, as the state has successfully waived the loans of almost 5000 underprivileged Dalit families, a move never seen under prior administrations. Most significantly, the 2025-26 budget reflects this commitment by allocating approximately Rs 14,000 crore under the SC/ST Sub-Plan (SCSP). This represents the highest allocation in Punjab's history, ensuring that 34% of the total development budget is dedicated specifically to the upliftment of marginalised and deprived sections.

Cheema also celebrated the success of the Education Revolution, where over 267 students from government schools, many of the children of labourers, have cleared JEE and 235 got admission, 847 cleared NEET and 560 got admissions, many more students from state government schools cleared such competition examinations for the first time in such a big number. He challenged the opposition to quote such examples from their regimes. He further added that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has also extended this empowerment for the first time to the legal field as well, where the implementation of 25% reservation for Dalit lawyers in the Advocate General’s office has led to the appointment of 58 children of poor people, sanitation workers to high-ranking legal positions. He said that Punjab is the only state in India to provide such a reservation to Dalit lawyers.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema concluded by warning the Union Government of a massive nationwide movement, announcing that the Punjab Government and the Aam Aadmi Party would stand firmly in support of the labourers. He urged the Speaker to forward the hundreds of letters received from MGNREGA workers, many bearing thumb impressions, to the Prime Minister's Office to demonstrate the human cost of these policy changes. "We will not allow the BJP to snatch the bread from the mouths of our workers to serve corporate interests," Cheema declared.

============================================

*BJP has dismantled MGNREGA & snatched employment guarantee of Dalits and poor: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Akali Dal is equally complicit in this wrongdoing, which is why it remains silent on dismantling of MGNREGA: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*AAP will become voice of Dalits & workers and will take their concerns to PM: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Suffering from a ‘Anti-Punjab syndrome’, BJP-led Union Govt is continuously taking decisions against Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*On one hand, Centre provides subsidies to favoured industrialists, and on other, it takes away rights of poor: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*By snatching right to food from Dalits & poor, how can India become ‘Vishwaguru’ or ‘Viksit Bharat’? CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Running away from debate exposes Congress’s anti-poor mindset & its collusion with BJP: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab Vidhan Sabha, during special session, passes resolution demanding continuation of MGNREGA & opposing changes made by Union Govt*

CHANDIGARH, 30th December 2025:During the special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the newly rechristened ‘Viksit Bharat – Guarantee Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G)’ is aimed at snatching food, jobs and dignity from Dalits, women and the poorest families. He asserted that by rushing the new law through Parliament within just 14 hours, the Union government has hollowed out the very soul of the rights-based Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme.

Demanding its immediate rollback, the Chief Minister said the move exposes the BJP’s anti-Punjab mindset, rewards favoured industrialists at the cost of the common people of the country, and raises a fundamental question about how India can aspire to be ‘Vishav Guru’ or ‘Viksit Bharat’ while depriving the weakest sections of their basic right to food and livelihood, while also calling out the Akali Dal’s studied silence as deliberate and opportunistic.

Winding up the debate during special session convened to discuss the issue, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the centre has killed the basic spirit of the MGNREGA scheme by changing its name to ‘VB-G RAM (G)’, which takes away the right to guaranteed wages / employment from poor workers, women, and lakhs of job card holding families and imposes an additional financial burden on the states. “Earlier MGNREGA, which was carefully conceived by former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, was introduced after years of deliberations. However, now VB-G RAM G has been passed by the Parliament only within a few hours,” he noted.

The Chief Minister said that unfortunately the Union government has changed the basic character of the scheme as the MGNREGA was demand driven scheme whereas VB - G RAM G is a norm based scheme, which is not in the interest of people. “During the last financial year, under the MGNREGA scheme implemented in Punjab, the participation of women has been registered at 60% and that for Scheduled castes, it has been 70%, meaning thereby majority of the beneficiaries under the MGNREGA scheme have been belonging to the most marginalised sections of the Society,” he pointed out.

As such, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that with the implementation of the provisions of the new Act, the economic condition of such marginalised sections will worsen with the lack of employment opportunities.

So, the Chief Minister said that the provisions of the new Act are aimed at weakening both the SCs and women socially and economically, resulting in widening of inequality causing further avoidable distress. “The Union government's act is totally aimed at snatching food from the common man who have been immensely benefited from the MGNREGA scheme. Earlier the weaker sections got assured employment through the scheme but now this purpose will be defeated,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that instead of giving guarantee of MSP to the farmers on crops, the Union government has now snatched the guarantee given to the labourers for the work by their predecessors, which will cause a lot of distress. “This act is the game plan of the Union government just to corner the benefit to his blue eyed industrialists for whom even the trips of the Prime Minister in the foreign countries are also planned. It is ironic that the people sitting in cozy offices at the National capital will plan for development works in the villages of the state,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in reality BJP is suffering from anti-Punjab syndrome due to which they take the decisions against the interests of the state with every passing day.

Citing the decisions of the Union government on Chandigarh, Panjab University, BBMB and others, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every move of the Union government is aimed at looting the interests of the people. “It is due to its anti-Punjab mindset that the Modi government is hell bent on ruining the state by taking a series of decisions to harm the interests of Punjab,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that God forbid if the will of BJP led NDA government prevails then they will omit the name of Punjab from the national anthem also. “The Union government has been repeatedly indulging in such step motherly acts with the people of the state as they are against Punjab and Punjabis. The Union government first deprived the SC youth of avenues in the Army by launching the Agniveer scheme and now the changing of the scheme is another assault on their kitchen,” he highlighted.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, “On one hand friends of Sahib like Adanis are getting one or other subsidy whereas on the other hand the budgets of the pro-poor schemes are being reduced on the name of fiscal management by the Modi government. ‘Master of phraseology’ is just playing with the numbers to fool the people about these schemes; this will not be tolerated. Rather than changing the name of the scheme, the Union government should have focused on the welfare of people.”

He questioned how India can become Vishav Guru or Viksit Bharat by depriving the poor of food and other basic civic amenities adding that this is really condemnable. Quipping on the silence of Akali Dal over the issue, the Chief Minister dared the Akali leaders to explain why they are maintaining stoic silence over the BJP leaders uploading cartoons of great Guru sahibans on their social media handles. “Apparently the Akali leadership is tight lipped as they are waiting for the opportunity to strike an alliance with the saffron party before the assembly polls,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that for the coming eight months Akalis will be mute spectators to all the misdeeds of the BJP led Union government in hope of getting an alliance.

He also assailed the BJP leaders from the state for their silence over the issues pertaining to Punjab and Punjabis adding that they are not loyal to people of the state. “It is a conspiracy of the Union government to snatch food from the poor sections of the society through this scheme adding that the state government will never allow the nefarious designs of the centre to succeed,” the CM said.

Listing pro-poor initiatives of the Punjab government, the Chief Minister said that for the state government has given reservation to the SC lawyers in AG office of the state adding that seats have been reserved for SC students in flying schools of Amritsar and Patiala to empower the weaker and underprivileged sections of the society.

Taking a jibe over Congress leaders, he said that leaders like Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi speak for the welfare of the people whereas the Congress leaders are just concerned about their vested interests. “Rather than stopping low in politics, the entire Punjab should join hands to vehemently oppose this anti-poor move of the Union government,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that we are the A team of the public and will take every step for the well being of the state and its people. He cautioned the Union government to refrain from taking such anti-people actions else the people of the state will not allow them to enter the villages. “The Punjab government will oppose this bill tooth and nail adding that it will not succeed the Union government in these evil designs,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that the Union government is hell bent upon depriving the weaker and underprivileged sections which will not be allowed at any cost. “This is a direct assault on the dignity and pride of the Schedule Caste brethren which cannot be tolerated. This move of the centre is unwarranted and undesirable adding that the state government is a custodian of the rights of the Punjabis and no one will be allowed to rob them,” he added.

The Chief Minister also slammed the Congress party for indulging in cheap tactics to derail the issue adding that the Congress should clear its stand whether they accept the new scheme or not. “The Congress party wants to just run away from the debate on pretext of one reason or another as they are having an aristocratic mindset. It reflects the anti-poor stance of the Congress and their connivance with the BJP due to which they don’t want to discuss this issue,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is unfortunate that when the house should have discussed the anti-poor tirade being unleashed by the Union government, the Congress is indulging in such tantrums. “Congress has been wiped out from the political scene of the country, and the real face of the Congress has been exposed. The leader of Congress has been spitting venom against the prominent SC leaders of their own party which is a reflection of their feudal mindset,” he asserted.

Lashing out at Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann described him as a power hungry politician, who is keen on getting the attention from the people. “Sukhpal Singh Khaira indulges in cheap tantrums to hog media limelight especially when the party, in which he is in, is contemplating the change of leadership. Instead of raising the issues of state and its people, the Congress MLA is more concerned with personal publicity due to which he even doesn’t hesitate to violate decorum of the house,” he concluded.

*Punjab Assembly condemns dismantling of MGNREGA as an assault on Dalit survival and dignity*

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution moved by Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond. The resolution recorded that the BJP-led Union government’s actions amount not merely to an administrative rollback but to a direct assault on the livelihood, dignity, and survival of Dalit workers and poor Dalit families.

The House affirmed that MGNREGA was the last economic lifeline that enabled Dalit workers to find employment in their villages, educate their children, and live with self-respect. It held that dismantling the scheme reflects a deeply anti-Dalit mindset and will force Dalits to migrate to urban jhuggi settlements in search of survival.

The resolution further stated that by undermining MGNREGA, the BJP forfeits any moral authority to seek Dalit votes. It also flagged the silence of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on the issue as culpable.

The House therefore demanded the immediate reversal of the decision, the full restoration of MGNREGA in its original rights-based form, and a guaranteed assurance of work and timely wages. The resolution concluded by reiterating that the Punjab Assembly stands firmly with Dalits and the working poor.

===============================

*PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA PAYS TRIBUTES TO DEPARTED SOULS*

*Chandigarh, December 30:*The Punjab Vidhan Sabha, on Tuesday paid tributes to departed souls who had passed away since the last session of the Assembly.

During the 11th (special) session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the House paid respects to the departed soul of Shivraj Patil, former Governor, Punjab and former Union Minister, Jagtar Singh Multani, former Minister, Tara Singh Ladal, former State Minister, Tarlochan Singh Soondh, former MLA, Dharmendra Singh Deol, famous Bollywood Star and former Member of the Lok Sabha, Rajvir Singh Jawanda, Singer, Gobinder Singh Sohal, internationally acclaimed painter, Puran Shah Koti, the legendary Punjabi musician and teacher, and Balbir Singh Grewal father of MLA Daljit Singh Bhola.

A two-minute silence was observed in the memory of departed souls as a mark of respect during the obituary references.

=============================================

*GOVERNMENT OF STATE OF PUNJAB*

*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declares ‘VB-G RAM (G)’ as attack on poor & on federalism*

*Harpal Singh Cheema reads poignant letter from woman worker highlighting importance of MGNREGA; appeals that letters from MGNREGA workers be forwarded to PM’s Office*

*Centre is working against principles of sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*AAP Govt's initiatives including reservation in AG office, loan waivers & record allocation under SC/ST Sub-Plan: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 30th December 2025-Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Union Government, pointing out that the Centre is systematically dismantling the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) scheme and stripping the poor of their right to a livelihood. Speaking in the Vidhan Sabha in support of a resolution against the recent changes and the renaming of the MGNREGA scheme to ‘Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)’ (VB-G RAM G), Cheema labelled the move as an "assault on the stomachs of the marginalised."

During his address, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema read a poignant letter from a woman worker, Charanjit Kaur, which highlighted the fears of thousands of rural labourers. Charanjit Kaur’s letter expressed the anxiety that changing rules and centralised village lists would deprive children of education and the elderly of medicine.

The Finance Minister emphasised that by centralising the scheme and moving to complex mobile-based attendance, the Union Government is snatching away the ‘Guarantee’ of work that was once the backbone of rural survival.

Pointing out the BJP is working against the spirit of the Constitution authored by Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema slammed the BJP-led Union Government for working against the spirit of the Constitution, authored by Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. “The Preamble to the Constitution, which embodies the fundamental principles and values of the nation, is being undermined by the Centre's policies. The Preamble reads, ‘We, the People of India, solemnly resolve to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic’,” he added.

The Finance Minister said that the Supreme Court of India has repeatedly pronounced in its judgments that the Preamble to the Constitution cannot be changed or disturbed, affirming its sacrosanct nature.

In a strongly worded critique, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The Union Government is attempting to turn the country's workers into ‘bonded labourers’ and ‘slaves’ of a centralised system by centralising every scheme. This approach is destroying cooperative federalism, stripping states of their rights, and weakening local economies, is a direct attack on the soul of democracy.”

Raising strong objections to the renaming of the scheme after religious icons, Harpal Singh Cheema said that while the world respects Lord Rama, using a religious name for a government scheme is a political tactic to shield the government from criticism. “This creates a dangerous precedent where protesters seeking wages or rights can be labelled as being disrespectful to religious sentiments,” he warned.

Contrasting the Center's policies with the Punjab Government's initiatives, Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted that the AAP is working day and night for the elevation of the Dalit community through concrete actions. “For the first time in Punjab’s history, the Dalit community has received unprecedented representation with 6 out of 15 ministers in the Bhagwant Singh Mann cabinet. In another historic first, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appointed the state's first Dalit Finance Minister, a position that previous Congress and Akali regimes never entrusted to a Dalit leader,” he added.

The Minister further detailed the tangible benefits delivered to the community, noting that the AAP government has already provided government jobs to over 15,000 Dalit youth. “Financial empowerment has been a cornerstone of this agenda, as the state has successfully waived the loans of almost 5000 underprivileged Dalit families, a move never seen under prior administrations. Most significantly, the 2025-26 budget reflects this commitment by allocating approximately ₹14,000 crore under the SC/ST Sub-Plan (SCSP). This represents the highest allocation in Punjab's history, ensuring that 34% of the total development budget is dedicated specifically to the upliftment of marginalised and deprived sections,” he noted.

Harpal Singh Cheema also celebrated the success of the Education Revolution, where over 267 students from government schools, many of the children of labourers, have cleared JEE and 235 got admission, 847 cleared NEET and 560 got admissions, many more students from state government schools cleared such competition examinations for the first time in such a big number.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema challenged the opposition to quote such examples from their regimes. “CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has also extended this empowerment for the first time to the legal field as well, where the implementation of 25% reservation for Dalit lawyers in the Advocate General’s office has led to the appointment of 58 children of poor people, sanitation workers to high-ranking legal positions. Punjab is the only state in India to provide such a reservation to Dalit lawyers,” added the Minister.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema concluded by warning the Union Government of a massive nationwide movement, announcing that the Punjab Government and the AAP would stand firmly in support of the workers

He urged the Speaker to forward the hundreds of letters received from MGNREGA workers, many bearing thumb impressions, to the Prime Minister's Office to demonstrate the human cost of these policy changes. "We will not allow the BJP to snatch the bread from the mouths of our workers to serve corporate interests," declared the Minister

============================================

*YEAR-ENDER 2025: WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT*_

*OVER RS.5640-CR INVESTMENT DRIVES CANAL MODERNISATION, MANN GOVT ACCELERATES IRRIGATION AND WATER SECURITY WORKS ACROSS PUNJAB*

*RESTORATION OF 18349 WATERCOURSES SPANNING OVER 6900 KM ENSURES TAIL-END IRRIGATION AND CANAL WATER TO NEW COMMAND AREAS*

*SIRHIND FEEDER RELINING AND MAJOR CANAL CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT TO CHECK WATERLOGGING AND IMPROVE DISCHARGE*

*LAST-MILE CONNECTIVITY AND GROUNDWATER RECHARGE INITIATIVES TO SECURE IRRIGATION AND WATER SUSTAINABILITY*

*MORE THAN 1300 LOCATIONS RECEIVED CANAL WATER FOR IRRIGATION FOR FIRST TIME*

*FOR FIRST TIME AFTER INDEPENDENCE, CARRYING CAPACITY OF MAJOR CANALS INCLUDING SIRHIND CANAL AND PATIALA FEEDER ENHANCED: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL*

*Chandigarh, December 30:*Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Tuesday, informed that the year 2025 marked a decisive phase for irrigation expansion and water management in the state with sustained public investment and field-driven execution. He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government adopted a farmer-centric approach focusing on canal efficiency, tail-end delivery and groundwater recharge to meet both present and future needs. With record financial outlays and revival of long-neglected infrastructure, the Water Resources Department ensured equitable water availability across regions, particularly in drought-prone and waterlogged belts.

Divulging further, the Cabinet Minister said, development works exceeding Rs.5640 crore have been undertaken from FY 2022-23 to 2025-26. Projects worth over Rs.878 crore were completed in FY 2022-23, followed by Rs.1251 crore in FY 2023-24, Rs.1786 crore in FY 2024-25 and Rs.1725 crore earmarked for FY 2025-26. These works included lining and repair of canals and watercourses, enabling reliable canal water supply to tail-end farmers. Around 2600 km of canal lining has been completed during the last three years, including more than 960 km in FY 2024-25 alone. The current year placed special focus on brick-lined and pipeline watercourses to strengthen last-mile irrigation.

To address chronic waterlogging and seepage, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said, the Department undertook relining of the Sirhind Feeder at a cost of around Rs.774.80 crore. Nearly 100 km of relining work has been completed under this project.

"For the first time after Independence, the carrying capacity of major canals including Sirhind Canal and Patiala Feeder has been enhanced, ensuring better discharge control and improved irrigation reach across command areas", categorically said the Cabinet Minister.

Sh. Goyal said a statewide watercourse restoration drive brought back to life 18349 watercourses spanning over 6,900 km that had remained damaged or abandoned for 20 to 30 years. As a result, more than 1300 locations received canal water for irrigation for the first time, including over 400 locations during FY 2024-25. He said a restrictive government policy that blocked repair of watercourses prior to 25 years was revoked. Following this decision, repair works were taken up on priority through MGNREGA and convergence with state funds. Over the last two years, more than 1277 watercourses measuring above 900 km have been repaired or restored.

The Water Resources Minister said works worth around Rs.870 crore covering nearly 3445 km of pipelines and brick-lined watercourses are underway in FY 2025-26 to ensure last-mile connectivity.

He said that three new canals are being constructed in Pathankot district to provide surface water to the area for the first time. On groundwater recharge, around 900 check dams have been constructed on choes and rivulets, 189 canal recharge sites completed and 60 new recharge schemes are under execution. Besides this, 127 new ponds are being dug and connected with canals, while 66 existing ponds are being linked to canal systems. More than 3200 soak pits have also been taken up for construction to strengthen aquifer replenishment.

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*”VB-G RAM G” A CRUEL HOAX WITH POOR, AMAN ARORA SLAMS CENTRE FOR RIPPING HEART OUT OF GUARANTEED EMPLOYMENT*

\*• Previous regimes siphoned MGNREGA funds; Mann Govt recovers ₹2-CR & takes action against 42 individuals: Aman Arora*

*• We utilised over 5K crore under MGNREGA in just three & half years, far from SAD-BJP’s a decade long regime*

*•Can Centre afford to guarantee 125 days work under new scheme as it requires Rs. 6.70 lakh crore, equivalent to defence budget, Arora questions BJP leadership*

*• Won’t let opposition deceive Punjab’s people, says Arora*

Chandigarh, December 30:–Mounting a fierce and factual offensive against the BJP-led Centre Government for dismantling MGNREGA and misleading the poor, Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president Mr. Aman Arora termed the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), VB-G RAM G, a calculated move to deny guaranteed employment.

While addressing the house during discussion on official resolution on VB-G RAM G during special session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Aman Arora challenged the very foundation of the scheme. He stated, "They talk about an 'average' of 26 days of employment in Punjab. Even if we accept this dubious average, my question is, what was the purpose of increasing the days from 100 to 125? This is nothing but making fools of the people. If a MGNREGA labourer knows he won't get wages for 6-8 months, will he show up for work? Even if Panchayats want to start projects, how will they pay for materials if funds are not released from the top? The Centre has single-handedly killed this scheme."

He elaborated that the original law was demand-driven, guaranteeing work as per the need of the workers. "Now, it has been made supply-driven. The Centre sitting in Delhi will decide which state, district, block and village will get work. They have ripped out the very heart of the guaranteed employment”, Mr. Arora asserted.

Presenting stark calculations to BJP MLA Ashwani Sharma, Mr Arora stated, "In Punjab alone, we have around 30.20 lakh job card holders. If you promise them 125 days at Rs 346 per day, the required budget is over Rs 13,062 crores. With 15.5 crore job card holders nationwide, guaranteeing 125 days of work at Rs 346 per day would cost a whopping Rs 6.70 lakh crore - roughly equivalent to India's entire defence budget. If the Centre is promising this in the upcoming budget, only then we can believe their guarantee. Otherwise, it is a cruel hoax."

Turning the tables on the opposition for alleging corruption in MGNREGA, Mr. Aman Arora said that the scams had happened during the SAD-BJP and Congress regimes. He stated that they siphoned money, but Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has recovered Rs 2 crores of looted public money and took strict action against 42 individuals.

Citing official data, Mr. Aman Arora revealed, "Punjab has received Rs 11,700 crore under MGNREGA since 2005. In the 10 years of the Akali-BJP alliance (2007-2017) regime, only about Rs 1988 crores were utilised under the scheme in Punjab. In 5 years (2017-2022) of Congress rule, it was Rs 4708 crores were utilised under MGNREGA. In contrast, in just three and half years rule of the CM Mann-led AAP government has ensured that Rs 5,131 crores reached the homes of the poor, despite the Centre withholding funds for months under the scheme.

Urging the Chief Minister to order a probe into MGNREGA scams that occurred in Muktsar, Gidderbaha, Abohar and Fazilka under previous regimes, which are the bastions of Congress state president and former Minister Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and BJP State President Sunil Kumar Jakhar, he said that the opposition's own leaders were involved in scandals. Now, they shed crocodile tears, but we won’t let them deceive Punjab’s people.

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