Punjab News Daily
Chandigarh, April 11

Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday took a series of decisive and far-reaching steps, clearing a stringent amendment to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 with provision of life imprisonment to ensure the strictest punishment for ‘Beadbi’ (sacrilege) and uphold the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.

Alongside this, the Cabinet approved a massive solar street lighting programme covering 11,500 villages with nearly 3 lakh lights, and gave its nod to host the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Punjab for the first time, signalling a strong push towards religious respect, rural transformation, and revival of Punjab’s sporting glory.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in a meeting held under the chairmanship of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. Disclosing this, the Chief Minister’s Office said, “There have been several incidents in the past involving the beadbi (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and other revered Holy Scriptures, which have deeply hurt public sentiments by bruising their psyche and caused unrest in society. While Sections 298, 299, and 300 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 do address such matters, they do not prescribe sufficiently stringent punishments to serve as a strong deterrent against such acts.

After careful consideration and discussion, the Bhagwant Mann government has decided that appropriate legal measures are required to safeguard the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and to promote mutual respect, understanding, and communal harmony in the society.”

In view of the seriousness of these offences and the need to preserve communal harmony and religious sanctity, the Cabinet has decided to amend the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008. Thus, the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 stipulates enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment, for those found guilty of committing sacrilege against Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. The proposed legislation is expected to act as a strong deterrent against individuals with malicious intent and to contribute positively towards maintaining peace and communal goodwill in Punjab.”

In another significant decision, the Cabinet gave approval to launch and implement a Solar Street Lighting Installation Programme across the Gram Panchayats of Punjab on an opt-in basis. Solar streetlights are preferred due to their reliability, zero electricity cost, and suitability for areas. This statewide Solar Street Lighting Programme will cover about 3 lakh lights in 11,500 villages with 70% state support and 30% by Gram Panchayat share. The programme will include new installations, maintenance, modern monitoring systems, and prioritization of public and SC residential areas.

The programme will be implemented by the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) and the streetlights will be installed in all villages in a phased manner between June and October 2025. Expedited deployment of modern street lighting systems will not only enhance women’s safety and inclusivity but also support environmental sustainability and improved living standards in rural areas.

The programme will follow an opt-in model, allowing Gram Panchayats to participate based on their local requirements and the panchayat can also decide how many streetlights they need with or without poles to save on costs.

The Cabinet also gave its concurrence for holding the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Punjab for the first time. An agreement has been signed between the Punjab State Sports Council and Hockey India for hosting this trophy. Despite Punjab’s immense contribution to hockey, this is the first time a multi-nation international hockey tournament has been offered to Punjab.

The total estimated expenditure for the Champions Trophy is expected to be approximately ₹25.40 crore, which includes expenditure to be incurred on upgradation of infrastructure at Jalandhar and Mohali hockey stadia to make them fit for holding and telecasting international matches.

The Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 will enhance Punjab’s sports culture, infrastructure, and global standing. This event will inspire youth to pursue athletics, providing a positive path that steers them away from drug abuse. This event will bring Punjab again on the centre stage of hockey both at the national and international level thereby restoring its pristine glory.