Punjab Plans to Include MGNREGA Workers in BOC Welfare Board: Tarunpreet Singh Sond
Chandigarh, March 28:Punjab Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, while responding to a question in the Vidhan Sabha, stated that the state government has a plan to include all MGNREGA workers under the Building and Other Construction Workers' (BOCW) Welfare Board.
Responding to a query raised by MLA Dinesh Chadha, the minister informed that, as of March 28, 2025, a total of 11,16,651 construction workers are registered with the BOC Welfare Board. This marks an increase from 9,63,699 workers on January 1, 2022, indicating the registration of an additional 1,52,953 workers over the past three years. He further stated that workers seeking registration must apply and submit a fee of Rs. 145.
He added that to expand the number of registered workers, awareness camps are regularly organized by the board, where construction workers are informed about various welfare schemes and encouraged to register to avail their benefits. Additionally, to streamline and expedite the registration process, the Punjab Kirti Sahayak mobile application has been launched, enabling workers to register from their homes without the need to visit any office.
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KHUDIAN ORDERS CRACKDOWN AGAINST SALE OF SPURIOUS COTTON, UNAUTHORIZED HYBRID PADDY SEEDS
•CONCERNED CHIEF AGRICULTURE OFFICER TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IF ANYONE FOUND SELLING UNAUTHORISED SEEDS, SAYS AGRICULTURE MINISTER
•Appoint Nodal Officers to closely monitor & prevent the entry of spurious seeds from neighbouring states
Chandigarh, March 28:In the wake of forthcoming Kharif season, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Friday, ordered strict action against the sale of spurious cotton and unauthorized hybrid paddy seeds. The move aims to protect farmers from fraudulent practices and ensure their financial security.
S. Khudian, along with Admin Secretary Agriculture Dr. Basant Garg, was presiding over a high-level VC meeting with all the Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) and Joint Directors to review the ongoing projects here at Punjab Civil Secretariat’s committee room.
"If unauthorised hybrid paddy seeds are found being sold in any district, the concerned Chief Agriculture Officer will be held responsible and strict action will be followed," S. Khudian warned, while instructing all CAOs to take swift and decisive action against those involved in the production and distribution of spurious cotton seeds, besides conducting raids on suspected warehouses and shops, confiscating illegal stocks of seeds and pursuing legal action against offenders.
S. Khudian directed CAOs in border districts to appoint Nodal Officers to closely monitor and prevent the entry of spurious seeds from neighbouring states. He stressed that only certified and authorised paddy and cotton seeds should be available for sale to farmers in the market.
Emphasising the importance of protecting farmers from fraudulent practices that can lead to crop failure, financial losses, and overall decline in agricultural productivity, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian asked the Agriculture officials to launch an awareness campaign to educate farmers about the dangers of using spurious seeds and to encourage them to purchase only certified seeds recommended by PAU from authorised dealers.
Under the quality control drive in FY 2024-25, Director Agriculture Jaswant Singh apprised the Agriculture Minister said that the department had collected 4465 pesticide samples, of which 116 were found substandard. Consequently, 116 licenses have been cancelled and five FIRs were registered. Similarly, 3592 fertiliser samples were collected, with 96 found substandard, leading to the cancellation of 102 licenses and the registration of eight FIRs. Furthermore, 5218 seed samples were collected, and 137 failed the quality test, prompting appropriate action.
To further strengthen the department, the Agriculture Minister directed all the district chiefs to send vacancies and promotion cases of their districts at the earliest.
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Punjab Government releases ₹9.55 crore for beneficiaries belonging to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections: Dr. Baljit Kaur
1872 Beneficiaries from 11 districts to be benefitted under Ashirwad Scheme
Says, State Government provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 under Ashirwad Scheme
Chandigarh, March 28:Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has released an amount of ₹9.55 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme for 1,872 beneficiaries belonging to Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections during the current financial year 2024-25.
Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the Ashirwad Scheme, applications of 1,872 beneficiaries from districts Amritsar, Barnala, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Sri Muktsar Sahib, SBS Nagar, and Tarn Taran were received on the Ashirwad Portal during this year. To cover these beneficiaries, a total amount of ₹9.55 crore has been released.
The Cabinet Minister added that through this amount, financial assistance has been provided to 865 beneficiaries from Amritsar, 17 from Barnala, 81 from Bathinda, 71 from Ferozepur, 34 from Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 152 from Hoshiarpur, 58 from Kapurthala, 326 from Ludhiana, 84 from Sri Muktsar Sahib, 105 from SBS Nagar, and 79 beneficiaries from Tarn Taran.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that under the Ashirwad Scheme, the State Government provides financial assistance of ₹51,000 for the marriage of girls belonging to low-income families in Punjab.
She informed that to avail the benefit of the Ashirwad Scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab, belonging to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, from Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, or Economically Weaker Sections, and the family’s annual income from all sources should be less than ₹32,790. Two daughters from such families are eligible for assistance under this scheme.
The Cabinet Minister also mentioned that the financial assistance is directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). She said that the Punjab Government is working diligently to uplift the standard of living of all sections of society and to strengthen them economically.
Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed not only to the welfare of various sections but also consistently working for the well-being of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections.
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Passage of Indian Stamps (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 will promote business-friendly environment
Bill aims to reduce business costs and boost economic growth in Punjab: Mundian
Chandigarh, March 28-Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister Hardip Singh Mundian has said that the Indian Stamps (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today will promote business-friendly environment in the state. This will reduce business costs and boost economic growth in Punjab.
In a press statement issued here today, Mr. Mundian said that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has introduced the ‘the Indian Stamps (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025’ in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today to amend the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 to promote a business-friendly environment in the state, and the passage of the bill will bring great relief to the people of the state.
The Minister said that with the passage of this bill, if a person has already paid stamp duty on a loan and later transfers the mortgaged property to another bank or financial institution without changing the mortgage property, then no additional stamp duty will be charged, unless the new loan amount is more than the previous amount. In this case, the duty will be levied only on the additional amount.
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Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes three bills
Chandigarh, March 28The Punjab Vidhan Sabha passed three bills today during the legislative business on the last day of the budget session.
Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister Hardip Singh Mundian introduced ‘The Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025’.
Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar introduced ‘The Transfer of Prisoners (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025’ and Mines Minister Barinder Goel introduced ‘The Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units and Stockists and Retailers Bill 2025’.
All the three bills were passed by the Vidhan Sabha.
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New Initiative by Punjab Government for Working Women; Six New Working Women Hostels to be Constructed: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Accommodation Facility for 800 Women; Construction to Cost ₹150 Crore
Says, Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann committed to Women Empowerment
Chandigarh, March 28:The Punjab Government is consistently making new efforts to facilitate and ensure a comfortable environment for working women. As part of these initiatives, for the first time in Punjab, six Working Women Hostels will be constructed. This was expressed today in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha by the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, while responding to a question raised by MLA Kulwant Singh.
Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that these hostels will be established in Mohali, Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Bathinda districts. Out of these, three hostels will be built in Mohali, and one each in Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Bathinda. The construction of these hostels is estimated to cost around ₹150 crore and will provide residential facilities to approximately 800 working women.
She further stated that the construction work is expected to commence by May 2025 and will be completed by March 31, 2026.
The Minister reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to the welfare, convenience, and empowerment of women. The Government is continuously taking new steps in this direction to ensure that women get the opportunity to lead a safe and self-reliant life.
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Punjab Vidhan Sabha adjourned sine-die
Chandigarh 28 March:An official spokesperson of Punjab Vidhan Sabha informed that the Sixteenth Punjab Vidhan Sabha, which was summoned to meet on the 21st March, 2025 for its 8th Budget Session, adjourned sine-die today i.e. 28th March, 2025.
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PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS PAK-BACKED ILLEGAL ARMS SMUGGLING RACKET; TWO HELD WITH FIVE SOPHISTICATED PISTOLS
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— ARRESTED ACCUSED PERSONS WERE FURTHER SUPPLYING WEAPONS TO ASSOCIATES OF GANGSTERS LAKHBIR LANDA AND SATTA NAUSHERA: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— PAK-BASED SMUGGLER AMAR WAS USING DRONES TO DROP WEAPON CONSIGNMENTS FROM ACROSS THE BORDER
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 28: In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a Pak-backed illegal arms smuggling racket with the arrest of two operatives— who were further supplying weapons to associates of foreign-based Gangsters Lakhbir Landa and Satta Naushera.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has identified the arrested persons as Fateh Singh and Gurpreet Singh, both residents of village Dhalla in Tarn Taran.
Police teams have also recovered five sophisticated pistols— two .30 bore PX5 pistols and three .30 bore star marked pistols— from their possession.
The DGP said that the team of CI Amritsar's Tarn Taran wing has received a reliable input that accused Fateh Singh and Gurpreet Singh have established relations with Pakistan-based smuggler identified as Amar of Gharak in Pakistan, who is using drones to deliver the weapons/ammunition consignments from across the border.
The input further revealed that accused Fateh and Gurpreet have recently retrieved a huge consignment of illegal arms/ammunition and are expected to deliver it near Government school of Eminence at Naraingarh in Amritsar, he said, while adding that acting swiftly, police teams from CI wing Tarn Taran launched an intel-based operation and managed to arrest both of the them with five pistols.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that Pak-based weapon smuggler Amar along with his associates was working in connivance with Gangsters Lakhbir Singh Landa and Satta Naushera of district Tarn Taran and supplying illegal weapons to their Indian associates with the help of drones. It was further revealed that both the arrested accused persons were constantly in touch with Pak-based smuggler Amar, he said.
He said that further investigation is being carried out to uncover deeper connections within this network and unveil backward and forward linkages.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 16 dated 27-03-25 has been registered under sections 25, 25(1)(A), 25(7) and 25(8) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.
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Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission issues Tariff Orders for FY 2025-26 for PSPCL & PSTCL
Chandigarh, March 28-The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission chaired by Chairperson Sh. Viswajeet Khanna, IAS (Retd) and Member Paramjeet Singh, District and Sessions Judge (Retd.) have issued the Tariff Orders containing tariff/charges for FY 2025-26 vide Orders dated 28.03.2025. In the Orders, the Commission has determined the true-up of FY 2023-24, ARR for FY 2025-26 and Determination of Tariff/charges applicable for FY 2025-26 in respect of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL). The Commission has decided to make the new tariff/charges applicable from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026.
PSPCL had submitted in its ARR petition that it has a revenue deficit of Rs. 5090.89 Crore up to FY 2025-26 and requested an increase of tariff accordingly. However, the Commission has determined the revenue surplus of Rs. 311.50 Crore after the requisite detailed prudence check. The revenue from the existing tariff is Rs. 47985.81 Crore. The net ARR required to be recovered from the Tariff of FY 2025-26 after adjusting the surplus of Rs. 311.50 Crore is Rs. 47674.31 Crore. The new tariff has been redesigned to recover the same.
Salient Features
1. The new tariff will be applicable from 01.04.2025 to 31.03.2026.
2. No increase in the fixed charges of any category of consumers.
3. In the case of DS and NRS, existing 3 No. Slabs in the consumer category merged to make only 2 slabs without any extra financial load on consumers. This will help towards easy preparation and consumer-friendly bills.
4. With the merging of slabs, while no consumer will be paying anything extra, DS consumers with more than 300 units will be paying lower charges by approximately Rs. 160/month for loads up to 2 kW, Rs. 90/month for loads above 2 kW & up to 7 kW and Rs. 32/month for loads above 7 kW & up to 20 kW. Similarly, for NRS consumers while no consumer will be paying anything higher, there has been a reduction of variable charges by 2 paisa/unit for consumption up to 500 units for consumers having loads up to 20 kW. Thus, for those NRS consumers consuming up to 500 units, the bill charges will be lower by approximately Rs. 110/month.
5. In the case of LS General Consumers, only 2 Slabs have been created i.e. one Above 100-1000kVA with reduced Fixed Charges (Rs.210/kW in place of Rs. 220/kW & the other of 1000kVA & above with Fixed Charges Rs. 280/kWh, which is the lower of the merged slabs).
6. "Voltage Rebate" is being continued to be given to all consumers with connected loads above 33 kV. It is also applicable to DS (including Charitable Hospitals set under the PWD Act), NRS, MS consumers (including water works supply Schemes & Compost / Solid Waste Management Plants for Municipalities/ Urban Local Bodies) and AP/AP High-Technology/High-Density Farming consumers getting supply at 11 kV. The voltage rebate shall be in addition to the capped energy charges (after considering the cumulative effect of the TOD rebate and the tariff of electricity exclusively used during night hours) of Rs. 5.50/kWh
7. In the mixed load industry, PIU loads having installed / connected kVA ratings up to 100 kVA were taken out of the PIU load category. The same benefit has been further extended to the next year i.e. FY 2025-26 also.
8. A special night tariff with 50% Fixed Charges and an Energy Charge of Rs.5.50/kVAh for all (LS/MS/SP) industrial consumers using electricity exclusively during the night hours of 10:00 PM to 06:00 AM next day has also been continued.
9. On the demand of the industry, the facility for use of electricity by the night category consumers, during the extended 4 hours of 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM at normal tariff has also been continued.
10. Cross-subsidies have been kept within the ±20% limits in line with the provisions of the National Tariff Policy.
11. To encourage PIU units to migrate to General Industry and to merge the tariff for Power Intensive Units and General Industry during FY 2025-26 itself, the Commission has already approved relaxation in the implementation of power quality regulation in Petition No. 49 of 2023 order dated 06.12.2023 and vide order in Petition No. 46 of 2024 to allow all the systems to be put in place for a smooth implementation of the power quality regulations.
12. The Commission has continued with the existing TOD (Time of Day tariff) period of 16th June to 15th October with the existing TOD surcharge of Rs. 2.0/kWh
over the normal tariff during 2025-26 also. There is no increase in the surcharge over last year.
13. A new category for Single Point Supply to Residential Colonies/Multi Storey Residential Complexes and Co-operative Group Housing Society/Employer in Domestic category has been introduced with reduced Fixed & Variable Charges (Fixed Charges Rs. 130/kVAh in place of the existing Rs. 140/kVAh & Variable Charges Rs. 6.75/kVAh in place of existing Rs. 6.96/kVAh).
14. The Commission has also worked out the green energy tariff for the consumers under the provisions of the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022. This is a tariff reduced to Rs. 0.39/kWh from the earlier tariff of Rs. 0.54/kWh applicable last year.
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Punjab Vidhan Sabha passes resolution to adopt Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024
Resolution moved by Dr. Ravjot Singh to adopt the Act
Chandigarh, March 28-The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday passed the resolution moved by Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh to adopt the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024. With the passing of this resolution, the adoption of this Act in Punjab has been approved.
Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the Parliament of India had enacted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 in 1974 to prevent and control water pollution and maintain the purity of water. He said that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, in compliance with Article 252 of the Constitution of India, through a resolution dated February 3, 1975, enacted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Similarly, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha had decided to adopt the Amendment Act-1978 through a resolution dated October 15, 1979. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha had also decided to adopt the Amendment Act-1988 through a resolution dated April 9, 1992.
The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said that this Amendment Act was enacted by the Parliament of India on February 15, 2024 and this Amendment Act was implemented for the first time in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Union Territories. Pertinently that this Act is applicable from the date of adoption in those states from which the resolution was passed by the Vidhan Sabha or the Legislative Council.
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Reports of various committees presented in Punjab Vidhan Sabha
Chandigarh, March 28-Reports of various committees were presented today during the budget session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
The 49th report of the Committee for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, MLA Kulwant Singh Bazigar.
The 53rd report of the Committee on Government Assurances was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, MLA Davinderjit Singh Ladi Dhos, the 46th report of the Subordinate Legislative Committee was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Amarpal Singh and the 17th report of the Questions and References Committee was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, MLA Jagroop Singh Gill.
Similarly, the third report of the Committee on Agriculture and Allied Activities was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, MLA Sarwan Singh Dhun and the first report of the Petitions Committee was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, MLA Manjit Singh Bilaspur.
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PRISONERS OF PUNJAB JAILS CAN NOW BE TRANSFERRED TO OTHER STATES
LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR INTRODUCES 'THE TRANSFER OF PRISONERS (PUNJAB AMENDMENT) BILL 2025', PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE WAS LEGAL AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER PRISONERS ACROSS STATE BOUNDARIES: JAIL MINISTER
Chandigarh, March 28:The Punjab government has legalized the transfer of prisoners from its state jails to other states. The 'Transfer of Prisoners (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025', introduced by Punjab Jails Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, was unanimously passed by the Punjab Legislative Assembly today.
S. Bhullar said, Punjab being a border state is confronting severe internal security challenges and various Punjab jails currently house high-risk inmates including those involved in anti-national activities, individuals linked with international agencies, terrorists, category 'A' gangsters, smugglers and dangerous criminals who attempt to operate their criminal networks from within prisons.
S. Bhullar informed that amending the Prisoners Transfer Act of 1950 had become imperative to establish a legal mechanism for transferring undertrial prisoners between states. "The existing legislation lacked provisions allowing Punjab's imprisoned undertrials to be relocated to jails in other states", he noted.
The Jail Minister further said that these amendments were crucial, considering the potential threats to law and order and the state's security and to ensure the smooth functioning of the prison system. The bill's core purpose was to provide legal authorization for transferring undertrial prisoners from Punjab to other states, he added.
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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’ CONTINUES ON DAY 28 AS PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 56 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER 463 RAIDS
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
— DAY LONG OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 33 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 1.6KG HEROIN, ₹63K DRUG MONEY
— OVER 200 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 92 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 492 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
CHANDIGARH, March 28:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 28th day, Punjab Police on Friday conducted raids at 463 locations leading to the arrest of 56 drug smugglers after registration of 33 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 4274 in just 28 days.
Police teams have also recovered 1.6 kg heroin, 3046 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 62940 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.
Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.
Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 92 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 492 suspicious persons during the day long operation.
He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.
The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced nine persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 114 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.
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PREVIOUS GOVTs FORMED NEXUS WITH MINING MAFIAS AND LOOTED EXCHEQUERS MONEY
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO REGULATE MINING SECTOR
- Revolutionary act to root-up mining mafia, bringing transparency to sector, says Aman Arora
- Legislation to ensure active participation and accountability from all stakeholders in the mining ecosystem, says Barinder Kumar Goyal
Chandigarh, March 28:In a significant move to regulate the mining and crusher industry in the state, Punjab Government has enacted "The Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units and Stockists and Retailers Bill 2025" to bring comprehensive regulation, transparency and accountability to a sector historically plagued by unregulated practices and systemic corruption, said Mr. Aman Arora, Punjab Cabinet Minister and the State President of Aam Aadmi Party.
Mr. Aman Arora, along with Mining & Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, was addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, on Friday.
Listing the key features of the revolutionary act passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha during the budget session, the Cabinet Minister said that under the act, the registration of all the crusher units, stockiest and retailers have been made mandatory to regulate the mining sector. "Under the new regulation, every entity in the mining ecosystem must register, ending the era of unaccounted and unregulated operations", said Aman Arora, while adding that each registered unit will be required to file monthly return, with strict penalties for non-compliance or misreporting.
Mr. Arora said that the act also introduces robust digital monitoring through an online portal that will track every aspect of mining operations from extraction to transportation. This transparent mechanism will eliminate the historical challenges of illegal mining and environmental degradation.
Addressing the media persons, Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the legislation also establishes an Environment Management Fund to address ecological concerns arising from crusher and mining activities.
Stressing the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government's commitment to cleaning up the mining sector, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that the act incorporates stringent punitive measures, range from substantial fines to license suspension, unit sealing and potential criminal proceedings against violators.
The cabinet ministers stressed that the legislation is not punitive but reformative and designed to convert the mining sector from a hub of malpractices to a clean, regulated business environment.
"The new law mandates that units failing to file returns for two consecutive months will have their licenses suspended, with termination following three months of non-compliance. This provision will ensure active participation and accountability from all stakeholders in the mining ecosystem, said the Cabinet Ministers, adding that this initiative of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's government is a revolutionary step towards transparent governance, aimed at protecting the interests of both the environment and honest business operators while systematically dismantling long-standing malpractices in the mining sector.
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No financial burden of electricity rates and expenditures on people: Harbhajan Singh ETO
Chandigarh, March 28:The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has successfully implemented people-centric policies that ensure no additional financial strain on the state's residents through electricity tariffs. In this series, the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission has determined electricity rates in a manner that preserves the financial stability of consumers. It was disclosed by Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in a press conference today.
The minister said that the recent tariff decisions would not escalate the fixed expenses for any consumer category.
With this decision of Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission,
no increase in the fixed charges of any category of consumers, he added.
The Cabinet Minister further said that in the case of DS and NRS, existing 3 No. Slabs in the consumer category merged to make only 2 slabs without any extra financial load on consumers. This will help towards easy preparation and consumer-friendly bills.
With the merging of slabs, while no consumer will be paying anything extra, DS consumers with more than 300 units will be paying lower charges by approximately Rs. 160/month for loads up to 2 kW, Rs. 90/month for loads above 2 kW & up to 7 kW and Rs. 32/month for loads above 7 kW & up to 20 kW. Similarly, for NRS consumers while no consumer will be paying anything higher, there has been a reduction of variable charges by 2 paisa/unit for consumption up to 500 units for consumers having loads up to 20 kW. Thus, for those NRS consumers consuming up to 500 units, the bill charges will be lower by approximately Rs. 110/month.
He said that a new category for Single Point Supply to Residential Colonies/Multi Storey Residential Complexes and Co-operative Group Housing Society/Employer in Domestic category has been introduced with reduced Fixed & Variable Charges (Fixed Charges Rs. 130/kVAh in place of the existing Rs. 140/kVAh & Variable Charges Rs. 6.75/kVAh in place of existing Rs. 6.96/kVAh).
Reiterating the government's core objective, the Cabinet minister stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's government is committed to the welfare of electricity consumers in Punjab.
He said that the 600 unit free electricity scheme launched by our government will also continue.