Shehna (Barnala), July 19
Slamming previous regimes in the state for sheltering those involved in heinous crimes of sacrilege, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that the newly introduced law will ensure exemplary punishment for such offenders.
Addressing a gathering after virtually dedicating public libraries, the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to curbing sacrilege. He shared that on Monday, the government introduced the Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025, in the Vidhan Sabha. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that this sensitive and critical issue affects all Punjabis and has far-reaching implications for both present and future generations.
The Chief Minister asserted that stringent punishment is necessary to serve as a deterrent against such crimes. He said that the resounding success of Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh (War Against Drugs) has proven the effectiveness of the state government’s strategy in tackling drug abuse. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that several politically powerful individuals, once considered untouchable, are now lodged in Nabha jail.
Their arrest, the Chief Minister said, has exposed the double standards of traditional political parties that were complicit in drug smuggling. Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out that the drug menace had long tarnished Punjab’s image. In response, his government adopted a multi-pronged approach: disrupting drug supply chains, arresting major offenders, rehabilitating victims, and seizing or destroying illegally acquired property of drug smugglers..
The Chief Minister said that at the time he assumed office, only 21% of canal water was being used for irrigation but today that number has risen to 63%. Bhagwant Singh Mann also mentioned that his government successfully safeguarded Punjab’s water resources from being diverted to other states.
Highlighting another major welfare initiative, the Chief Minister spoke about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna — the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab. He proudly stated that Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage, which will significantly ease the financial burden on the public while ensuring quality health services.
The Chief Minister added that his government has created a new benchmark by providing over 55,000 government jobs to youth within just 36 months of taking office. A foolproof and transparent recruitment process based entirely on merit has restored young people’s faith in public service. As a result, many youth have chosen to stay in Punjab and prepare for state government jobs rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
On the occasion Lok Sabha MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and others were also present.