Punjab government preparing to bring white paper on power

Sources said that the govt was also preparing to bring legislation to reject the Centre’s farm laws. But it was decided that the sub-committee first meets the farmer leaders and take them on board.

Punjab, white paper, Punjab government, Amarinder Singh, Vidhan Sabha, Charanjit Singh Channi, Akalis, Punjab news, Indian express

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi chairs a Cabinet meeting at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh, Sunday. (PTI Photo)

The government is working overtime to bring a white paper on the power scenario in Punjab so that it can be tabled in the Vidhan Sabha session commencing Monday.

The white paper was put up to Cabinet Sub-Committee that met after the Cabinet meeting on Sunday but was rejected by the ministers for now as it did not “nail the Akalis wrongdoing”, sources told The Indian Express.

Also Read | Punjab reduces VAT on fuel, petrol prices to come down by Rs 10/litre, diesel Rs 5/litre

The white paper on power was promised by former CM Amarinder Singh in January last year but was never tabled. Several ministers had rejected the white paper draft stating it did not fix responsibility.

The sub-committee, comprising Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Manpreet Singh Badal, Pargat Singh, was chaired by Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.

Also Read | Punjab Assembly’s discussion on BSF jurisdiction postponed to Thursday

The sub-committee asked the officials concerned to get back to work on the white paper, fix responsibility and then table it in Vidhan Sabha. The government had decided to extend the session for another day on Thursday in the Cabinet meeting as it needed time on several agendas. Hence, on Monday the Assembly session would only take up obituaries before getting adjourned for the day. The Assembly will meet again on Thursday and take up business on that day only.

Sources said that the government was also preparing to bring legislation to reject the Centre’s farm laws. But it was decided that the sub-committee first meets the farmer leaders and take them on board. “Last time, when Amarinder’s government had negated the farm laws, the farmers leaders had rejected the Bills. This time we want to make sure that they do not reject our legislations,” said a leader. The decision to this effect was also taken in the Cabinet sub- committee meeting.

Also, the government is preparing to bring a resolution to terminate the PPAs. “We want to bring a resolution in Vidhan Sabha so that the thermal plants are not able to get relief through judicial route. We are taking legal opinion. We want to play it very safe. We have to take a decision yet. That is why we have taken two days to brainstorm before going to the Vidhan Sabha.2”

Story continues below this ad

It is also learnt that Channi is preparing his maiden speech as Chief Minister. He also requires more time as the government wants to be appearing to be doing a lot.

The meeting was also attended by Advocate General A P S Deol, who it is learnt, was actively participating in all the agendas.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram