Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang on Thursday categorically clarified that the Punjab Government’s law against sacrilege is aimed solely at ensuring the strictest punishment for those who deliberately commit acts of sacrilege and has no intention of interfering in Sikh religious affairs, Sikh Rehat Maryada, or the rights of religious institutions.

Addressing a press conference, Kang said the Bhagwant Mann Government brought the legislation in response to the long-standing demand of the Sikh community for a strong legal framework to prevent repeated incidents of sacrilege and ensure that those responsible do not escape punishment.

He said that after the Punjab Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Bill, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib suggested certain amendments. The Punjab Government accepted these suggestions with utmost respect and has already submitted a draft incorporating the proposed changes. These amendments will be brought before the Punjab Legislative Assembly in the upcoming session.

Kang said the AAP government deeply respects Sri Akal Takht Sahib and all Sikh religious institutions. “Our objective has never been to interfere in Sikh religious affairs. The sole purpose of this law is to ensure that anyone who intentionally commits sacrilege faces the strictest legal punishment,” he said.

Clarifying concerns regarding the terminology used in the Bill, Kang announced that the government will amend the legislation to explicitly include the revered terms used for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, including “Bir” (ਬੀੜ) and “Saroop”, in accordance with Sikh traditions.

He also clarified the definition of “Custodian”, saying it does not refer to ownership but to a sevadar or caretaker entrusted with the service and protection of the holy Saroop. The term includes any individual, institution, dera, or Gurdwara committee responsible for the care of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Kang categorically stated that custodians or sevadars will not be presumed guilty merely because an unfortunate incident has occurred. If an incident takes place due to an unintentional mistake, technical lapse, or without any criminal intent, the penal provisions of the Act will not apply.

He further clarified that no custodian can be arrested immediately after a complaint. Every complaint must first undergo an independent investigation by an SP/DCP-level officer within 30 days, extendable by 15 days if required. During this period, the concerned SGPC authorities will also be informed, and no coercive action will be taken unless the investigation establishes deliberate wrongdoing.

Kang said the Act is specifically designed to target those who intentionally commit sacrilege or conspire to do so. Anyone found deliberately planning or facilitating such acts will also be liable under the provisions relating to criminal conspiracy.

Rejecting misinformation being spread about the Act, Kang clarified that it does not impose any restriction on the religious, educational, academic, or digital propagation of Gurbani. Activities such as Katha, Kirtan, research, religious discourse, Nagar Kirtans, Anand Karaj ceremonies, photography, live telecasts, or the respectful Prakash and Sukhasan of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in homes remain completely outside the scope of the law. Genuine devotees and sevadars have nothing to fear.

He also clarified that the unique encrypted identification number for every Saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji will be issued and maintained exclusively by the SGPC. The central register will remain fully encrypted and confidential and will never be placed in the public domain. Personal details of devotees or sevadars will also remain protected. Investigating agencies will be able to access records only through the SGPC and strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules.

Kang added that the Act also provides for a Medical Board examination in cases where an accused claims mental instability, ensuring that such provisions are not misused to help deliberate offenders escape punishment.

He said the Punjab Government will also urge the Central Government to enact a similar law across the country so that incidents of sacrilege can be dealt with uniformly throughout India.

“The Bhagwant Mann Government’s intention is absolutely clear. This law is not against the Sikh Sangat, sevadars, or religious institutions. It is meant only to ensure exemplary punishment for those who deliberately insult Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and to prevent such painful incidents from recurring,” Kang asserted.

Reinforcing its commitment to tackling drug addiction through a comprehensive approach, the Punjab government launched India’s first fellowship against substance abuse, the Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) in February 2026. Thirteen fellows from the first cohort of the programme are now working across Punjab to strengthen mental healthcare services.

LMHP fellows work across the state under the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative, supporting healthcare services and integrating a health- and community-first perspective in the state’s fight against drugs. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening the state’s mental healthcare system and ensuring that rehabilitation remains at the heart of Punjab’s fight against substance abuse.

Now, the Punjab Government plans to roll out applications for the second cohort of the programme — 10 fellows and seven Senior Associates — to create a robust state-wide network of trained young professionals covering all 23 districts.

Operating under the purview of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, in close collaboration with state’s Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit, LMHP is building a team of skilled mental health leaders who can drive evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation activities across the state. LMHP fellows are professionals from diverse backgrounds, including psychology, public health and social work who have committed to supporting the state’s anti-drug campaign for a period of two years. Selected through a rigorous selection process, the Fellows undergo intensive training in psychosocial interventions, relapse prevention, programme management, community-based rehabilitation, and leadership skills. The training is delivered with the support of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, the programme’s selection-cum-knowledge partner.

Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the programme focuses on combining leadership with empathy to restore families and hope across the state. He added, “Yudh Nashean Virudh is not just an initiative against drugs; it is a movement to reclaim Punjab’s youth. While strict action is being taken against drug peddlers and traffickers, we are equally committed to helping every victim of drug abuse return to a life full of dignity and prevent the youth from falling into the trap of addiction. Leadership in Mental Health Programme reflects our belief that making Punjab addiction-free is possible only when enforcement, treatment, and prevention work hand-in-hand and backed by strong healthcare setup and community support.”

He further highlighted that addiction is a chronic health issue that demands sustained care. These fellows, during their tenure at various district hospitals and de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, gain hands-on experience in addressing substance-use as a social issue, not just an individual ailment. They talk with families, help mitigate family crises arising from drug addiction, connect patients with treatment, support relapse prevention and promote integrated rehabilitation. They also lay special focus on reducing stigma, strengthening community engagement and ensuring continuity of care after individuals complete de-addiction and rehabilitation programmes.

Beyond providing district-level leadership, the first cohort of LMHP fellows is playing a catalytic role by supporting healthcare workers, strengthening service delivery and institutionalizing best practices in the fight against drugs.

The inaugural cohort of the Leadership in Mental Health Programme is transforming the way the community understands and responds to substance use and addiction. In doing so, Punjab is embedding mental health at the heart of its Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, recognising that the fight against drugs is not only about cutting off supply, but also about healing minds, rebuilding families, and restoring lives with compassion and care.

Punjab Water Resources and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today inaugurated canal irrigation projects at villages Buta Singh Wala and Badshahpur in the Shutrana Assembly constituency.

The Cabinet Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is expanding canal irrigation across the state. He informed that canals, distributaries and sub-minors measuring 137.13 km have been renovated in Shutrana at a cost of Rs.80.35 crore, benefiting nearly 68,500 acres of agricultural land in 56 villages. In addition, 53.9 km of pipelines have been laid at a cost of Rs.8.89 crore, extending canal water to around 9,302 acres in 18 villages.

Reviewing the Ghaggar embankment strengthening works at Badshahpur, the Cabinet Minister said that vulnerable stretches of the riverbank have been reinforced with stone pitching and wire mesh at a cost of Rs.2.46 crore. He added that the extensive flood protection works undertaken by the Drainage Department have significantly strengthened the embankments, and a river gauge similar to Khanouri will also be installed at Badshahpur.

Shutrana MLA Kulwant Singh Bazigar thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal for fulfilling the long-pending demand of farmers. He said the projects would ensure reliable irrigation, benefit thousands of farmers and further strengthen agriculture in the region.

Former MLA Vaninder Kaur Loomba, Superintending Engineer Rajinder Ghai, Executive Engineers Gundeep Singh and Akash Aggarwal, besides a large number of farmers and local residents, were present on the occasion.