Amid escalating tensions on the India-Pakistan border, the Punjab Government on Friday rolled out a sweeping set of decisions that mark a pivotal moment in the state’s internal security, social welfare, and economic diversification agenda. At the heart of these moves is a bold announcement by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann — Punjab will procure its own anti-drone systems to neutralize threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used for smuggling drugs, arms, and potentially hostile surveillance.
The Government, in a Cabinet meeting convened on war footing, also decided to extend the ‘Farishtey Scheme’ to the victims of war and terrorism, ensuring them free emergency medical care and legal protection. Further bolstering readiness in the six sensitive border districts, Cabinet Ministers have been deployed across these areas to prevent hoarding, ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials, and coordinate directly with local administrations and the armed forces.
The Cabinet also took significant socio-economic decisions, including implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees appointed on or before 2014, promotion of maize cultivation under an ambitious crop diversification initiative, and creation of a state-wide land pool to fast-track urban development and affordable housing.
The developments of the intervening night of May 8 and 9 mark a turning point in Punjab’s governance narrative. While the threat of cross-border hostility looms, the Mann-led Cabinet has responded with both resolve and reform. “Punjab has always stood firm for the Tricolour and for India’s sovereignty. We will not only defend our borders but also care for our people and build a stronger, self-reliant state,” said Mann.
Punjab to Deploy 9 Indigenous Anti-Drone Systems on Pak Border
Faced with a surge in drone intrusions from Pakistan, Punjab has decided to take matters into its own hands. The state will install nine anti-drone systems along its 532-kilometre border with Pakistan to intercept and neutralize aerial threats. The systems, which will cost Rs 51.41 crore, aim to thwart the smuggling of narcotics, arms, and explosives — an issue that has become increasingly sophisticated with UAV technology.
Chief Minister Mann, speaking after the emergency Cabinet meeting, said: “The BSF has anti-drone systems in place, but we will buy our own to supplement border defence. Drones will be shot down the moment they cross into Punjab.” He emphasized Punjab’s strategic vulnerability as it shares not only a long border with Pakistan but also lies close to Afghanistan, a key heroin source. Sources indicated that the anti-drone systems will not only protect civilians and security forces but also safeguard VIP movements within the state. “This is not just about drugs anymore — it’s about national security,” said an official from the CM’s office.
‘Farishtey Scheme’ Extended to Victims of War, Terrorism
In a landmark move, the Cabinet approved the expansion of the Farishtey Scheme, previously focused on road accident victims, to include victims of war and terrorism. Under this scheme, victims will receive free, immediate treatment at government and empaneled private hospitals. Additionally, any citizen who helps transport these victims will receive legal immunity, commendation certificates, and could be rewarded monetarily. Mann said: “We want people to come forward without fear. In war or terrorist attacks, every second counts. Let’s save lives together.”
Ministers Deployed to Border Districts to Curb Panic, Hoarding
With tensions high and reports of stray missile debris surfacing in Punjab’s border villages, the government acted swiftly to prevent public panic and black-marketing. No less than 10 Cabinet Ministers were dispatched to Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka to take stock of ground realities, coordinate with District Administrations, and ensure availability of essentials like LPG, petrol, diesel, and food grains. Mann reassured the residents, “There is no shortage. Don’t panic-buy. If anyone tries to hoard or black-market, complain directly to your DC. Our Ministers are on the ground for your safety.”
Among the ministers, Lal Chand Kataruchak and Dr Ravjot Singh has been deployed in Gurdaspur; Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Mohinder Bhagat will look after Amritsar; Laljit Singh Bhullar and Harbhajan Singh ETO in Tarn Taran; Hardeep Singh Mundian and Gurmeet Singh Khudian in Ferozepur; and Dr Baljit Kaur and Tarunpreet Singh Sondh have been deployed in Fazilka.
OPS to Benefit Thousands of State Employees
In a long-awaited decision, the State Cabinet approved the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme for government employees who joined on or before 2014. The move is expected to benefit thousands of employees, offering them a guaranteed post-retirement pension as opposed to the uncertainty of the National Pension System (NPS). The decision fulfills a key demand of employees’ unions, who have been pressing for a rollback to OPS in the wake of rising inflation and financial insecurity post-retirement. Punjab becomes one of the few states after Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh to take this politically significant step.
Maize Cultivation Gets Cabinet Backing Under Crop Diversification Plan
In a boost to agricultural diversification, the Punjab Cabinet gave the green light to promote maize cultivation as an alternative to the highly water-intensive paddy crop. The move aimed at saving groundwater, improving soil health, and offering economic alternatives to farmers locked into the rice-wheat cycle. Mann said that the government has written to the Centre, requesting Rs 17,000 per acre as diversification assistance. Agencies like NAFED and MARKFED will be roped in to ensure minimum support price (MSP)-like procurement for maize, allaying farmers’ fears about unsold produce. “If a farmer switches to maize, the government will stand with him. We will ensure every grain is procured,” Mann said.
Land Pooling Scheme Approved to Fast-track Urban Estates, Housing
In another significant decision, the Cabinet cleared a simplified land acquisition and pooling policy to enable faster development of urban estates across Punjab. The policy allows for direct purchase and land pooling, wherein landowners are compensated through residential or commercial plots instead of cash, facilitating smoother and more transparent acquisitions. The new mechanism, approved under the 2011 Revenue Department’s Land Purchase Policy, involves a committee-driven process to verify titles, invite objections, and carry out acquisitions in a time-bound manner. It is expected to unlock thousands of acres for infrastructure projects and affordable housing. The spokesperson said: “The policy will help bring down the cost of housing and ensure the timely completion of infrastructure projects. It is pro-people and pro-development.”
Emergency Preparedness in Hospitals, Fire Stations Reviewed
Apart from new policy decisions, the Cabinet undertook a comprehensive review of emergency services in the border districts, assessing readiness levels of hospitals, fire stations, ration stockpiles, and the emergency response network. All tehsildar and kanungo vacancies in border districts have been filled, and regular coordination is ongoing with the Army and BSF.
Mann said, “We have done a detailed readiness review. Hospitals are stocked. Fire brigades are on alert. From Pathankot to Fazilka, every district is prepared.”
