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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Will clear all hurdles to revive, boost Punjab's rural sports: CM
Ludhiana: Announcing the revival of traditional rural sports in Punjab that were dying due to legal restrictions, chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann Tuesday promised and assured that his govt will remove all legal hurdles to promote and preserve the state's glorious sports heritage. Addressing a gathering at a function organised by sports lovers to thank Mann for paving the way for the revival of bullcok cart races in the state, the CM said, "Bullock cart races are not just a source of entertainment, but represent the rich cultural heritage of rural Punjab. Such races were held in the state since ancient times and served as a living connection to our traditions and cultural identity. Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru, also practised farming with bullocks during his time in Kartarpur Sahib. " Mann said the ban on bullock cart races had not only disheartened lovers of traditional sports, but had also dealt a blow to the state's heritage. There was a growing clamour from Punjabis to bring a new law so that these traditional games could be brought back to life. So, on July 11, the historic 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025' was passed unanimously in the Punjab assembly, he told the gathering. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The CM said this law will not only help preserve indigenous animal breeds of Punjab, but will also eventually lead to the revival of bullock cart races. He said the law now awaits the consent of the President of India, after which the races can be officially conducted again. Speaking about the new legislation, Mann explained that its primary objective is to ensure safety measures for animals participating in sports, including veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration and documentation, and penalties for violations — so that no cruelty is inflicted upon voiceless animals. The CM also announced that the govt will explore possibilities of reviving pigeon flying competitions as well. Referring to the sports festival held at Kila Raipur village, he said the games which began in 1933 are popularly known as "Mini Olympics" or "Rural Olympics". Mann said these games have received international recognition, having been covered by BBC, Discovery Channel, and others, adding that even past presidents of the country have attended these games in the past. Thanking the public for their overwhelming support to the govt's war against drugs, the CM emphasised that drug abuse is not limited to one house or district but affects the entire state. He said many young people in Punjab have fallen prey to drugs, adding those who laid the pyres of youth are the real enemies of society and they will not be spared at any cost. Mann claimed that those "affluent leaders" who were behind the "genocide of youth" have already been put behind bars, and the drive to demolish the houses of drug smugglers with bulldozers will continue in the coming days too. Mann questioned former CM Capt Amarinder Singh for "showing concern" for the human rights of the "kingpin" of the entire drug trade currently lodged in Nabha jail, and asked why such concern was never shown for the people of Punjab. On irrigation, the CM said when he assumed office, only 21% of agricultural land across the state was irrigated using canal water, but today it has risen to 63%. Uninterrupted electricity is also being provided for paddy cultivation. For the first time, farmers are switching off their tube wells due to surplus water availability, he added.
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann
Ludhiana, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the bullock cart races are not just a source of entertainment but represent the glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab. Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann He said that such races have been held in Punjab since ancient times and served as a living connection to our traditions and cultural identity. Mann, according to an official statement, said that Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev also practiced farming with bullocks during his time in Kartarpur Sahib. The chief minister said that the ban earlier on bullock cart races had not only disheartened lovers of traditional sports but also dealt a blow to our heritage. Addressing a gathering in Mehma Singh Wala village in this district, Mann said that there had been growing demand from Punjabis to bring a new law so that these traditional games can be revived. Mann said the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill, 2025 was unanimously passed in the state assembly on July 11. The chief minister said this law will not only help in preserving indigenous animal breeds in Punjab but also pave the way for resuming bullock cart races. He said this law now awaits the consent of the President of India. Speaking about the new legislation, Mann explained its primary objective is to ensure safety measures for animals participating in sports, including veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration and documentation, and penalties for violations, so that no cruelty is inflicted upon voiceless animals. The chief minister also announced that his government will explore possibilities of reviving pigeon flying competitions as well. After the Bill was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly earlier this month, Mann had called it a "historic" day and said the bullock cart races will now resume in the entire state. It allows the resumption of bullock cart races in Punjab besides ensuring safety measures for animals taking part in sports. Bullock cart race had not been taking place at Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Ludhiana district, popularly known as 'mini or rural Olympics'. In 2014, the Supreme Court had banned these sports for being violative of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 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 the 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," according to the Bill passed by the Punjab Assembly. Meanwhile, Mann while referring to the sports festival held at Kila Raipur village said the games, which began in 1933, are popularly known as "Mini Olympics" or "Rural Olympics". Thanking the public for their overwhelming support in the government's war against drugs, the chief minister emphasized that drug abuse is not limited to one house or district, but it affects the entire state. Talking about irrigation, Mann said only 21 per cent of agricultural land across the state was irrigated using canal water that when he assumed office, but that figure has today increased to 63 per cent. The canal and river water is reaching the tail end villages of the state for the first time in history due to the government's effective efforts, he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
News18
9 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann
Agency: Last Updated: July 29, 2025, 19:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Ludhiana, Jul 29 (PTI) Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the bullock cart races are not just a source of entertainment but represent the glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab. He said that such races have been held in Punjab since ancient times and served as a living connection to our traditions and cultural identity. Mann, according to an official statement, said that Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev also practiced farming with bullocks during his time in Kartarpur Sahib. The chief minister said that the ban earlier on bullock cart races had not only disheartened lovers of traditional sports but also dealt a blow to our heritage. Addressing a gathering in Mehma Singh Wala village in this district, Mann said that there had been growing demand from Punjabis to bring a new law so that these traditional games can be revived. Mann said the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025 was unanimously passed in the state assembly on July 11. The chief minister said this law will not only help in preserving indigenous animal breeds in Punjab but also pave the way for resuming bullock cart races. He said this law now awaits the consent of the President of India. Speaking about the new legislation, Mann explained its primary objective is to ensure safety measures for animals participating in sports, including veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration and documentation, and penalties for violations, so that no cruelty is inflicted upon voiceless animals. The chief minister also announced that his government will explore possibilities of reviving pigeon flying competitions as well. After the Bill was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly earlier this month, Mann had called it a 'historic" day and said the bullock cart races will now resume in the entire state. It allows the resumption of bullock cart races in Punjab besides ensuring safety measures for animals taking part in sports. Bullock cart race had not been taking place at Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Ludhiana district, popularly known as 'mini or rural Olympics'. In 2014, the Supreme Court had banned these sports for being violative of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 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 the 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," according to the Bill passed by the Punjab Assembly. Meanwhile, Mann while referring to the sports festival held at Kila Raipur village said the games, which began in 1933, are popularly known as 'Mini Olympics" or 'Rural Olympics". Thanking the public for their overwhelming support in the government's war against drugs, the chief minister emphasized that drug abuse is not limited to one house or district, but it affects the entire state. Swipe Left For Next Video View all Talking about irrigation, Mann said only 21 per cent of agricultural land across the state was irrigated using canal water that when he assumed office, but that figure has today increased to 63 per cent. The canal and river water is reaching the tail end villages of the state for the first time in history due to the government's effective efforts, he added. PTI SUN AS AS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments News agency-feeds Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
Indian Express
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Policy tailor-made for realtors, plan to tilt emography in long term: Cong
The Opposition parties in Punjab stepped up the offensive against AAP government over its land pooling policy, with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal calling it a 'land grabbing scheme' and Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh saying that the policy was tailor made to 'favour a handful of realtors'. 'This policy has been tailor made to favour a handful of real estate developers who have already bought land in Punjab. The idea behind this scheme is not only to ensure that uncontrolled urbanisation takes place but also that there is a huge influx of persons from other states which will tilt the demographics and make Punjabis a minority in their own state,' said Rana Gurjeet. The Kapurthala MLA further alleged that there was an intention that the land acquisition under this scheme gets mired in litigation so that the real estate developers associated with AAP reap a windfall because their land parcels will be free from any legal encumbrance while a substantial portion of land along major cities will tied in litigation. 'It is a deep rooted conspiracy with ulterior motives and malafide intention,' he said. He questioned the rationale behind such a massive land acquisition initiative. 'Where is the demand for 65,333 acres of land? Since the reorganisation of Punjab in 1966, only around 25,000 acres have been developed for urban estates and settlements. On coming to power in 2027 the Congress party will immediately scrap this ill-conceived and lopsided policy,' he said. Meanwhile, accusing AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal of being behind the scheme, SAD chief Sukhbir Badal told reporters on the sidelines of the protest in Mohali, 'It is not a land pooling scheme, but land grabbing scheme. People of Punjab, including the poor and farmers, will not allow them (the government) to implement this policy. 'Shiromani Akali Dal will not allow one inch of land to be acquired in the state. We will fight the farmers' battle. Punjab belongs to Punjabis, while Kejriwal represents the liquor mafia,' he said. Addressing the gathering in Mohali, Badal said, 'The magnitude of land loot by the Delhi masters of the AAP government in Punjab has no precedent in history. And there is no development rationale behind it.' 'The 2,000 acres acquired for the Aerotropolis project in Mohali is still not utilised, while the government is going ahead with grabbing another 3,535 acres in its extension alone,' Badal alleged. The Akali Dal chief reiterated that his party would not allow the government 'to grab even an inch of farmers' land'. 'I am ready to sacrifice anything but we will never allow any land to be taken by the government without the farmers' prior consent,' he said. Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, meanwhile, accused the AAP government of trying 'to snatch away the land of farmers without paying them anything'. Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, who is also the chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, said that even AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang had, in a post on X, flagged doubts about the 'dubious' land pooling policy being pursued vigorously by the state government, 'but it was shameful for Kang to delete the post under pressure from his Delhi bosses like Arvind Kejriwal'. 'The objections raised by farmer unions must, in my view, be heard with empathy and addressed through meaningful dialogue,' Kang had said in a post on X on Sunday. In a post on X on Monday, Khaira shared Kang's now deleted post. Stating that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's 'double face' stands exposed, Khaira claimed that while in opposition, Mann batted for democratic ways to fight wrongful acquisition of land, 'but now in power he's doing the same forcible acquisitions'. Rana Gurjeet said the policy was silent on the landless rural population who rely on agricultural employment for their survival. 'Who will take care of the landless population in villages who are dependent on landowners,' he asked. He further asked, 'What is the guarantee that landowners, who will be divested of their ancestral land, will receive the promised sustenance allowance? This would amount to Rs 653.33 crore, and the government, which is surviving on mounting debt, is in no position to deliver'.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bajwa slams Kang for deleting land pooling tweet
Chandigarh: Leader of opposition in the Punjab assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Monday lashed out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Malvinder Singh Kang for deleting a social media post in which Kang had urged his party leadership to "earn the trust" of farmers regarding the controversial land pooling policy. Hours after publicly expressing reservations about the policy on X (formerly Twitter), Kang deleted the post without explanation. Bajwa accused the AAP MP of succumbing to pressure from the party high command in Delhi and alleged that the leadership is "hell-bent on pushing through a policy that is against the interests of Punjab's farmers". "Kang should have shown spine by speaking up for the people of Punjab, not for those sitting in Delhi. The AAP's real intent is to loot the state's resources," Bajwa alleged. He reiterated his strong opposition to the land pooling scheme, calling it a "blatant act of loot" targeting farmers and landowners. Bajwa demanded that the policy be withdrawn immediately, warning that if the Congress returns to power in Punjab, its first Cabinet decision will be to repeal the policy. Taking a jibe at chief minister Bhagwant Mann, Bajwa said, "If your govt truly believes in the benefits of the land pooling policy, why didn't you launch it from your own ancestral village, Satauj, and from your own farmland? Why didn't finance minister Harpal Cheema start it from his village, or MP Aman Arora from Sunam?" He added, "You can't do this because you know the truth—this policy is disastrous for Punjabis and for farmers. " MSID:: 122953214 413 |
