CM Reiterates Commitment to Promote and Preserve the Tradition of Rural Games in the State

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to promote and preserve the tradition of rural games in the state.

Participating in discussions over the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025, which was passed unanimously in the house, the Chief Minister said that these rural games have been an integral part of the glorious culture of the state. He said that this bill aims at giving impetus to the rural games particularly Bullock cart Race and others which were held in every nook and corner of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that cattle have been integral parts of the agrarian economy of the state and the Punjabi farmers have since ages nurtured the cattle as their kids.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjabis have always loved games like Bullock cart and one such race of Kila Raipur was acclaimed world over.  He said that this bill will be instrumental in further popularizing such games across the state in the coming times without harming the animals. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that special focus will be laid on protecting the animals and any sort of cruelty against them will not be allowed. 

The Chief Minister said that the main objectives of this bill is to ensure safety measures for animals taking part in sports with adequate animal veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration/ documentation and penalty for violations. He envisioned that this bill will also help saving indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab besides promoting the traditional sports in the villages. Meanwhile, Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced that the state government will flag the issue of tackling the menace of stray animals with the Union government as these animals pose a grave threat to life and property of the people.