Highlighting a truly unique and historic development during the recent Punjab Vidhan Sabha session, where all Acts, Bills, and Resolutions presented by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government were passed unanimously, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday attributed this remarkable consensus to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s unwavering focus on the welfare and progress of the people of Punjab.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Finance Minister Cheema stated that in his two terms in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, he had never witnessed such complete unanimity on all legislative matters. He said this reflected the AAP government’s meticulous planning and transparent governance, guiding Punjab towards new heights of development.
Cheema elaborated that the assembly session was proactively extended by two days on its very first day, allowing thorough discussion on crucial bills and enabling meaningful participation from the opposition.
He specifically mentioned The Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025, which, after extensive deliberation, was unanimously referred to a select committee. He said the bill symbolized the state government’s commitment to formulating a strong law to protect all religious scriptures from desecration.
He further highlighted the unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal on the second day of the session, strongly opposing the deployment of CISF personnel in BBMB establishments.
Cheema noted that while the Congress party had approved CISF security for BBMB in 2021, it was part of a broader conspiracy against Punjab orchestrated by the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Haryana, with Congress’s involvement.
He praised the Congress for correcting its earlier position by supporting the AAP government’s resolution, which was passed with full consensus. He added that in over 70 years, Punjab Police had ensured robust security at BBMB establishments without a single lapse.
Cheema also mentioned the unanimous passage of The Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur Bill, 2025 and the C.G.C. University, Mohali Bill, 2025, both aimed at strengthening Punjab’s educational infrastructure.
Highlighting the unanimous passage of The Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Bill, 2025, Cheema noted that the act—amended for the first time since 1958—provides substantial relief to Punjab’s shopkeepers, especially small businesses, by ending the long-standing issue of ‘inspector raj’ and related harassment.
He added that the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Bill, 2025, was introduced with amendments that balance operational convenience for employers with welfare measures for workers, leading to its unanimous approval.
The assembly also passed The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025, unanimously. This bill legalizes bullock cart races in Kila Raipur, thereby preserving and promoting Punjab’s rich cultural traditions.
From his own department, Minister Cheema highlighted the unanimous passage of two important bills: The Punjab State Development Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which offers a ₹200 rebate for those opting for lump-sum annual payments, and The Punjab Appropriation (Repeal) Bill, 2025, aimed at repealing outdated appropriation acts dating back to 1985.
Finance Minister Cheema emphasized the extensive and constructive discussion held on the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign. He noted that all parties unanimously pledged their support in the collective mission to eliminate the drug menace from Punjab.