Chandigarh (National Times): After chairing an important Cabinet meeting, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed the media and announced several landmark decisions taken by the state government, including a revolutionary health initiative, reforms in industrial land charges, and updates on a new sacrilege law.
Free Health Treatment up to Rs 10 Lakh for Punjab Residents
In a major relief for the people of Punjab, CM Bhagwant Mann unveiled a health card scheme offering cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per person. Unlike other schemes, no forms or applications are required to avail this benefit. “Only Punjab residents will be eligible, and Aadhaar or voter ID will be enough. If someone doesn’t have these, a card will be generated at the hospital itself,” said Mann.
The initiative currently includes 552 private hospitals with plans to increase the network to 1,500 hospitals soon, ensuring broader access to advanced healthcare across the state.
Industrial Land Charges Revised
Addressing concerns in the industrial sector, the Cabinet has approved doubling the charges under categories 4 and 6. CM Mann clarified that the 191 applicants who submitted their requests before the revision will be considered under the previous rates, providing clarity and fairness to existing stakeholders.
Spiritual Journey for Women Sarpanchs
In a special gesture toward empowering women leaders, the government will arrange spiritual tours to Hazur Sahib for all newly elected women sarpanchs. “We’ll book 4 to 5 trains, and the entire cost will be borne by the Punjab government,” Mann announced.
CISF Security Plan Withdrawn
Taking a decisive stance, the Cabinet has decided to scrap the plan for CISF deployment in Punjab, initiated during Captain Amarinder Singh’s tenure. The CM stated, “Why do we need CISF when Punjab Police is already securing our borders? We won’t pay Rs 7 crore for that.”
Progress on Sacrilege Law
CM Mann informed that the anti-sacrilege bill is under drafting and will be tabled in the ongoing Vidhan Sabha session. However, he emphasized that public consultation will be conducted before finalization. “We’ll send it to the consultative committee, take suggestions from people—just like the Lok Sabha process,” he added.
Political Remarks and Opposition Criticism
On being asked about Sunil Jakhar, Mann responded, “He should worry about his own party’s condition first.” When questioned about Partap Singh Bajwa’s remarks, he said, “Let him file a case. Honest people like Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh have also been sent to jail. We are not afraid.”
On Amit Shah and Governance
Clarifying his professional communication with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mann said, “He is the country’s Home Minister, I am a Chief Minister. We speak when needed for administrative work.”
Land Pooling to Tackle Illegal Colonies
The CM reiterated the government’s commitment to end illegal colonization through the land pooling model, which he said would promote planned development across the state.
Session to Resume Friday
These announcements come as the second day of the special two-day session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha is scheduled for Friday. CM Mann hinted at further political revelations, stating, “We’ll bring forward what Channi and Captain used to say.”
With several bold moves, the Mann-led government has set the stage for a stormy Vidhan Sabha session, while trying to position itself as a people-first administration in the run-up to upcoming political challenges.
