*Under leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Vidhan Sabha pays homage to unparalleled shaheedi of four Sahibzadas*

*Punjab Assembly remembers Mata Gujri Ji, Baba Jivan Singh Ji, Baba Sangat Singh Ji, Diwan Todar Mal Ji, and other martyrs*

*These supreme sacrifices teach us never to bow before oppression & to stand firm for our principles, even at cost of our lives: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab Govt fulfilled its duty by making elaborate arrangements to commemorate 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji & during Shaheedi Sabha:CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 30th December 2025:During a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday, the House paid homage to the unparalleled ‘Shaheedi’ (martyrdom) of the four Sahibzadas, reaffirming Punjab’s legacy of resistance to tyranny. Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Assembly paid tributes to Baba Ajit Singh Ji, Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, and also remembered Mata Gujri Ji, Baba Jivan Singh Ji, Baba Sangat Singh Ji and Diwan Todar Mal Ji.

The Chief Minister said these supreme sacrifices teach society never to bow before oppression and to stand firm for principles, while noting that the Punjab Government had duly commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with full dignity and preparation.

Participating in the discussion during the 11th (special) session of the state assembly, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the great sacrifices of the Sahibzadas hold a unique place in the history of the entire humanity. “Though the Sahibzadas were martyred at a very young age, their supreme sacrifice inspires us even today to not bow before injustice or oppression of the tyrannical rulers. These sacrifices will forever motivate our future generations to stand firm against tyranny, oppression and injustice,” he noted.

The Chief Minister said that standing by the principles is the toughest test of any individual adding that walking on thorns is much easier than walking on the values and ideologies. “However, the Sahibzadas chose the path of righteousness and set an example in history, giving us the message to uphold these ideals even in hostile circumstances to preserve human freedom. The younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji were confined in the ‘Thanda Burj’ during the spine-chilling month of Poh, but then also they stood by the principles taught by their parents and grandparents, which is unparalleled in entire world history,” he pointed out.

He said that even though this tragic martyrdom took place more than three centuries ago, its pain and anguish is still felt deeply today. “After the family of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji got separated several iconic warriors like Baba Jivan Singh Ji, Baba Sangat Singh Ji, Diwan Todar Mal Ji, Baba Moti Ram Mehra and others made immense contributions in the Sikh history in their own ways,” he added.

Paying homage to them, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the entire humanity will always remain indebted to those brave and courageous souls who raised their voices against tyranny.

Speaking about the arrangements for the lakhs of devotees arriving from around the world during the Shaheedi Sabha, the Chief Minister shared that extensive measures were taken for health facilities, transportation, sanitation, and security so that no devotee faces any inconvenience. “E-rickshaws and buses were arranged for the pilgrims, along with proper security arrangements to facilitate the devotees. In November this year, the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom anniversary) of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, was observed with great devotion and respect at Sri Anandpur Sahib adding that elaborate arrangements were also made to mark this occasion,” he concluded.

==============================

*Punjab Vidhan Sabha pays rich tribute to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and His Sahibzadas*

Chandigarh, 30 December 2025:The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today started 11th special session of 16th Punjab Legislative Assembly by paying rich tributes to the Sahibzadas, Mata Gujri Ji and Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He remembered the supreme sacrifice made by Guru Sahib and His sons for protecting the Sikh community from the cruelty of tyranny Mugal rulers. He said Guru Sahib promoted universal brotherhood, secularism and protected human rights. His unparrelled sacrifice will always be remembered across the globe and remain unmatched in human history.

Speaking on the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Session, Hon'ble Chief Minister Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, AAP MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, AAP MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura, BSP MLA Nachhatar Pal, Independent MLA Rana Inder Pratap Singh, SAD MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali and INC MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh paid heartfelt tributes to Guru Gobind Singh Ji and His Sahibzadas.

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FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA DECLARES ‘VIKSIT BHARAT – GRAM G’ AS AN ATTACK ON THE POOR AND FEDERALISM*

*READS POIGNANT LETTER FROM WOMAN WORKER HIGHLIGHTING SCHEME'S IMPORTANCE*

*APPEALS, LETTERS FROM MGNREGA WORKERS TO BE FORWARDED TO PMO*

*ACCUSES CENTRE OF WORKING AGAINST PRINCIPLES OF SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC*

*HIGHLIGHTS AAP GOVERNMENT'S INITIATIVES INCLUDING RESERVATION IN AG OFFICE, LOAN WAIVERS AND RECORD ALLOCATION UNDER SC/ST SUB-PLAN*

Chandigarh, December 30-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Union Government, accusing it of systematically dismantling the MGNREGA scheme and stripping the poor of their right to a livelihood. Speaking in the Vidhan Sabha in support of a resolution against the recent changes and the renaming of the MGNREGA scheme to ‘Viksit Bharat – GRAM G’, Cheema labelled the move as an "assault on the stomachs of the marginalised."

During his address, the Finance Minister read a poignant letter from a woman worker, Charanjit Kaur, which highlighted the fears of thousands of rural labourers. Kaur’s letter expressed the anxiety that changing rules and centralised village lists would deprive children of education and the elderly of medicine. Cheema emphasised that by centralising the scheme and moving to complex mobile-based attendance, the Union Government is snatching away the "Guarantee" of work that was once the backbone of rural survival.

Accusing the BJP of working against the spirit of the Constitution authored by Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Finance Minister slammed the BJP-led Union Government for working against the spirit of the Constitution, authored by Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He emphasised that the Preamble to the Constitution, which embodies the fundamental principles and values of the nation, is being undermined by the Centre's policies. The Preamble reads, "We, the People of India, solemnly resolve to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic." The Finance Minister said that the Supreme Court of India has repeatedly pronounced in its judgments that the Preamble to the Constitution cannot be changed or disturbed, affirming its sacrosanct nature.

In a strongly worded critique, Finance Minister Cheema further added that the Union Government is attempting to turn the country's labourers into "bonded labourers" and "slaves" of a centralised system by centralising every scheme. This approach, he argued, is destroying cooperative federalism, stripping states of their rights, and weakening local economies, which he described as a direct attack on the soul of democracy.

Raising strong objections to the renaming of the scheme after religious icons, Cheema said that while the world respects Lord Rama, using a religious name for a government scheme is a political tactic to shield the government from criticism. He warned that this creates a dangerous precedent where protesters seeking wages or rights can be labelled as being disrespectful to religious sentiments.

Contrasting the Center's policies with the Punjab Government's initiatives, Cheema highlighted that the Aam Aadmi Party is working day and night for the elevation of the Dalit community through concrete actions. He pointed out that for the first time in Punjab’s history, the Dalit community has received unprecedented representation with 6 out of 15 ministers in the Mann cabinet. In another historic first, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appointed the state's first Dalit Finance Minister, a position that previous Congress and Akali regimes never entrusted to a Dalit leader.

The Minister further detailed the tangible benefits delivered to the community, noting that the AAP government has already provided government jobs to over 15,000 Dalit youth. Financial empowerment has been a cornerstone of this agenda, as the state has successfully waived the loans of almost 5000 underprivileged Dalit families, a move never seen under prior administrations. Most significantly, the 2025-26 budget reflects this commitment by allocating approximately Rs 14,000 crore under the SC/ST Sub-Plan (SCSP). This represents the highest allocation in Punjab's history, ensuring that 34% of the total development budget is dedicated specifically to the upliftment of marginalised and deprived sections.

Cheema also celebrated the success of the Education Revolution, where over 267 students from government schools, many of the children of labourers, have cleared JEE and 235 got admission, 847 cleared NEET and 560 got admissions, many more students from state government schools cleared such competition examinations for the first time in such a big number. He challenged the opposition to quote such examples from their regimes. He further added that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has also extended this empowerment for the first time to the legal field as well, where the implementation of 25% reservation for Dalit lawyers in the Advocate General’s office has led to the appointment of 58 children of poor people, sanitation workers to high-ranking legal positions. He said that Punjab is the only state in India to provide such a reservation to Dalit lawyers.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema concluded by warning the Union Government of a massive nationwide movement, announcing that the Punjab Government and the Aam Aadmi Party would stand firmly in support of the labourers. He urged the Speaker to forward the hundreds of letters received from MGNREGA workers, many bearing thumb impressions, to the Prime Minister's Office to demonstrate the human cost of these policy changes. "We will not allow the BJP to snatch the bread from the mouths of our workers to serve corporate interests," Cheema declared.

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*PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA PAYS TRIBUTES TO DEPARTED SOULS*

*Chandigarh, December 30:*The Punjab Vidhan Sabha, on Tuesday paid tributes to departed souls who had passed away since the last session of the Assembly.

During the 11th (special) session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the House paid respects to the departed soul of Shivraj Patil, former Governor, Punjab and former Union Minister, Jagtar Singh Multani, former Minister, Tara Singh Ladal, former State Minister, Tarlochan Singh Soondh, former MLA, Dharmendra Singh Deol, famous Bollywood Star and former Member of the Lok Sabha, Rajvir Singh Jawanda, Singer, Gobinder Singh Sohal, internationally acclaimed painter, Puran Shah Koti, the legendary Punjabi musician and teacher, and Balbir Singh Grewal father of MLA Daljit Singh Bhola.

A two-minute silence was observed in the memory of departed souls as a mark of respect during the obituary references.

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*GOVERNMENT OF STATE OF PUNJAB*

*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declares ‘VB-G RAM (G)’ as attack on poor & on federalism*

*Harpal Singh Cheema reads poignant letter from woman worker highlighting importance of MGNREGA; appeals that letters from MGNREGA workers be forwarded to PM’s Office*

*Centre is working against principles of sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*AAP Govt's initiatives including reservation in AG office, loan waivers & record allocation under SC/ST Sub-Plan: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 30th December 2025-Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Union Government, pointing out that the Centre is systematically dismantling the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) scheme and stripping the poor of their right to a livelihood. Speaking in the Vidhan Sabha in support of a resolution against the recent changes and the renaming of the MGNREGA scheme to ‘Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)’ (VB-G RAM G), Cheema labelled the move as an "assault on the stomachs of the marginalised."

During his address, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema read a poignant letter from a woman worker, Charanjit Kaur, which highlighted the fears of thousands of rural labourers. Charanjit Kaur’s letter expressed the anxiety that changing rules and centralised village lists would deprive children of education and the elderly of medicine.

The Finance Minister emphasised that by centralising the scheme and moving to complex mobile-based attendance, the Union Government is snatching away the ‘Guarantee’ of work that was once the backbone of rural survival.

Pointing out the BJP is working against the spirit of the Constitution authored by Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema slammed the BJP-led Union Government for working against the spirit of the Constitution, authored by Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. “The Preamble to the Constitution, which embodies the fundamental principles and values of the nation, is being undermined by the Centre's policies. The Preamble reads, ‘We, the People of India, solemnly resolve to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic’,” he added.

The Finance Minister said that the Supreme Court of India has repeatedly pronounced in its judgments that the Preamble to the Constitution cannot be changed or disturbed, affirming its sacrosanct nature.

In a strongly worded critique, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The Union Government is attempting to turn the country's workers into ‘bonded labourers’ and ‘slaves’ of a centralised system by centralising every scheme. This approach is destroying cooperative federalism, stripping states of their rights, and weakening local economies, is a direct attack on the soul of democracy.”

Raising strong objections to the renaming of the scheme after religious icons, Harpal Singh Cheema said that while the world respects Lord Rama, using a religious name for a government scheme is a political tactic to shield the government from criticism. “This creates a dangerous precedent where protesters seeking wages or rights can be labelled as being disrespectful to religious sentiments,” he warned.

Contrasting the Center's policies with the Punjab Government's initiatives, Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted that the AAP is working day and night for the elevation of the Dalit community through concrete actions. “For the first time in Punjab’s history, the Dalit community has received unprecedented representation with 6 out of 15 ministers in the Bhagwant Singh Mann cabinet. In another historic first, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appointed the state's first Dalit Finance Minister, a position that previous Congress and Akali regimes never entrusted to a Dalit leader,” he added.

The Minister further detailed the tangible benefits delivered to the community, noting that the AAP government has already provided government jobs to over 15,000 Dalit youth. “Financial empowerment has been a cornerstone of this agenda, as the state has successfully waived the loans of almost 5000 underprivileged Dalit families, a move never seen under prior administrations. Most significantly, the 2025-26 budget reflects this commitment by allocating approximately ₹14,000 crore under the SC/ST Sub-Plan (SCSP). This represents the highest allocation in Punjab's history, ensuring that 34% of the total development budget is dedicated specifically to the upliftment of marginalised and deprived sections,” he noted.

Harpal Singh Cheema also celebrated the success of the Education Revolution, where over 267 students from government schools, many of the children of labourers, have cleared JEE and 235 got admission, 847 cleared NEET and 560 got admissions, many more students from state government schools cleared such competition examinations for the first time in such a big number.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema challenged the opposition to quote such examples from their regimes. “CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has also extended this empowerment for the first time to the legal field as well, where the implementation of 25% reservation for Dalit lawyers in the Advocate General’s office has led to the appointment of 58 children of poor people, sanitation workers to high-ranking legal positions. Punjab is the only state in India to provide such a reservation to Dalit lawyers,” added the Minister.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema concluded by warning the Union Government of a massive nationwide movement, announcing that the Punjab Government and the AAP would stand firmly in support of the workers

He urged the Speaker to forward the hundreds of letters received from MGNREGA workers, many bearing thumb impressions, to the Prime Minister's Office to demonstrate the human cost of these policy changes. "We will not allow the BJP to snatch the bread from the mouths of our workers to serve corporate interests," declared the Minister

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*YEAR-ENDER 2025: WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT*_

*OVER RS.5640-CR INVESTMENT DRIVES CANAL MODERNISATION, MANN GOVT ACCELERATES IRRIGATION AND WATER SECURITY WORKS ACROSS PUNJAB*

*RESTORATION OF 18349 WATERCOURSES SPANNING OVER 6900 KM ENSURES TAIL-END IRRIGATION AND CANAL WATER TO NEW COMMAND AREAS*

*SIRHIND FEEDER RELINING AND MAJOR CANAL CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT TO CHECK WATERLOGGING AND IMPROVE DISCHARGE*

*LAST-MILE CONNECTIVITY AND GROUNDWATER RECHARGE INITIATIVES TO SECURE IRRIGATION AND WATER SUSTAINABILITY*

*MORE THAN 1300 LOCATIONS RECEIVED CANAL WATER FOR IRRIGATION FOR FIRST TIME*

*FOR FIRST TIME AFTER INDEPENDENCE, CARRYING CAPACITY OF MAJOR CANALS INCLUDING SIRHIND CANAL AND PATIALA FEEDER ENHANCED: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL*

*Chandigarh, December 30:*Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Tuesday, informed that the year 2025 marked a decisive phase for irrigation expansion and water management in the state with sustained public investment and field-driven execution. He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government adopted a farmer-centric approach focusing on canal efficiency, tail-end delivery and groundwater recharge to meet both present and future needs. With record financial outlays and revival of long-neglected infrastructure, the Water Resources Department ensured equitable water availability across regions, particularly in drought-prone and waterlogged belts.

Divulging further, the Cabinet Minister said, development works exceeding Rs.5640 crore have been undertaken from FY 2022-23 to 2025-26. Projects worth over Rs.878 crore were completed in FY 2022-23, followed by Rs.1251 crore in FY 2023-24, Rs.1786 crore in FY 2024-25 and Rs.1725 crore earmarked for FY 2025-26. These works included lining and repair of canals and watercourses, enabling reliable canal water supply to tail-end farmers. Around 2600 km of canal lining has been completed during the last three years, including more than 960 km in FY 2024-25 alone. The current year placed special focus on brick-lined and pipeline watercourses to strengthen last-mile irrigation.

To address chronic waterlogging and seepage, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said, the Department undertook relining of the Sirhind Feeder at a cost of around Rs.774.80 crore. Nearly 100 km of relining work has been completed under this project.

"For the first time after Independence, the carrying capacity of major canals including Sirhind Canal and Patiala Feeder has been enhanced, ensuring better discharge control and improved irrigation reach across command areas", categorically said the Cabinet Minister.

Sh. Goyal said a statewide watercourse restoration drive brought back to life 18349 watercourses spanning over 6,900 km that had remained damaged or abandoned for 20 to 30 years. As a result, more than 1300 locations received canal water for irrigation for the first time, including over 400 locations during FY 2024-25. He said a restrictive government policy that blocked repair of watercourses prior to 25 years was revoked. Following this decision, repair works were taken up on priority through MGNREGA and convergence with state funds. Over the last two years, more than 1277 watercourses measuring above 900 km have been repaired or restored.

The Water Resources Minister said works worth around Rs.870 crore covering nearly 3445 km of pipelines and brick-lined watercourses are underway in FY 2025-26 to ensure last-mile connectivity.

He said that three new canals are being constructed in Pathankot district to provide surface water to the area for the first time. On groundwater recharge, around 900 check dams have been constructed on choes and rivulets, 189 canal recharge sites completed and 60 new recharge schemes are under execution. Besides this, 127 new ponds are being dug and connected with canals, while 66 existing ponds are being linked to canal systems. More than 3200 soak pits have also been taken up for construction to strengthen aquifer replenishment.

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*”VB-G RAM G” A CRUEL HOAX WITH POOR, AMAN ARORA SLAMS CENTRE FOR RIPPING HEART OUT OF GUARANTEED EMPLOYMENT*

\*• Previous regimes siphoned MGNREGA funds; Mann Govt recovers ₹2-CR & takes action against 42 individuals: Aman Arora*

*• We utilised over 5K crore under MGNREGA in just three & half years, far from SAD-BJP’s a decade long regime*

*•Can Centre afford to guarantee 125 days work under new scheme as it requires Rs. 6.70 lakh crore, equivalent to defence budget, Arora questions BJP leadership*

*• Won’t let opposition deceive Punjab’s people, says Arora*

Chandigarh, December 30:–Mounting a fierce and factual offensive against the BJP-led Centre Government for dismantling MGNREGA and misleading the poor, Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president Mr. Aman Arora termed the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), VB-G RAM G, a calculated move to deny guaranteed employment.

While addressing the house during discussion on official resolution on VB-G RAM G during special session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Aman Arora challenged the very foundation of the scheme. He stated, "They talk about an 'average' of 26 days of employment in Punjab. Even if we accept this dubious average, my question is, what was the purpose of increasing the days from 100 to 125? This is nothing but making fools of the people. If a MGNREGA labourer knows he won't get wages for 6-8 months, will he show up for work? Even if Panchayats want to start projects, how will they pay for materials if funds are not released from the top? The Centre has single-handedly killed this scheme."

He elaborated that the original law was demand-driven, guaranteeing work as per the need of the workers. "Now, it has been made supply-driven. The Centre sitting in Delhi will decide which state, district, block and village will get work. They have ripped out the very heart of the guaranteed employment”, Mr. Arora asserted.

Presenting stark calculations to BJP MLA Ashwani Sharma, Mr Arora stated, "In Punjab alone, we have around 30.20 lakh job card holders. If you promise them 125 days at Rs 346 per day, the required budget is over Rs 13,062 crores. With 15.5 crore job card holders nationwide, guaranteeing 125 days of work at Rs 346 per day would cost a whopping Rs 6.70 lakh crore - roughly equivalent to India's entire defence budget. If the Centre is promising this in the upcoming budget, only then we can believe their guarantee. Otherwise, it is a cruel hoax."

Turning the tables on the opposition for alleging corruption in MGNREGA, Mr. Aman Arora said that the scams had happened during the SAD-BJP and Congress regimes. He stated that they siphoned money, but Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has recovered Rs 2 crores of looted public money and took strict action against 42 individuals.

Citing official data, Mr. Aman Arora revealed, "Punjab has received Rs 11,700 crore under MGNREGA since 2005. In the 10 years of the Akali-BJP alliance (2007-2017) regime, only about Rs 1988 crores were utilised under the scheme in Punjab. In 5 years (2017-2022) of Congress rule, it was Rs 4708 crores were utilised under MGNREGA. In contrast, in just three and half years rule of the CM Mann-led AAP government has ensured that Rs 5,131 crores reached the homes of the poor, despite the Centre withholding funds for months under the scheme.

Urging the Chief Minister to order a probe into MGNREGA scams that occurred in Muktsar, Gidderbaha, Abohar and Fazilka under previous regimes, which are the bastions of Congress state president and former Minister Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and BJP State President Sunil Kumar Jakhar, he said that the opposition's own leaders were involved in scandals. Now, they shed crocodile tears, but we won’t let them deceive Punjab’s people.

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