*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann gifts major boost to working class on Labour Day, announces 15 percent increase in minimum wages*
*All registered workers in both govt & private sectors will benefit from wage hike: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Minimum wages increased after 13 years, previous govts failed to understand pain of working class: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Only quality education for workers’ children can change their conditions, AAP Govt actively delivering it: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Congress walking out of special Labour Day session proves it is anti worker: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to embark on Shukrana Yatra thanking Guru Sahib for strength to enact Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026*
CHANDIGARH, 1st May 2026:On Labour Day, the Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution approving a 15 percent increase in minimum wages after 13 years, extending the benefit to all registered workers in both government and private sectors. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann termed it a tribute to the working class.
The Punjab CM flagged education as key to improving their conditions and highlighted the AAP-led government's transformational work. He also targeted the Congress over its walkout from the special session, and announced a Shukrana Yatra following the passage of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, "The base rate of minimum wages for the working class was last revised in 2012, and although the Dearness Allowance (DA) has continued to rise since then, the base rate has not been increased. On this sacred occasion of Labour Day, the Punjab Assembly in this special session has moved to revise the minimum wages of workers."
Calling it a tribute to workers, he continued, "The increase in minimum wages is a real homage to the contribution of workers which is duly respected, acknowledged and appreciated. The entire House recognises their immense role in the socio economic progress of the state, and though this should have been done 13 years ago, no one paid heed due to insensitivity towards the working class."
Pointing to past neglect, he said, "Two previous regimes passed without revising wages for these hardworking and resilient people who are the backbone of society. On May Day, which symbolises the historic global struggle of labour, I pay rich tributes to those who sacrificed their lives in Chicago in 1886 to secure genuine service conditions."
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, "The working and labour class must come forward to usher in an era of development, peace and prosperity, and observe May Day not just historically but by taking a solemn pledge to safeguard their rights. The government has taken this historic initiative for their well being and will further strengthen their welfare through increased registration."
Targeting the opposition, he revealed, "The session began cordially but Congress leaders could not digest it and boycotted it on the pretext of no issue, reflecting their myopic mindset as big landlords, businessmen and aristocrats who are least concerned about labour. In contrast, the government has taken several steps to safeguard the rights of the working class."
Highlighting education reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "Children from weaker and underprivileged sections are excelling in government schools due to transformation in education, with 359 students clearing JEE. Of those sharing their experiences, 9 to 10 out of 15 were children of labourers, and when they secure good placements, the destiny of their families will change."
He emphasised, "Education is key to uplifting these families, which is why the government has prioritised this sector. I pay tribute to labour unions fighting for workers’ rights and salute their zeal, and the government will continue taking every step to ensure their welfare so they keep contributing to the state and the nation."
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to embark on Shukrana Yatra thanking Guru Sahib for strength to enact Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026*
Referring to the legislation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "We are fortunate that we were entrusted with the responsibility to unanimously pass the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026, which stipulates harsher punishment for ‘beadbi' (sacrilege) and will put an end to such incidents. The ‘beadbi’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was a deep rooted conspiracy to disturb peace, amity, brotherhood and communal harmony."
Underlining strict action, he asserted, "The Act ensures that anyone found guilty of this unpardonable offence will not be spared and exemplary punishment will act as a deterrent. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh and it is our duty to ensure its sanctity, and people across the globe are expressing happiness and gratitude for this historic step."
Announcing the yatra, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "To express gratitude to the Almighty, I will embark on a Shukrana Yatra from Sri Anandpur Sahib on May 6 and until May 9 will pay obeisance at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Damdama Sahib, Mastuana Sahib, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, with the sole motive of thanking the Almighty for giving the strength and courage to pass this important Act.”
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*Punjab Cabinet, under leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, approves Directorate of Forensic Science Services to strengthen crime investigation & evidence processing*
*Farm Stay Policy 2026 cleared to boost farmer incomes and promote rural tourism across Punjab*
*Major push to forensic infrastructure with new divisions, mobile units and recruitment approved*
*Punjab Cabinet clears Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2026 for legislative approval*
CHANDIGARH; 1st May 2026:The Punjab Cabinet led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday took a series of key decisions focused on strengthening public safety, boosting rural incomes, and improving regulatory frameworks, with approvals for a revamped forensic science system, a new Farm Stay Policy, and amendments to the Societies Registration law.
Detailing the decisions, the Chief Minister’s Office stated, “In a significant decision aimed at ensuring public safety through speedy investigations of crime through efficient evidence processing, the Punjab Cabinet led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday gave nod for establishment of Directorate of Forensic Science Services in Punjab. A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held under the chairmanship of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Directorate of Forensic Services (DFS), Punjab, earlier known as Forensic Science Laboratory, Punjab, will be under the control of the Department of Home Affairs. The nomenclature of Regional Testing Forensic Science Laboratories will now be Regional Forensic Science Laboratories working under DFS, while the Chief Chemical Examiner Laboratory, Kharar will be integrated into DFS as a Special Toxicology Division.
The forensic capacity will be strengthened through creation of new technical divisions including DNA, Ballistics, Cyber Forensics, Documents, and Physics/Audio Voice at Regional Science Laboratories in Amritsar, Bathinda and Ludhiana. 28 Mobile Forensic Units will be established, with one Mobile Forensic Van operating in each Police District under the supervision of a Scientific Officer (Crime Scene).
On staffing, The sanctioned posts of Forensic Science Laboratory, Chemical Examiner Laboratory and ministerial staff will be adjusted in DFS, while an additional 266 posts of technical staff and one post of ministerial staff will be created and filled in a phased manner through direct recruitment. Approval has been given for revival and direct recruitment of Scientific Officers and Scientific Assistants at Forensic Science Laboratory, Punjab, SAS Nagar, along with recruitment of Laboratory Assistants and Laboratory Attendants.
*Gives concurrence to the Farm Stay Policy 2026 to boost farmer incomes and rural tourism*
In another significant decision, the Cabinet has given concurrence to the Farm Stay Policy 2026 to boost farmer incomes and rural tourism. The policy aims to promote farm-based experiential tourism while creating sustainable and supplementary income opportunities for farmers across Punjab.
The Farm Stay Policy 2026 leverages Punjab’s strong agrarian base, rich rural culture and hospitality traditions, positioning farm stays as an important pillar of inclusive and responsible tourism development. The policy is farmer-centric and enables farmers to utilise a small portion of their agricultural land to offer authentic rural experiences, farm-based accommodation, local cuisine and cultural activities without disturbing primary agricultural practices.
By providing an enabling and simplified regulatory framework, the policy reduces procedural hurdles, promotes ease of doing business, and encourages rural households, particularly youth, to participate in tourism-linked entrepreneurship alongside farming. The policy emphasises sustainability through eco-friendly construction, waste management, water conservation, and promotion of organic and natural farming practices.
This policy aims to generate rural employment, enhance farmer incomes, reduce agrarian distress, and create vibrant village-level economic activity, while offering visitors an immersive experience of Punjab’s countryside, traditions and way of life.
*Gives consent to the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2026*
On legislative reforms, The Cabinet has also given consent to The Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2026 by amending the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The bill will be placed before the Punjab Vidhan Sabha for approval of the state legislature.
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt wins Confidence Motion unanimously*
*Public trust remains with AAP today & will continue with massive mandate in 2027: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Congress not being present in House is also form of supporting Govt's Confidence Motion: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*We’ve built AAP with our blood & sweat; we stand like rock with Arvind Kejriwal: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*BJP has nothing of its own; it will not even find 117 candidates; Even in Parliament, 125 out of 240 BJP MPs are from Congress: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*I’ll go to President with copy of Confidence Motion along with all MLAs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab will be first state to demand stricter anti-defection law or recall provision from President: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*ED, CBI and fake voters are undermining Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Even in Hungary, regime like Modi’s existed, but people showed their strength by giving landslide victory to opposition: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*AAP is national party; few defections will not affect it; This isn't just party, it is people’s trust, which can never be broken: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 1st May 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday turned the floor of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha into a decisive assertion of political authority, with his government winning the Confidence Motion unanimously and sending a clear message that attempts to destabilise the Punjab Government have failed. Declaring the mandate as a reflection of enduring public trust, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann declared that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s support base remains intact and will translate into an even bigger mandate in 2027, even as he underscored the party’s grassroots strength built “with blood and sweat” and its unwavering alignment with Arvind Kejriwal.
Taking on the opposition, he pointed to Congress’s absence in the House as tacit support and questioned the BJP’s organisational depth, while also signalling a larger constitutional battle by announcing that Punjab will approach the President seeking stricter anti-defection provisions or a recall mechanism. Positioning AAP as a resilient national force unaffected by defections, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that the party represents people’s trust that cannot be broken, while warning that institutions like the ED and CBI are being misused in ways that undermine the Constitution envisioned by Babasaheb Ambedkar.
During the proceedings, a total of 88 AAP MLAs were present in the House, while two AAP MLAs were abroad and two were in jail. In addition, two MLAs were hospitalized. The Confidence Motion secured unanimous support in the House, underlining the strength and unity of the Bhagwant Mann government.
Moving the Confidence Motion and addressing the Assembly, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that attempts were being made to destabilise the government through misinformation, but the people of Punjab continue to stand firmly with it. “These days canards are being spread to destabilise the state government, creating a sense of doubt in the minds of the people. However, the people of Punjab have time and again shown explicit confidence in the government and its policies.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The entire opposition is baffled as they are not getting any response from the people despite their negative propaganda.”
Taking on the opposition’s internal contradictions, the Chief Minister asserted, “The opposition is completely in shambles, and their leadership is divided with leaders squabbling for power. The Leader of Opposition and his own brother live in the same house but have flags of different parties on it,” while contrasting it with AAP’s unity, adding, “The ruling AAP is fully united, with everyone making concerted efforts for the progress of Punjab.”
Highlighting legislative and political developments, he said, “The opposition parties are unable to digest that the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2026 has been passed, as it will not allow them to pursue their divisive agenda.” He further noted, “AAP’s growing presence, from Gujarat to across the country, has frustrated BJP and its allies. AAP is now spread from Jammu to Goa, giving sleepless nights to both BJP and Congress, who prefer friendly matches over raising issues of public importance.”
Reiterating the ideological strength of the party, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Unlike Congress, Akali Dal or BJP, AAP cannot be broken as it has emerged to clean the political system. The shifting allegiance of a few opportunist leaders makes no difference, as the people of Punjab stand firmly with the government and its path-breaking initiatives.”
He added, “After these defections, opposition parties falsely claimed that AAP MLAs were in contact with them, whereas even their own leaders do not see eye to eye.”
Raising concerns about the broader democratic environment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The country is passing through tough times, where democratic norms are being jeopardised and the Constitution is being ransacked. This is a grave insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of the Constitution, and is intolerable,” further adding, “Votes are being hijacked and central agencies are being misused to muzzle the voice of democracy.”
Continuing his criticism of the BJP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann remarked, “The BJP has no cadre of its own. Celebrities come, contest elections and then leave. Ironically, out of their 240 MPs, 125 are from the Congress, which shows they have no base.” He added, “Leaders who have switched parties have backstabbed the people and their mandate. I will meet the President of India to demand amendments so that such leaders can be recalled.”
On governance and development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted a major irrigation initiative, stating, “For the first time in Punjab’s history, water is being released from May 1 to benefit farmers. Ahead of the paddy season, 4,000 km of new watercourses and 3,000 km of pipelines have been made operational,” adding, “21,000 cusecs of water has been released to test the system and remove any shortcomings.”
Emphasising the scale and impact, he said, “The water released is equivalent to that supplied by two Bhakra canals and will immensely benefit farmers. It will also help recharge groundwater through dedicated recharge schemes, benefiting future generations,” further noting, “Recharge points have been created in canals and rivers, leading to a rise in water levels by two to four metres.”
Underlining the long-term vision, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann concluded, “This decision is aimed at securing the future of coming generations, as Punjab’s existence depends on water. It is a matter of immense pride that 21 lakh cubic metres of water has been recharged in the last year. This historic initiative will safeguard groundwater and strengthen the farming sector in Punjab.”