The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann took several important decisions today (Saturday, 11 April) and these decisions focus on improving village life, protecting religious sentiments and promoting sports in the state following which Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema shared the details after the meeting.
The Cabinet approved a major project to install 3 lakh street lights in more than 11,500 villages across Punjab.
Total cost of the project: ₹550 crore
State government share: ₹380 crore (70%)
Panchayats’ share: ₹170 crore (30%)
This is a change from the earlier system giving relief to village panchayats as they will now pay a smaller share and the government said this move will improve basic facilities in villages and also help reduce crime by increasing visibility at night.
The Cabinet also approved a new bill called the ‘Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Bill-2026’ to deal strictly with cases of sacrilege.
Key provisions in the proposed law:
Minimum punishment: 10 years in jail
Maximum punishment: Life imprisonment
Fine: Between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh
The government also said that people involved in planning or conspiracy will face the same punishment and investigations will be handled by officers of DSP rank or above and the bill will be presented in the Punjab Assembly on April 13, 2026.
Punjab will also host the Asian Hockey Championship and matches will be held at international-level stadiums in Jalandhar and Mohali and for the same a budget of ₹25.40 crore has been approved for the event. As per the information the matches will be broadcast live globally.
The government said hosting this event will encourage young people to take interest in sports and will also promote Punjab at the international level.
