Punjab Assembly Convenes Special Session to Address Pending Legislation; Minister Aman Arora Emphasizes Pro-People Administrative Reforms

On February 24, 2025, the Punjab Legislative Assembly commenced a two-day special session aimed at addressing pending bills and legislative matters crucial to the state’s governance. This session, scheduled for February 24 and 25, was convened following a cabinet decision earlier in the month, as announced by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The primary objective is to deliberate on and pass essential legislation that has been awaiting the Assembly’s attention.

In parallel with the legislative session, Housing and Urban Development Minister Aman Arora issued a directive to administrative officials, underscoring the Punjab government’s commitment to delivering citizen-centric services with enhanced transparency and accountability. Chairing a meeting at PUDA Bhawan, Minister Arora reviewed ongoing and upcoming projects, emphasizing the necessity for timely completion and the formulation of policies that prioritize public welfare. He stated, “The action plan of the department must be chalked out keeping in view the strengths and weak areas of the department.”

Minister Arora’s directive aligns with the broader objectives of the special Assembly session, which seeks to expedite legislative processes to benefit the populace. The government’s focus on pro-people policies is evident in its recent cabinet decisions, including increasing the monthly pension for acid attack victims from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 and extending this benefit to transgender individuals. Additionally, the monthly allowance for village watchmen has been raised from ₹1,250 to ₹1,500, reflecting the administration’s dedication to supporting various community segments.

The special session also serves as a precursor to the forthcoming budget session scheduled for March 2025, during which the state budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 will be presented. By addressing pending legislative matters in the current session, the Assembly aims to ensure a more focused and efficient budget session. This strategic approach highlights the government’s intent to streamline legislative workflows and prioritize issues directly impacting citizens’ welfare.

Minister Arora’s emphasis on eradicating corruption and enhancing administrative efficiency is a cornerstone of the current administration’s policy framework. He cautioned officials against engaging in corrupt practices, asserting that such behavior would not be tolerated. By advocating for a clean and accountable administration, the government aspires to rebuild public trust and ensure that services are delivered in a timely and transparent manner.

The collaborative efforts between the legislative and executive branches during this special session underscore a unified commitment to governance reforms and public service enhancement. As the Assembly deliberates on pending bills, the administration concurrently implements directives to ensure that policies are effectively translated into tangible benefits for the citizens of Punjab. This synchronized approach aims to foster a more responsive and responsible governance model, addressing both legislative backlogs and administrative inefficiencies.

the Punjab Assembly’s special session on February 24 and 25, 2025, coupled with Minister Aman Arora’s directives to administrative staff, signifies a concerted effort to advance pro-people policies, enhance transparency, and improve service delivery across the state. These initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to addressing the immediate needs of its citizens while laying the groundwork for sustainable development and governance excellence in the future.