Sacrilege Bill Draft Being Finalized
Punjab CM Announces Key Decisions: Free Rs 10 Lakh Health Card, Industry Reforms, Sacrilege Bill Draft in Progress
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Announces Key Decisions Post Cabinet Meeting Latest News: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday announced a series of major decisions following a crucial Punjab Cabinet meeting. From healthcare to industry reforms and sacrilege law discussions, the CM laid out his government's roadmap for inclusive governance.
Rs 10 Lakh Health Card Scheme Rolled Out
One of the most significant announcements was the launch of a health card scheme that provides free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh for all residents of Punjab. CM Mann clarified that no forms or paperwork will be required to avail of this benefit. The Aadhaar or Voter ID card will be sufficient to authenticate eligibility. He added, "If someone doesn't have a card, it will be made automatically in the hospital itself."
So far, 552 private hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme, and the government plans to expand this to around 1,500 hospitals in the coming days.
Industrial Charges Reformed
The cabinet also passed a decision related to industrial land charges under categories 4 and 6, which have now been doubled. However, the 191 applications submitted under the previous rates will be considered as per the old policy, ensuring no retrospective financial burden on applicants.
Spiritual Tour for Women Sarpanchs
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, CM Mann announced that newly elected women sarpanchs will be taken on a spiritual tour to Hazur Sahib, with the government bearing the full cost. The state plans to book 4-5 trains for the same.
CISF Deployment Proposal to Be Withdrawn
Referring to an old decision during the tenure of former CM Captain Amarinder Singh, Mann said that a proposal to deploy CISF and allocate Rs 7 crore for the same will be scrapped. He argued, “If Punjab Police can guard our borders, it is capable of maintaining security within the state as well.”
Sacrilege Bill Draft Being Finalized
Addressing the sensitive issue of sacrilege, CM Mann stated that a new bill is being drafted and will be presented in the Vidhan Sabha tomorrow. However, it will not be rushed through. The draft will be sent to a Consultative Committee, and public opinion will be sought, following the model used in the Lok Sabha.
Remarks on Opposition and Leaders
Taking a swipe at Sunil Jakhar, CM Mann said, “He should focus on his own party, which is already in turmoil.” On Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Mann challenged him, saying, “If Bajwa wants to file a case, let him. Honest people like Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh have faced jail, but we are not afraid.”
Clarification on Amit Shah
Responding to queries about his relationship with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mann said plainly, “Amit Shah is the Home Minister, and I am the Chief Minister. We speak when work demands it—nothing more.”
Land Pooling to Curb Illegal Colonies
Speaking on the contentious land pooling policy, the CM asserted that it aims to curb illegal colonies and bring planned urban development under control.
Vidhan Sabha Session Continues
The announcements come ahead of the second day of the special two-day session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, set to resume on Friday. CM Mann hinted that past remarks by former CMs Charanjit Channi and Captain Amarinder Singh will be brought up during the proceedings.
With critical legislation and fiery debates on the agenda, Punjab's political temperature is expected to rise as the session progresses.
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