SNENETWORK.CHANDIGARH.
Three important bills were passed during the budget session in the Punjab Assembly. These are aimed at promoting trade in the state, curbing illegal mining and streamlining the prison administration.
During the Question Hour, MLA Kulwant Singh questioned the plan for Working Women Hostel in Mohali. On this, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed the House that a total of 6 new working women hostels will be built in Punjab. Of these, three will be built in Mohali, 1 each in Jalandhar, Amritsar and Bathinda.
The Assembly passed The Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025. Goods and Rehabilitation Minister Hardeep Singh Mundia said that this will promote a business-friendly environment in the state. Under this bill, if a person has already paid stamp duty on the loan and later transfers the mortgaged property to another bank or financial institution without mortgage, then no additional stamp duty will be charged.
Under The Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units and Stockists and Retailers Bill 2025, registration of all crusher units, stockists and retailers has been made mandatory. The bill provides for strict penalties and online monitoring to prevent illegal mining and environmental damage. The bill will establish a special fund for environmental management, which will look into ecological problems arising from crusher and mining activities. The new bill has stringent punitive provisions against violators, including heavy fines, license suspension, unit sealing and possible criminal proceedings.
The Transfer of Prisoners (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 allows the Punjab government to transfer prisoners lodged in state jails to other states. The move has been taken in view of Punjab’s border location and security threats posed by dangerous criminals lodged in jails. Various jails in Punjab house criminals involved in anti-national activities, terrorists linked to international agencies, A class gangsters, smugglers and dangerous criminals who try to operate their criminal networks from inside the jail. This amendment was necessary to make arrangements for the transfer of prisoners facing trial from one state to another.
Other key points
Under the new rules, registration of all mining units will be mandatory.
Every registered unit will have to file monthly returns.
Strict penalties will be imposed for misinformation or failure to comply.
This Act will facilitate digital monitoring through an online portal.
A special fund will be set up for environmental management.
Strict punitive provisions will be applicable against violators.
Criminals, terrorists and gangsters involved in anti-national activities lodged in Punjab jails can be sent to other states.
This bill has been passed with the aim of further strengthening the law and order in Punjab.