Latest news with #KilaRaipurSportsFestival
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bullock cart races to resume in Punjab as state assembly passes animal welfare bill
Chandigarh, Punjab's traditional sport of bullock cart racing is set to make a comeback with the state assembly passing the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill 2025. Bullock cart races to resume in Punjab as state assembly passes animal welfare bill After the bill was unanimously passed, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday referred to the occasion as "historic," announcing the resumption of bullock cart races across the state. The bill, which was passed during the second day of the special session of the Punjab Assembly here, allows the resumption of bullock cart races in Punjab while implementing safety measures for the animals involved in the sport. Bullock cart races have not taken place at the Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Ludhiana district— often referred to as the 'mini or rural Olympics'— since a Supreme Court ruling in 2014 banned the races for violating the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. "Considering the important role played by bullock cart racing towards promoting the spirit of games and sports, and enriching the cultural heritage and tradition in the state of Punjab, which is also a great source to keep Punjab's youth away from drug addiction and also to improve indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab, the government of Punjab has decided to exempt the conduct of bullock cart racing in Punjab from the provision of the said Central Act 59 of 1960," the official order read. Therefore, the government has decided to amend the said Central Act 59 of 1960 in its application to the State of Punjab. Accordingly, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill, 2025, is being passed, it further stated. Sharing positive aspects about the race, Mann said cattle have been integral parts of the agrarian economy of the state, and the Punjabi farmers have raised them as their offspring for ages. Those who keep bullocks consider them as their "own sons", he said. "We have included a clause in the bill stating that bullock cart operators will not be allowed to carry sticks during races," he added. The chief minister also announced that races would not only take place in Kila Raipur but also across the state, emphasising that these rural games are an essential part of Punjab's cultural fabric. He stressed that the bill aims to promote rural sports like bullock cart racing while ensuring the welfare of the animals involved. Mann expressed confidence that the bill would aid in the conservation of Punjab's indigenous cattle breeds. He also mentioned that the state government would flag the issue of tackling the menace of stray animals with the Centre, as they pose a grave threat to the life and property of people. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
India Gazette
08-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Punjab govt withdraws Channi-era decision to hand over Bhakra Beas Dam security to CISF, announces 3,600 special educator posts
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], July 8 (ANI): Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday said the state government has reversed a key decision taken during the previous Congress regime regarding the security of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). While talking to ANI, Cheema said, 'During the Congress party's tenure, a letter was issued agreeing to hand over the security of the Bhakra Beas Management Board, and the then Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had said that the security of the Bhakra Beas Dam would be handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Today, we have withdrawn that decision.' He added that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government would also bring the matter before the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Cheema also announced a series of developmental initiatives, including large-scale recruitment for special education and the promotion of traditional sports. He said that the state cabinet has approved the recruitment of 3,600 special educators to teach children with special needs. 'We have announced 3,600 vacancies to teach them. In the coming time, recruitment will be done for these vacancies, and we will educate those children well so that they can contribute to society,' he said. The minister also highlighted the establishment of two new universities in the state and spoke about legislative steps taken to promote traditional rural sports. 'Regarding the bullock cart race organized at the Kila Raipur Sports Festival, we have also made a new law. In the coming time, this sport will be held across Punjab,' Cheema added. The announcements come amid the government's push to boost employment, strengthen regional traditions, and assert state control over key infrastructure. Earlier, Cheema was appointed as to leader of the 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee to monitor the war against drugs. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug-free state. Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1400 police personnel, under the supervision of 96 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 488 locations across the state leading to the registration of 84 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 505 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added. (ANI)
