Punjab Assembly Session adjourned till tomorrow; Aman Arora warns officials against misleading people
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Assembly session commenced today. During the session, Punjab Cabinet minister Aman Arora warned officials against misleading people while holding government positions. He cautioned that any such misconduct could lead to swift actions affecting their salaries and pensions. Meanwhile, the session has been adjourned until 10 am on February 25.
The issue of deteriorating roads in Derabassi was also discussed due to the ongoing farmers' protest at the Shambhu border, which has blocked the main road. It was clarified in the session that only after obtaining a loan of Rs 1,800 crore from NABARD will the road repairs commence.
Outside the Assembly, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa claimed that several AAP MLAs were in contact with him. Drawing an analogy, he said, "Just like advance bookings for Diljit Dosanjh’s shows, MLAs are securing their future."
He alleged that the BJP was in touch with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann through Ravneet Singh Bittu, who, according to him, speaks to the CM four times a day. Bajwa also criticised the recent arrest of those linked to Bittu, calling it a "drama" and alleging that they were receiving VIP treatment in jail.
BJP MLA Ashwani Kumar raised concerns over the increasing number of outsiders in Pathankot, a border district. He stated that a large influx of people in the last three years had led to a surge in crime. He demanded strict verification of these people by the police to ensure security.
Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh highlighted the issue of adulterated milk being sold in Punjab, which poses a severe health risk. He pointed out that offenders often escape with minor penalties due to the absence of stringent laws. He proposed that the punishment for such crimes should be increased to 8–10 years, and a resolution should be introduced in the next session.
Jalandhar MLA Pargat Singh raised two key issues. He opposed the recent Ravi-Beas Tribunal decision, arguing that Punjab’s riparian rights must be protected to avoid a weak position in court.
He urged the Punjab Government to follow the example of six other states that have rejected the National Education Policy (NEP), arguing that it is not suitable for Punjab.
Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali and Congress MLA Sukhwinder Kotli raised concerns over pressure from the police and administration regarding CNG plants. Ayali suggested forming a dedicated committee to resolve these issues.
During discussions on income certificates, Cabinet minister Aman Arora directly warned government officials against misleading citizens. "Please abandon such habits, or you will face delays in salary and pension processing," he cautioned. He also assured that income certificates would be issued to those earning below Rs 80,000 per year.
Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh, however, criticised the government, stating that administration could not run merely on requests.
Derabassi MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa raised concerns over the worsening condition of link roads due to increased traffic caused by the farmers' protest at the Shambhu border. In response, MLA Gurmeet Singh Khuddian clarified that the state government was awaiting a loan from NABARD, after which road repairs would commence.
MLA Hamreet Singh Pathanmajra inquired whether government schools receive free electricity. Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO responded that they do not. Pathanmajra argued that since these schools educate underprivileged children, they should receive free electricity for at least six hours daily. Cabinet minister Aman Arora assured that the government is already working on solar power solutions. He stated that solar panels have been installed in 4,200 schools, with work ongoing in 2,400 more. The plan aims to provide solar energy to 19,000 schools and 53,000 buildings within two years.
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa questioned the status of oxygen plants set up during the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically the one in Gurdaspur, established with Centre's support. The Health Minister admitted that 41 such plants remain non-functional but assured that tenders are being processed, and the plants will be operational by March.
Outside the Assembly, Bajwa criticised the AAP government, stating that it had nothing to showcase in terms of achievements. He pointed out that, for the first time in 75 years, no winter session was held, and now a special session has been convened without any clear purpose.
He alleged that Punjab was being run by gangsters rather than the government, citing issues like extortion, illegal mining, and lawlessness. He further claimed that Delhi-based leaders were interfering in Punjab's governance, questioning the roles of former Delhi ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in state affairs.
Bajwa also raised concerns over the recent televised interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. He demanded accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), questioning why no strict action had been taken against those responsible.
The session will now resume at 10 am on February 25.
- PTC NEWS
