Government
Seeds Punjab Amendment Bill 2025 Passed to Curb Spurious Sale
Punjab Cabinet Introduces The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025
On Friday, the Punjab Cabinet convened under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approving a crucial legislative

Punjab Cabinet Introduces The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025
On Friday, the Punjab Cabinet convened under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approving a crucial legislative proposal aimed at combating the sale of spurious seeds within the state. The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 is a landmark initiative designed to protect farmers by making the distribution and sale of counterfeit seeds a non-bailable offence.
This significant decision arises from the recognition that the existing legislation, specifically Section 19 of the Seeds Act, 1966, lacked the necessary amendments to impose effective deterrents for such illegal activities. The Cabinet noted that the original fines imposed under the Act had remained unchanged for decades, failing to deter malpractices that threaten the agricultural landscape of Punjab.
Enhanced Penalties for Spurious Seeds
The proposed Bill introduces stringent penalties that are set to drastically increase the cost of engaging in the sale of substandard seeds. For companies found guilty of first-time offences, the Bill stipulates a prison term ranging from one to two years, coupled with fines ranging between Rs 5 to 10 lakh. Repeat offenders face even harsher consequences, with potential imprisonment of two to three years and fines escalating to between Rs 10 to 50 lakh.
For individual dealers or persons implicated in these offences, the measures are equally rigorous. Initial infractions will attract jail terms of six months to one year and fines from Rs 1 to 5 lakh, while subsequent breaches could lead to longer sentences of one to two years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh. This sharp rise from the earlier nominal penalties, Rs 500 for first offences and Rs 1,000 for repeat offenders, along with a maximum of six months’ imprisonment, demonstrates the Cabinet’s commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s agricultural integrity.
Broader Efforts to Enhance Industrial Growth
In a demonstration of its commitment to fostering industry, the Punjab Cabinet also approved several measures aimed at bolstering economic development across the state. A key initiative includes the creation of a bi-annual digital land pool to simplify the leasing or sale of land parcels for industrial development. The move aims to facilitate significant investments, especially projects exceeding Rs 200 crore, and uses an e‑auction procedure to enhance transparency.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Punjab State (Group D) Service Rules, 1963, increasing the upper age limit for Group D recruitment from 35 years to 37 years. This adjustment will expand job opportunities for youth and reflect the state government’s proactive stance on employment and career development amid pressing economic conditions.
Loan Waiver Scheme for Industrial Support
The Cabinet also implemented a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme designed to address and resolve outstanding loans under various industrial support programs. Significantly, this scheme offers complete waivers for loans governed by the Punjab State Aid to Industries Act, 1935, and the Integrated Rural Development Programme. Eligible units are required to comply with this scheme and settle their dues within six months following its announcement in newspapers. This initiative underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to fortifying its industrial framework and supporting businesses in overcoming financial hurdles.
Key Policies for Foodgrain Transportation
The Cabinet endorsed the Punjab Foodgrains Transportation Policy 2025 and the Punjab Labour and Cartage Policy 2025 to streamline operations and ensure the state procures and distributes essential food products efficiently. These policies require the government to award transportation contracts via a competitive, transparent online tendering process, boosting supply‑chain efficiency.
Vision for Semiconductor Ecosystem Development
In a forward-looking move, Chief Minister Mann has also outlined the state government’s ambitious plan to cultivate a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem in Punjab. In a meeting with representatives of the semiconductor industry, Mann pledged full support and cooperation for developing a dedicated semiconductor park around Mohali. This endeavor hinges on the state’s robust industrial environment, skilled workforce, and available resources, positioning Punjab as an attractive destination for semiconductor investments.
Mann emphasized the critical role of semiconductor chips in modern technology, highlighting their presence in a wide range of electronic devices, from basic computing systems to advanced technological innovations. He expressed optimism about the potential for significant employment generation and industrial growth stemming from a thriving semiconductor sector, which is currently witnessing impressive annual growth rates globally.
Conclusion
The Punjab Cabinet’s recent decisions reflect a multifaceted approach to bolstering the state’s agricultural and industrial sectors. By introducing stringent penalties for the sale of spurious seeds, launching policies to enhance food grain transportation, and fostering an environment conducive to semiconductor investments, the government aims to address immediate challenges while paving the way for sustainable economic development. As these initiatives unfold, they are likely to have profound implications for Punjab’s farmers, businesses, and the broader economy.
Government
Haryana CM Announces New Paver Block Roads in Panchkula
Improving Roads in Panchkula
On Monday, Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, made an important announcement.

Improving Roads in Panchkula
On Monday, Haryana CM Announces New Paver Block Roads as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini ordered the construction of new roads in Panchkula district. These roads will replace the old, dusty “kutcha” roads and benefit 19 villages in the hilly areas of Morni and Kalka.
Panchkula is about 20 kilometers from Chandigarh. This makes it an important link between Haryana and Punjab. The new roads will help make travel easier for many people living in the region.
Details of the Road Projects
The Chief Minister has directed that a total of 61 kilometers of roads be paved. Each of these roads will be 12 feet wide. This width will help ensure smooth traffic flow for both locals and visitors.
- The road upgrades include:
- Panipat-Safidon (41 km)
- Safidon-Jind (21.65 km)
- Saha Chowk-Panchkula-Yamunanagar (four-lane road)
- Saha Chowk-Kalpi
- Tohana-Ratia
These upgrades will not only make travel easier but also improve safety for everyone using the roads.
Additional Road Projects
Beyond the 61 kilometers of paver block roads, Saini has asked officials to speed up work on several more road projects in Panchkula. These include:
- Thapali Badisher-Koti (1.68 km)
- Pinjore Mallah-Mangniwala (1.20 km)
- Gobindpur-Thathar (5.35 km)
These projects aim to enhance connectivity in Panchkula and support the growing population.
Next Steps for the Construction
During a review meeting with officials from the public works and forest departments, Saini emphasized the need for timely action. He instructed that work should begin quickly after obtaining a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the forest department. This certificate is necessary for construction in areas with trees and wildlife.
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Arun Gupta, and Additional Chief Secretary (PWD), Anurag Agarwal, were present at the meeting. They discussed strategies to ensure that the projects are completed efficiently and on time.
Background on Panchkula
Panchkula is not just another town. It is part of the larger region around Chandigarh, which is known to be one of the cleanest cities in India. Cleaner cities often produce better living conditions and infrastructure for nearby areas, like Panchkula. The development of new roads will help improve civic services and support the needs of residents.
The Impact of Better Roads
Better roads mean more than just smoother driving. They connect communities, help businesses grow, and make it easier for people to access education and healthcare. For the hilly areas of Morni and Kalka, these roads will make it easier for residents to travel to nearby towns and cities.
Local farmers can transport their goods more easily. This can lead to increased sales and better incomes. Students will also find it easier to reach schools and colleges. Parents will have less worry about how their children get to school.
The Future of Infrastructure in Haryana
The move to replace kutcha roads with paver blocks is part of a larger plan. The Haryana government is focusing on improving rural infrastructure. This effort aims to boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for people living in these areas.
As more projects like this are developed, the future looks bright for the communities in Haryana. Residents can look forward to better roads, stronger connections, and improved services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Haryana CM Announces New Paver Block Roads, marking a positive step for Panchkula. The construction of 61 kilometers of new paver block roads will greatly benefit the region. With prompt action and good planning, these improvements will help transform the lives of many people living in the hilly areas of Morni and Kalka.
Government
Punjab CM Urges Centre to Use Chenab River Water
Punjab CM’s Call for Chenab River Water Usage
On August 5, 2025, Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil in Delhi. Mann requested the Centre to u

Punjab CM’s Call for Chenab River Water Usage
Punjab CM urges centre to use water from the Chenab River during a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil in Delhi on August 5, 2025. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that this water could help resolve the long-standing sharing dispute with Haryana. He also requested the cancellation of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal project.
Meetings and Proposals
During their meeting, Haryana’s Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was also present. Mann recalled a previous meeting on July 9, where the Union government mentioned that the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan was suspended. This change opens up the chance for India to utilize water from the Chenab River, which was previously allocated to Pakistan.
Proposal to Divert Chenab Water
Mann suggested that water from the Chenab should be directed to Indian dams like Ranjit Sagar, Pong, or Bhakra. However, new canals and infrastructure will need to be built in Punjab to transport this water. He emphasized that these canals will first meet Punjab’s water needs. Afterward, the same canals can supply water to Haryana and Rajasthan.
Benefits of Using Chenab Water
Using water from the Chenab will lessen Punjab’s dependence on groundwater. This is important, as Punjab faces serious issues with groundwater depletion. By using Chenab water, surface irrigation can be revived, which is crucial for farmers. Farming is vital to Punjab’s economy, and saving groundwater is essential for future generations.
- Punjab needs 52 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, but it only has 26.75 MAF.
- This includes 12.46 MAF from surface water and 14.29 MAF from groundwater.
- Utilizing Chenab water can provide significant support to agriculture.
Call for Action on SYL Project
Mann firmly reiterated his request to shelve the SYL project. He proposed that a different project should be prioritized instead. This project would use surplus water from the Sharda River to benefit the Yamuna River and divert Chenab water to the Beas River through the Rohtang tunnel.
This approach would eliminate the need for the SYL canal. Mann believes that transferring surplus water from the Sharda to the Yamuna should move forward. This would help meet Haryana’s water needs from a different source.
Water Allocation for Punjab
Mann also said that future agreements should include Punjab in allocating Yamuna waters. He noted that the government signed a memorandum of understanding on May 12, 1994, and it requires review after 2025.
Mann argued that Punjab should receive 60 percent of the Yamuna’s surplus water. He reminded everyone that Haryana has access to additional water sources. This includes receiving around 2.703 MAF from many local rivers.
- Haryana gets water from:
- Ghaggar River
- Tangri Nadi
- Markanda River
- Saraswati Nadi
- Chautang-Rakshi
- Nai Nalah
- Sahibi Nadi
- Krishna Dhuan
- Landoha Nalah
All these sources need to be considered when deciding future water sharing between Punjab and Haryana.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Punjab CM urges the Centre to consider using Chenab River water as a sustainable solution to Punjab’s water crisis. He believes this move will benefit farmers, conserve vital groundwater resources, and reduce the state’s dependency on underground sources. Cancelling the SYL project and exploring alternative water-sharing methods can help Punjab and Haryana achieve a fair and long-term resolution. This approach emphasizes the need for equitable sharing and sustainable water management for the future of both regions.
Government
Punjab Minister Mundia Reviews Storm Waterline Project in Mohali
Important Project in Mohali
The storm waterline project in Phase 11, Mohali, is a big step towards solving rainwater problems in the area.

Important Project in Mohali
The storm waterline project in Phase 11, Mohali, is a big step towards solving rainwater problems in the area. With a budget of Rs 2.05 crore, the project aims to prevent water from flooding homes during the rainy season. Recently, Punjab’s Water Supply and Sanitation Minister reviews storm waterline project to assess progress and ensure timely completion.
Visit from Minister Mundia
Punjab’s Water Supply and Sanitation Minister, Hardeep Singh Mundia, visited the project site on Monday. He wanted to see how much work had been done. Also present was Dr. S S Ahluwalia, who is the AAP Punjab general secretary and the chairman of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
Progress Made
During the visit, Minister Mundia shared important updates. He said, “A significant portion of the work has already been completed.” This means that the area is seeing good changes during this monsoon season. Heavy rains used to create big problems, with water flooding many homes and causing damage. Now, the project aims to bring permanent relief to the families living there.
Future Plans
Mundia is hopeful about finishing the remaining work soon. He directed the Water Supply and Sanitation Department to complete everything within the next 45 days. This is crucial as the monsoon season can bring heavy rain, and families need protection from flooding.
Understanding the Problem
For years, residents in Phase 11 have faced serious issues due to rainwater flooding. The area did not have good drainage systems to take away water during heavy rains. This led to homes and streets becoming flooded, creating stress and damage.
Importance of the Storm Waterline
This storm waterline project is very important for the local community. Here are some reasons why:
- Prevent Water Accumulation: The project helps to drain rainwater quickly.
- Protect Homes: It will stop flooding from damaging houses.
- Improve Living Conditions: Less waterlogging means safer and cleaner streets.
By implementing this project, the government shows its commitment to improving life in the community.
Conclusion
The storm waterline project in Phase 11 is a positive change for Mohali residents. As Minister Mundia reviews storm waterline project progress, people can expect a safer and more flood-resistant future. Hopefully, the remaining work will be completed soon, allowing families to enjoy a dry and flood-free monsoon this year.
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