Latest news with #HarpalCheema
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Sacrilege Bill draft not yet ready; want it watertight: Cheema
The much-awaited Bill providing for a stricter punishment for sacrilege could not be taken up for discussion in the Punjab Cabinet meeting Monday as the government has not been able to prepare its draft, it has been learnt. Cabinet Minister Harpal Cheema, addressing the media after the meeting, said that the government was consulting a panel of officers and legal luminaries while preparing the draft. 'We are taking opinion from Legal Remembrancer (LR) and Advocate General (AG). We do not want to bring any law in haste. We will prepare a draft that will stay the scrutiny of the law even if we have to extend our Vidhan Sabha session. The previous SAD-BJP and Congress governments had passed these Bills in their respective terms. But none could become an Act. We do not want to follow suit,' said Cheema. He said several other important decisions were discussed in the Cabinet meeting. 'We can take up the decision on the Bill anytime once the draft is ready. It could be tomorrow or day after,' he added. Official sources, meanwhile, said that the government was now taking opinion if it should enact a state law or go with the insertions in sacrilege law already existing under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It was also being debated whether it should entail capital punishment or go ahead with a lifer. It is learnt that the leaders within the ruling Aam Aadmi Party were also divided on the issue of capital punishment. 'There are reservations. Also, most part of the world frowns upon the capital punishment now,' a party leader said on anonymity. Another party leader said that this law could be used against political opponents also. 'Most of the holy books are sold like any other books in the market. In case of holy books, anybody could lodge a complaint against the other for politics. If we happen to sit in the Opposition ever, this could well be used against us.' A source said that the draft was with AG Maninderjit Singh Bedi. There are other legal luminaries also on board. 'Even if we bring a state Bill, it would have to go to the President of India for assent. If the Centre did not forward it to the President in the past, how are we certain that it would be sent to her now?' asked an official. The government has called a special session of Vidhan Sabha on July 10 and 11 following Chief minister Bhagwant Mann's assurance to Sarb Dharam Beadbi Rokko Kanoon Morcha, whose representative Gurjeet Singh Khalsa has been sitting on a dharna atop a BSNL tower in Samana since October last year. He has been seeking a law with exemplary punishment for sacrilege. Even before the Cabinet met Monday, the Morcha issued a statement thanking the CM for tabling the Bill in the Cabinet. Bhai Gurpreet Singh, coordinator of the morcha said in the statement that by fulfilling his June 28 statement to enact a law for strict punishment for the perpetrators of sacrilege, CM Mann has further raised his political stature among the people of Punjab. He said that we are seeing their determination against sacrilege from the speed with which they are fulfilling the promise made to the delegation of the front. He appealed to all the MLAs of Punjab to unanimously pass the Bill and the Governor to immediately give his assent. After the Cabinet meeting, however, the morcha withdrew the statement saying they had issued it in anticipation that the Bill was being tabled. 'We withdraw it. We are hurt,' said Bhai Gurpreet Singh.
Indian Express
22-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Cabinet allows fragmentation of industrial plots in Punjab
Two years after the Punjab Vigilance Bureau alleged a scam in Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC) that involved fragmentation and transfer of a 25-acre industrial plot into smaller plots, the Punjab Cabinet Saturday approved a comprehensive policy for the fragmentation and subdivision of industrial plots managed by PSIEC. The government said that the policy aimed to promote industrial growth, particularly in IT and service sectors, while ensuring planned land used infrastructure sustainability across PSIEC-managed industrial estates, focal points, and growth centres. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, while addressing the media said that under the new policy, the industrial plots measuring 1,000 square yards or more are eligible for fragmentation, with each sub divided plot maintaining a minimum size of 400 square yards and a width-to-depth ratio not exceeding 1:3. A fragmentation fee of 5 per cent of the current reserve price of the original plot will be charged, (50 per cent for the family members and legal heirs). A non-refundable processing fee of Rs 10,000 and additional FAR fees, where applicable, will also apply. The applicants will have to adhere to the PSIEC's zoning regulations, building bylaws, and approved layout plans. Internal development works (roads, water supply, drainage) are age responsibility of the plot owner, with strict timelines for completion. The applications will be processed within 21 working days through a scrutiny committee, with approvals granted by the additional managing director. Services to previously fragmented plots, halted by PSIEC's board decisions in 2022 and 2023, will resume immediately as per applicable guidelines. The policy caters to the demands of industrialists and plot owners as well as of prominent industry associations, including the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mohali chambers of Industry and IT, and Mohali Industrial Association. It addresses the need for smaller plots, particularly for the IT and service sectors, to promote efficient land use, attract investments and establish a structured, transparent mechanism for plot fragmentation and sub division. The policy facilitates the optimisation of land usage, boosts operational efficiency, and supports project expansion by addressing long-standing demands from industrial stakeholders. It applies to freehold plots of 1,000 square yards or larger, with sub divided plots maintaining a size of 400 square yards. In 2023, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau had booked former minister Sham Sunder Arora and other accused for extending 'unfair advantage' to Gulmohar Township Company by allowing transfer and bifurcation of an industrial plot of 25 acres to the township company, by not following the rules. However, in January this year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed the FIR against him. Cheema said that he previous government had allowed bifurcation of industrial plots when it was not a part of the policy, 'Now, we have brought a legal policy of bifurcation.'
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Punjab to set up robust rehab system as more addicts come forward
The cabinet sub-committee set up by the Punjab government to 'wage a war against drugs' decided on Monday (June 9, 2025) to establish a robust system for the treatment of drug addicts amid an increase in the number of drug addicts seeking treatment at government de-addiction centers and hospitals, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema has said. He said this crucial step comes as the ongoing campaign against the drug menace has successfully disrupted drug supply lines, leading to a notable increase in individuals seeking treatment. 'With an increasing number of drug addicts seeking treatment at government de-addiction centres and hospitals, the sub-committee has moved swiftly to expand capacity and enhance medical support. Decisions include the immediate recruitment of 200 psychologists on a temporary basis for six months, with the Health Department tasked to secure permanent recruitment in the interim,' he said, addressing a press conference here. 16,000 arrests The sub-committee has also directed the Health Department to submit a comprehensive proposal within a week for recruitment of all necessary health staff, he added. The Finance Minister said as part of the 'war against drugs' campaign from March 1, 2025, till June 8, as many as 9,580 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and 16,348 persons have been arrested. 'Strict action has been taken against drug traffickers, leading to the demolition of properties belonging to 118 individuals involved in the drug trade. During this period, significant quantities of illicit substances were recovered, including 622 kg of heroin, 14,976 kg of poppy husk, 252 kg of opium, 264 kg of ganja, and 26,49,847 narcotic pills,' he said. On opposition parties' misgivings about the campaign, Mr. Cheema said, 'Drugs took root in Punjab during the Akali-BJP and Congress governments, making the youth vulnerable. I urge leaders of opposition parties to support this crucial campaign, rather than engaging in narrow politics that disregards public welfare and, conversely, promotes drug-related issues.'
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Rangla Punjab Society to boost welfare, development schemes: Finance minister Harpal Cheema
The Punjab government launched a Rangla Punjab Society to channel public contributions towards the state's development. Announcing this at a press conference here, finance minister Harpal Cheema extended an open invitation to Punjabis worldwide, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), local citizens, corporates, and international well-wishers, to participate in the state's growth. He said the society will focus on key sectors, including public welfare in healthcare, education, sanitation, power, water, roads, agriculture, and urban-rural development. Cheema said that it will also provide critical support during natural disasters, emergencies, and border area development, areas previously neglected by preceding governments. 'Furthermore, the society will promote innovation, startups, and research and development to build a future-ready Punjab,' he added. The society will be overseen by a board of governors, chaired by chief minister Bhagwant Mann and comprising key cabinet ministers. An executive committee, led by the chief secretary, will ensure efficient bureaucratic implementation, keeping political interference at bay. 'All contributions and projects will be subject to public audits, guaranteeing transparency,' he said. The society will be registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860, and all foreign contributions will strictly adhere to FEMA/FC(R)A laws.
Hindustan Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Death toll in Punjab hooch tragedy rises to 21, Opposition calls for CM Bhagwant Mann to resign
At least 21 people have died in the Amritsar district of Punjab after consuming illicit liquor, in the third major hooch tragedy in the state over the last five years. The deaths were reported in the Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan and Therewal villages of the Majitha subdivision in Amritsar, after people consumed spurious liquor. Earlier on Tuesday, several people were hospitalised as well. The police have launched a probe and have arrested nine accused and suspended four officials involved in the case, including the excise and taxation officer as well as the deputy superintendent of police in the district. The police also revealed that methanol has been bought in bulk online in order to prepare the hooch. Also Read: Excise revenue surpasses ₹10 cr for 1st time, says Punjab finance minister Harpal Cheema In a post on X, Punjab's chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, 'The sad news of the death of many people due to consumption of poisoned liquor has been received in the villages around Majitha. These killers of innocent people will not be spared at any cost. These are not deaths, but murders. These culprits who create mourning atmosphere in people's homes with poisonous liquor will be punished strictly according to the law.' He added, 'I pray to God for the peace of the departed souls. The government stands with the affected families and will provide all possible help.' In response to the deaths of 21 people after consuming hooch in Punjab, opposition parties accused the Aam Admi Party-led government of failing to control the production of illicit liquor and the liquor mafia. They sought the resignation of Punjab's CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and the state excise minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Also Read: Crackdown on liquor smuggling: Six Chandigarh excise officials chargesheeted Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said in a post on X, 'Where is the so-called Yudh Nasheyan De Virodh now? @AAPPunjab govt has utterly failed to control the liquor mafia.' The Punjab government had been conducting an anti-drug drive - Yudh Nasheyan De Virodh (war against drugs) - for the past 70 days. "The CM, who is also Home Minister, is too busy with PR while illegal trade thrives. This is not governance -- this is criminal negligence. How many more lives will it take?" added Bajwa. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal called the incident a 'man-made tragedy' and accused the state of sponsoring the disaster. 'Illegal distilleries are flourishing, and innocent lives are being snuffed out. Where are our task forces, @BhagwantMann?' he said in a post on X. He added, "This exposes the hollowness of your "Yudh Nashian Virudh" slogan. Your inaction is criminal. You have no right to remain in office if you cannot curb this menace." (with inputs from Surjit Singh)
