Latest news with #Mann-led
Time of India
08-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal launch 24 industrial advisory panels
Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister and (AAP) national convener on Friday jointly launched 24 sector-wise industrial advisory committees, terming it as a new approach to industrial policy-making in the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Kejriwal described the move as a "reverse trend", where the govt will no longer dictate terms but will instead implement decisions made by industrialists through these new bodies. He claimed that 99% of the decisions formulated by these committees would be put into practice. Kejriwal also accused previous govts of coercing industrialists, which he said drove industries away and pushed the state into a crisis. He added that 99% of the recommendations by the committees will be implemented to make Punjab the best industrial destination. During the event, CM Mann highlighted that the idea for these committees was born out of govt-industry consultations held in Sept 2023. He said each committee would be responsible for drafting detailed strategies tailored to its specific industrial domain. Mann asserted that while preparing the New Industrial Policy, these committees will ensure equal partnership from industry stakeholders. Mann urged all industrialists to actively contribute ideas and share their valuable suggestions in formulating industry friendly policies. The CM called on the industrialists to ensure that their recommendations reflect Punjab's industrial strengths, realistic challenges, and financial context. He said each committee would consist of a chairperson, a member secretary, and officials from the Punjab Bureau of Industrial Investment and District Industries Centres. Mann said the state govt ensured representation from large units, MSMEs, sub-sectors, and all regions to ensure inclusive decision-making. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Kejriwal said the Mann-led AAP govt had taken steps to revive and grow the industrial sector. He lauded the Fast Track Punjab Portal as India's most advanced single-window clearance system, offering over 150 business services and eliminating the need for offline applications. Furthermore, he noted that under the Punjab Right to Business Act, investment proposals of up to Rs 125 crore can now receive in-principle approval within just three days. MSID:: 123188795 413 |
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Eyeing harmony with anti-sacrilege law: Arora
Punjab cabinet minister and Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) state president Aman Arora on Monday said the aim behind the government's plan to introduce a robust law to prevent acts of sacrilege was to ensure religious harmony. Addressing the media during a visit to the Sudhar Trust in Khanna, accompanied by fellow cabinet ministers Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Harbhajan Singh ETO, Arora emphasised the urgent need for a strong legal framework to preserve Punjab's communal harmony. People's welfare is in focus, says Aman Arora. (HT Photo) Citing past incidents such as the Bargari-Behbal Kalan sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, which disturbed peace in the state, Arora said, 'With this new law, we will ensure that such acts are deterred through strict legal consequences.' He reiterated the Mann-led government's commitment to restoring Punjab's prosperity and vibrancy. He emphasised that every decision made by the Mann-led government is driven by a commitment to the progress, welfare and betterment of Punjab's people. Arora also issued a stern warning to those exploiting Punjab through violence, corruption or drug trafficking. 'Those who amass wealth through unlawful means will face the consequences of their actions,' he stated, reinforcing the government's zero-tolerance stance on crime and corruption. Grewal demands inclusion of Hindu temples and idols in sacrilege Bill Senior BJP leader and prominent Sikh figure Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal accused the AAP government of adopting a 'selective and vote-bank-driven' approach in drafting the sacrilege Bill, which is expected to be tabled during a special session of the Punjab Assembly on July 10 and 11. Grewal urged the government to broaden the scope of the bill to protect all religious communities. 'If this government is sincere, it must include Pran Pratishthit Hindu temples and idols in the Bill. Anything less would be a betrayal to millions of Hindus whose sacred spaces have also faced repeated attacks,' he said. 'For years, Hindu temples have been vandalised and desecrated under this government's nose. The AAP dispensation has conveniently turned a blind eye. Are Hindu sentiments expendable in Punjab politics? Are they just not vote-worthy enough for the Mann government?' he questioned. While welcoming the inclusion of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the proposed Bill, he said, 'The BJP holds the Guru Granth Sahib in the highest spiritual and national esteem.'
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab govt plans to introduce ‘robust law' against sacrilege
Ludhiana: Cabinet minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab president Aman Arora announced on Monday that the Punjab govt is set to introduce a "robust law" to prevent acts of sacrilege, ensuring that no individual dared to desecrate religious texts or symbols. Speaking to mediapersons during a visit to the Sudhar Trust in Khanna, alongside cabinet ministers Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Harbhajan Singh ETO, Arora highlighted the need for stringent measures to protect Punjab's religious harmony. He referenced past incidents, such as the Bargari-Behbal Kalan sacrilege a decade ago, which disrupted peace. "With this new law, we will ensure that such acts are deterred through strict legal consequences," Arora asserted. Arora reiterated that the state govt, under the leadership of chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is dedicated to restoring Punjab's prosperity. He emphasised that every decision made by the Mann-led govt is driven by a commitment to the progress, welfare, and betterment of Punjab's people. Arora also issued a stern warning to those exploiting Punjab through violence, corruption, or drug trafficking. "Those who amass wealth through unlawful means will face the consequences of their actions," he stated, reinforcing the govt's zero-tolerance stance on crime and corruption. MSID:: 122302503 413 |
Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Punjab CM Mann says Dhuri ROB work to begin soon; Bittu slams CM for taking ‘fake credit'
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that the work on railway overbridge (RoB) in his constituency Dhuri, Sangrur district, would begin soon. Reacting to this, Union Minister of State for Railways and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu slammed Mann for 'taking fake credit' as the 'the Railways, which has to grant an approval for the RoB adjoining Dhuri LC 62A railway crossing, will do it soon — without efforts from Mann or the ruling AAP government'. 'The Mann-led AAP government in Punjab has not sanctioned a single rupee for the work,' Bittu said. Asserting that 'necessary clearance' was granted for the work by the Ministry of Railways after 'persistent efforts by the state government', Mann said in a statement: 'The state-of-the-art RoB, which will be constructed at the level crossing (phatak) no. 62A, will play a crucial role in resolving traffic congestion in the Malwa region, particularly for commuters in the Dhuri segment. The total cost of the project is Rs 54.76 crore, which will be funded entirely by the state government.' He also said that 'once initiated, the project will be completed within 18 months. Groundwork began in 2024, but the progress has been delayed due to the pending final railway permission/ NOC since March 2025… The state government pursued the matter diligently, and with required approvals from the Railways, the project work will commence shortly.' Terming Mann's remarks 'misleading', Bittu said: 'In the past three years, Mann has not provided a single rupee to the Railways for cost-sharing overbridge projects across the state. If he had even sent Rs 54.76 lakh, he would have held a press conference. This Rs 54.76-crore claim is pure optics. Can the CM tell in which head this amount is lying, and why it has not been disbursed till today.' Bittu further alleged: 'A few residents met me very recently, and after listening to their grievances, I took up the issue at the highest level immediately. Despite being the MLA from Dhuri, the CM has done nothing to address this long-pending demand… Now that the Railways has taken the initiative, Mann is shamelessly trying to take credit.' Slamming Mann for his alleged neglect towards Dhuri, Bittu said while the previous chief ministers made significant efforts to develop their home constituencies, Mann failed to do so. 'He has not held even a single public interaction in Dhuri after becoming the CM… The bus stand is in poor condition, and the local hospital lacks basic infrastructure too.' 'I had received multiple representations from local BJP leaders and citizen groups, urging immediate action on the overbridge as the 62A railway crossing remains closed for hours, effectively cutting the town into two and causing daily chaos for commuters,' Bittu said, adding residents often have to wait three to four hours to cross the railway tracks.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mundian hauls up Gmada over poor Airport Rd work
Mohali: Housing and urban development minister Hardeep Singh Mundian Friday conducted a surprise inspection of the Airport Road widening project between the Sector 65/66 junction and Sector 66B in Mohali. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Expressing strong displeasure, the minister flagged the slow pace and substandard quality of work being carried out under Gmada. Taking immediate note of the discrepancies, Mundian reprimanded the officials on the spot and directed the principal secretary of the department to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure accountability of all those involved, including department staff and contractors. "The ground reality is far from the progress shown on paper. This is unacceptable," Mundian said during the inspection. He emphasised that quality cannot be compromised and warned of strict action against those responsible for the delay and poor execution. The minister said the Mann-led govt is committed to transparent, timely, and high-quality development, especially in urban areas like Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), which has emerged as one of Punjab's most developed cities due to its proximity to the international airport and growing corporate presence. "The planned development of cities is integral to our vision for Punjab. Negligence or lack of seriousness in public projects will not be tolerated," Mundian asserted. He said Gmada is playing a key role in the region's transformation and that he will continue to personally inspect ongoing infrastructure projects to ensure standards are met. The widening of Airport Road is part of a broader urban development plan to improve traffic flow and connectivity in Mohali, but concerns over execution threaten to delay benefits to residents and commuters.
