The Punjab government has officially designated the walled city of Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, and Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda district as Holy Cities. This initiative aims to maintain their religious sanctity and cultural character through legally enforceable restrictions.
This declaration was formalized through an official notification signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home Affairs) Alok Shekhar. It mandates coordinated actions across multiple state departments to ensure strict compliance within the designated municipal limits. The notification is set to be published in the official Gazette of Punjab, thereby granting it statutory authority.
Under this new framework, the Department of Excise has been instructed to limit the sale and consumption of liquor and related products in all three holy cities. Concurrently, the Department of Health and Family Welfare has been charged with issuing prohibitory orders against the sale and use of cigarettes, tobacco, and other intoxicants. These measures intend to align public behavior with the religious ethos of these significant Sikh sites.
The Department of Animal Husbandry has been tasked with enforcing a ban on the sale and consumption of meat within the specified areas. Furthermore, the Department of Local Government, along with the Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar, Rupnagar, and Bathinda, has been assigned the responsibility for on-ground enforcement. Local administrations will oversee inspections and ensure compliance to prevent violations of these restrictions.
Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo are prominent Sikh religious centers. The notification was issued by Punjab’s Department of Home Affairs and includes restrictions on liquor, tobacco, intoxicants, and meat. Importantly, this decision has received the approval of the Governor of Punjab.
This decision aligns with earlier remarks by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who announced initiatives to develop Sri Anandpur Sahib as a heritage street city. This announcement followed a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly during the 350th martyrdom anniversary commemorations of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The government emphasizes a collective responsibility to uphold the spiritual and historical sanctity of these cities.
Q1. What cities have been declared as Holy Cities in Punjab?
Answer: The Punjab government has declared Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as Holy Cities to preserve their religious and cultural integrity.
Q2. What restrictions are in place in these Holy Cities?
Answer: Restrictions include a ban on the sale and consumption of liquor, tobacco, and meat to align public behavior with the religious ethos of these sacred sites.
Q3. Who issued the notification for the Holy Cities declaration?
Answer: The official notification was issued by the Punjab Department of Home Affairs and signed by Additional Chief Secretary Alok Shekhar.
Q4. Why is the designation of Holy Cities important?
Answer: This designation is vital for protecting the religious sanctity and cultural character of these sites, ensuring they remain places of worship and heritage.
Q5. What is the role of local administrations in this initiative?
Answer: Local administrations will oversee inspections and compliance to enforce the restrictions set forth in the notification effectively.
Question 1: Which of the following cities has NOT been declared a Holy City by the Punjab government?
A) Amritsar
B) Talwandi Sabo
C) Chandigarh
D) Sri Anandpur Sahib
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: What type of products are restricted in the newly declared Holy Cities?
A) Books
B) Meat
C) Clothing
D) Electronics
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Who signed the notification declaring the Holy Cities?
A) Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
B) Governor of Punjab
C) Alok Shekhar
D) Deputy Commissioners
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is the main goal of declaring these cities as Holy Cities?
A) Promote tourism
B) Preserve religious sanctity
C) Increase trade
D) Enhance infrastructure
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which department is responsible for enforcing the liquor restrictions in the Holy Cities?
A) Department of Health
B) Department of Local Government
C) Department of Excise
D) Department of Animal Husbandry
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: What significant event was associated with the announcement of heritage development plans for Sri Anandpur Sahib?
A) General Elections
B) 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur
C) Independence Day celebrations
D) Statehood Day
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
