Punjab assembly winter session: Health clinics, transport policy, & opposition’s concerns

The winter session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly has begun. It commenced with a moment of silence as a tribute to the martyrs. During the session, AAP legislator Kulwant Singh raised concerns about unauthorized taxis. Minister Laljit Bhullar mentioned ongoing work on the 2023 transport policy, which aims to register Ola, Uber, and other taxis.
Health Minister Balbir Singh provided information, stating that approximately 80 lakh individuals have received treatment at public clinics in Punjab. He highlighted that many leaders present in the assembly also benefit from these clinics, with himself included, regularly visiting to check his blood pressure. Additionally, plans were announced to open 35 more clinics in Gurdaspur.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Pratap Singh Bajwa questioned he absence of any clinics established in his constituency of Qadian, contrasting it with the Health Minister’s claims about the clinics.
Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring expressed concerns about the spread of dengue in Punjab, emphasizing the threat to the public. Dr. Balbir Singh explained how the Aam Aadmi Party clinics have been beneficial to people in various villages, with plans to provide medical treatment to 300 people annually.
The Assembly Speaker, Kultar Singh Sandhwan, announced the conclusion of the question session and initiated the zero-hour session. During this period, the Congress targeted the Punjab government regarding the suicide case of Professor Balwinder Kaur. This issue was raised by Congress legislator Pragat Singh, who assured the employment of Professor Balwinder Kaur’s daughter on a plain paper.
The mining issue was also raised by Congress legislator Pragat Singh, prompting a response from Harjot Singh Bains, a former minister. Bains claimed that the highest profits from sand mining were made under the Congress government, even alleging blackmail from Bikram Singh Majithia, who holds meetings with a certain lawyer known to Bains.
Addressing the professor recruitment issue, Bains mentioned that 1158 professors were hired before November 2021, which was against the guidelines. The Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University also admitted that these recruitments were flawed, undertaken solely for political gains.
Opposition leader Pratap Singh Bajwa presented a proposal in the assembly.