Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Saturday took several key decisions aimed at rural development, protection of religious sentiments, and promotion of sports in the state.
Sharing details, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that in a significant move, the Cabinet has approved the introduction of the ‘Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026', proposing stringent punishment for sacrilege offences. Under the proposed law Minimum punishment will be 10 years imprisonment, Maximum punishment is Life imprisonment and fine varies between ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
Installation of 3 lakh street lights approved
Minister said that the government has approved the installation of 3 lakh street lights across more than 11,500 villages in Punjab, with an average of 25–30 lights per village, to be implemented by Punjab Energy Development Agency. In a major relief to panchayats, the cost-sharing formula has been revised the state government will now bear 70% of the expenditure, while panchayats will contribute 30%.
The total project cost is estimated at ₹550 crore, including ₹380 crore from the state government and ₹170 crore from panchayats. The initiative is expected to improve rural infrastructure and help curb crime in villages.
He said, government has also decided that those involved in conspiracy behind such acts will face equal action. Investigations in such cases will be conducted by officers not below the rank of DSP. The bill is set to be tabled in the Punjab Assembly on April 13.
Asian Hockey Championship will be broadcast globally
Cheema said Punjab has also been selected to host the Asian Hockey Championship, with matches scheduled to be held at international-level stadiums in Jalandhar and Mohali, with a total budget of ₹25.40 crore, of which ₹11 crore has already been released. The event will be broadcast globally, aiming to inspire youth towards sports and promote Punjab on the international stage.
The government also targeted the previous Shiromani Akali Dal–Bharatiya Janata Party regime, alleging that the highest number of sacrilege cases occurred during their tenure without justice for victims.