Govt paves way for bullock-cart racing in rural sport events

The Punjab Cabinet on Monday approved the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act and the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Bullock Cart Race) Rules, 2025.

Once passed in the state Assembly, these will allow bullock-cart racing in all rural games held across the state.

Bullock-cart racing was an integral part of the rural sport events throughout the state but it faced numerous hurdles due to one or other reasons.

The bullock-cart racing in all rural sport events, including the “Rural Olympics” or Kila Raipur games was banned in 2014 by the Supreme Court.

In 2019, after the ban on these races was lifted, The Punjab Assembly passed a Bill to allow the sport at Kila Raipur.

The Bill finally got the presidential assent in 2024.

Now, in order to regulate the animal sports events in the state, The Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Conduct of Kila Raipur Rural Sports Event and Fair) Rules, 2025 has been approved.

The main objectives of these rules are safety measures for animals taking part in sports with adequate animal veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration/ documentation and penalty for violations, for all rural sports events.

“This will also help saving indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab besides promoting the traditional sports in the villages,” said Agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also gave its consent to amend the Punjab State Development Act 2018 by defining the term salary in the Act. This move will widen the tax base and ensure the comprehensive coverage of taxpayers across the state.

Against the monthly tax liability of Rs 200 of the taxpayer, he will be given one more option to opt for lumpsum payment of Rs 2200 for the full financial year by April 30 of the new financial year.

This will simplify tax compliance and improve the collections and efficiency.