All bills were passed by a majority voice vote under Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan's supervision.
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha passed several key Bills on Thursday, including the establishment of two new private universities and amendments related to labour welfare, commercial establishments, and animal rights. Among the approved Bills were the Rayat Bahra Professional University Bill and the CGC University Bill, which will pave the way for the creation of these universities in Hoshiarpur and Mohali, respectively. These institutions will focus on technical and professional courses, adhering to UGC norms.
Sultanpur Lodhi MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh suggested that the Punjab government should establish a state-run university instead, ideally in Jabbowal village in his constituency, where a structure is already in place.
The assembly also passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, which introduces stricter penalties for animal cruelty and allows the return of the traditional bullock cart race at the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, a popular cultural event in Punjab. The race had been banned by the Supreme Court due to animal welfare concerns, but the amendment ensures that such sports will be regulated to ensure animal safety.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended the revival of the bullock cart race, comparing it to Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu, and emphasized that strict conditions will prevent animal cruelty during the races.
Additionally, the assembly passed the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, aimed at improving business regulations, and the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, which enhances welfare benefits for registered workers, including health cover, education scholarships, and housing support.
All bills were passed by a majority voice vote under Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan’s supervision.
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