Warned Bureaucrats- ‘Do Not mislead People’, says cabinet minister Aman Arora in Vidhan sabha session.
During a session in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, took swift action to resolve the income certificate issue of basketball coach Paramjit Singh Gholu. Arora narrated the entire ordeal of how officials misled Gholu and emphasized that bureaucratic negligence would not be tolerated. He warned that the government would make officials retire early and put them on pensions before their due period if they failed to mend their ways.
The matter in question was from Faridkot, where MLA Gurditt informed Arora that Gholu’s father had passed away, and his two brothers were 75% mentally ill. When he approached officials for an income certificate, he was told that certificates could not be issued for individuals earning less than ₹80,000 per year. Arora intervened, reviewed the details, and ensured the process was completed.
However, Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh questioned whether any action had been taken against those responsible, stating that governance cannot function on mere requests. In response, Arora firmly stated that the government does not run on requests alone. He further revealed that despite questioning the MLA, Gholu, and the Deputy Commissioner, no one could confirm who the responsible Tehsildar was.
The entire discussion in the Punjab Assembly highlighted the government’s intent to tackle an inactive bureaucracy and hold government officials accountable for misleading the public. Cabinet Minister Aman Arora directly warned government officials against misleading citizens while discussing income certificate delays. “Please abandon such habits, or you will face delays in salary and pension processing,” he cautioned. He assured that income certificates would be issued to those earning below ₹80,000 per year. Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh, however, criticized the government, stating that governance could not function merely on requests.
Punjab Assembly Session: Ministers, MLAs Raise Key Issues; Opposition Attacks AAP Government
The Punjab Assembly session commenced today, with Cabinet Minister Aman Arora issuing a stern warning to government officials against misleading people while holding public office. He cautioned that officials engaging in such misconduct could face early retirement and be put on pensions before their due period. The session was later adjourned until 10 am on February 25.
Derabassi Roads Issue Amid Farmers’ Protest
The deteriorating condition of roads in Derabassi was a major discussion point, especially due to the ongoing farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border, which has blocked key routes. It was clarified in the session that road repairs would commence only after the state secures a ₹1,800 crore loan from NABARD.
Opposition Leader Bajwa’s Allegations
Outside the Assembly, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa claimed that multiple AAP MLAs were in touch with him, drawing a parallel by saying, “Just like advance bookings for Diljit Dosanjh’s shows, MLAs are securing their future.”
Bajwa further alleged that the BJP was communicating with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann through Ravneet Singh Bittu, whom he claimed speaks to Mann four times a day. He also criticized the recent arrests of individuals linked to Bittu, calling them a “drama” and alleging that those detained were receiving VIP treatment in jail.
Concerns Over Crime, Adulteration, and Bureaucratic Issues
BJP MLA Ashwani Kumar expressed concerns about the increasing number of outsiders settling in Pathankot over the past three years, leading to a surge in crime. He demanded strict police verification of these individuals for security reasons.
Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh highlighted the sale of adulterated milk in Punjab, emphasizing its severe health risks. He proposed stricter penalties, suggesting an increase in punishment to 8–10 years, and called for a resolution in the next session.
Riparian Rights and National Education Policy (NEP) Debate
Jalandhar MLA Pargat Singh raised two key issues: he opposed the Ravi-Beas Tribunal’s decision, stressing that Punjab’s riparian rights must be protected to prevent legal disadvantages in court. He also urged the Punjab Government to reject the National Education Policy (NEP), following the example of six other states that deemed it unsuitable.
CNG Plants and Administrative Pressures
Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali and Congress MLA Sukhwinder Kotli voiced concerns about pressure from the police and administration regarding CNG plants. Ayali suggested forming a dedicated committee to resolve the issue.
Impact of Farmers’ Protest on Traffic and Road Conditions
Derabassi MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa raised concerns over increased traffic and worsening link roads due to 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 begin.
Power Supply for Government Schools
MLA Hamreet Singh Pathanmajra questioned 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 was working on solar power solutions, revealing that solar panels had been installed in 4,200 schools, with ongoing work in 2,400 more. The plan aims to provide solar energy to 19,000 schools and 53,000 buildings within two years.
Status of Oxygen Plants Set Up During COVID-19
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa questioned the functionality of oxygen plants established during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the one in Gurdaspur, set up with Centre’s support. The Health Minister admitted that 41 such plants remain non-functional but assured that tenders were being processed and operations would begin by March.
Bajwa’s Criticism of AAP Government
Outside the Assembly, Bajwa criticized the AAP government, stating that it had no achievements to showcase. He noted that for the first time in 75 years, no winter session was held, and now a special session had been convened without a clear agenda.
He alleged that Punjab was being run by gangsters rather than the government, citing issues like extortion, illegal mining, and lawlessness. He also accused Delhi-based leaders of interfering in Punjab’s governance, questioning the influence of former Delhi ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in state affairs.
Bajwa further raised concerns over a recent televised interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, demanding accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP). He questioned why no strict action had been taken against those responsible.
The Punjab Assembly session will resume at 10 am on February 25.
