The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has approved a series of major decisions aimed at boosting welfare, employment, and infrastructure development in the state.

Among the Cabinet announcements is the approval of the “Maanva-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana,” under which women will receive financial assistance ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per month. The scheme is expected to strengthen financial independence and provide direct support to women across Punjab.

Bhagwant Mann Cabinet Approves Key Welfare and Infrastructure Decisions

The Cabinet also cleared 70 direct recruitment positions in the Planning Department, a move aimed at strengthening administrative capacity and improving policy implementation at the state level.

Announces Monthly Aid for Women

In a significant policy reform, the government approved amendments to convert leasehold industrial plots into freehold. This step is expected to provide greater ownership rights to businesses, encourage long-term investments, and improve the ease of doing business in Punjab.

Additionally, changes in recruitment rules for Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited have been approved, along with the introduction of the proposed Punjab Common Infrastructure Bill 2026. These measures are aimed at strengthening the state’s power sector and infrastructure framework.

The Cabinet also gave approval for desilting of the Sutlej River, a step considered important for water management and flood prevention. Alongside this, recruitment for staff in coal mining operations in Jharkhand linked to Punjab’s energy needs has also been cleared.

Officials stated that these decisions reflect the government’s continued focus on inclusive development, combining welfare initiatives with structural reforms in industry and infrastructure. The mix of social support schemes and economic policy changes is aimed at ensuring balanced growth across sectors.

The Chief Minister described the decisions as a strong step towards building a “Rangla Punjab,” emphasizing that the government remains committed to public welfare, economic progress, and long-term development of the state.

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has announced plans to introduce stricter legal provisions to address cases of sacrilege involving the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Bhagwant Mann Govt to Amend ‘Beadbi’ Law

According to an official statement, the government will convene a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly on April 13, 2026, coinciding with the occasion of Baisakhi, at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The session will focus on amending the existing Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008 to strengthen punitive measures.

Proposes 10 Years to Life Imprisonment

The proposed amendment seeks to introduce stringent penalties for acts of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege), with a minimum punishment of 10 years of imprisonment, extending up to life imprisonment in severe cases. The move is aimed at ensuring stricter enforcement and delivering justice in sensitive cases related to religious sentiments.

Chief Minister Mann stated that the government is committed to upholding the sanctity of religious texts and ensuring that any attempt to hurt public sentiments is dealt with firmly. He emphasized that stronger laws are necessary to deter such incidents and maintain social harmony in the state.

Officials indicated that the decision to hold the Assembly session at Sri Anandpur Sahib carries symbolic significance, given its historical and religious importance, especially on the occasion of Baisakhi.

Legal experts suggest that the amendment could have far-reaching implications

Legal experts suggest that the amendment could have far-reaching implications in terms of law enforcement and judicial processes, as it seeks to clearly define stricter punishments and reduce ambiguity in handling such cases.

The development comes amid ongoing demands for stronger action against sacrilege incidents in Punjab, with the government aiming to address public concerns through legislative measures and stricter accountability.

Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Police continued its crackdown under the ongoing anti-drug campaign “Yudh Nashian Virudh,” marking Day 393 with major enforcement actions across the state.

Police conducted raids at multiple locations, resulting in the arrest of 112 drug smugglers. During the operations, authorities recovered 463 grams of heroin, 1.2 kilograms of opium, 471 intoxicant tablets and capsules, along with ₹62,400 in drug money.

Bhagwant Mann Intensifies Anti-Drug Campaign

In addition to enforcement, the campaign also focuses on rehabilitation. As part of this effort, 26 individuals were persuaded to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, reflecting a balanced approach toward tackling drug abuse.

112 Smugglers Arrested on Day 393

Officials stated that the sustained drive aims to dismantle drug networks while also supporting individuals affected by substance abuse. The campaign combines strict legal action with social intervention measures to ensure long-term impact.

Data released by the police shows that a total of 56,071 drug smugglers have been arrested over the course of 393 days, indicating the scale and consistency of the operations.

The anti-drug initiative remains a key priority under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, with authorities reiterating their commitment to making the state drug-free through continuous action and public cooperation.

Officials further noted that intelligence-based operations and inter-district coordination have been strengthened to track and dismantle organized drug networks. Surveillance and monitoring systems are also being upgraded to identify supply routes and prevent the movement of narcotics across regions.

Community engagement has also emerged as a crucial component of the campaign, with awareness drives being conducted to educate citizens, especially youth, about the harmful effects of drug abuse. Authorities believe that public participation is essential in sustaining long-term success against narcotics.

Law enforcement agencies are also working closely with rehabilitation centers and healthcare institutions to ensure that individuals struggling with addiction receive timely support and treatment. This integrated approach is aimed at reducing both supply and demand aspects of the drug problem.

The continued momentum of the campaign highlights the state’s focus on maintaining pressure on drug trafficking networks while simultaneously promoting recovery and reintegration of affected individuals into society.