DW BUREAU / Shehna (Barnala)

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.

As part of the anti-drug campaign, the Chief Minister said that village panchayats have been passing resolutions to declare their villages drug-free.

He stated that his government will not sit idle while smugglers thrive at the cost of the lives of drug victims. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that the state has already snapped drug supply lines and jailed the key players behind this crisis.

For the first time, the Chief Minister said that the illegally acquired properties of drug smugglers are being confiscated or demolished, serving as a strong deterrent to others. Speaking about the agricultural sector, Bhagwant Singh Mann said he had promised to ensure paddy transplantation without the use of tubewells. He expressed pride that canal water has now reached even the remotest villages at the tail ends of the state. He said that since taking office, the government has revived 15,947 water channels across Punjab.

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.

The Chief Minister announced that Punjab has launched the country's first dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force (Road Safety Force) to enhance highway safety. He said that the force comprises 1,597 specially recruited and trained personnel, including women, and is equipped with 144 modern vehicles. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Since its launch in February last year, road accident fatalities have dropped by 48.10% adding that Several states and even the Government of India have commended this initiative.

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.

(editor@dailyworld.in)