Chandigarh, April 2, 2026:

Chairman of the Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Board, Mr. Gagandeep Singh Kaku Ahluwalia, today reviewed the achievements and progress of various schemes of the Board for the financial year 2025-26 at the Board’s office in Chandigarh.

While sharing details about the progress under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mr. Ahluwalia said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Khadi and Village Industries sector has achieved significant milestones during the financial year 2025-26.

He stated that the Board’s schemes have not only strengthened the rural economy but also provided self-employment opportunities to unemployed youth across the state.

Providing further details, he informed that during the financial year 2025-26, the Board facilitated the establishment of 457 units under the PMEGP scheme, generating employment opportunities for 5,027 youth. A subsidy amounting to ₹32 crore 77 lakh 85 thousand was also provided to beneficiaries of these units.

Out of these, around 100 units were established with project costs ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, 204 units were set up with project costs between ₹10 lakh to ₹24 lakh, and 153 units were established with investments ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore.

The Chairman directed officials to make concerted efforts to achieve the targets set for the financial year 2026-27 and ensure effective implementation of all Board schemes. He emphasized that the outreach of these schemes must be expanded to every district and village so that maximum unemployed youth can benefit from self-employment opportunities.

On the occasion, Member Secretary Mr. Ramandeep Singh, along with Officials and Senior Consultants were present.

SANGRUR, 2 April 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday firmly held the Centre accountable for the attack outside the BJP office in Chandigarh, asserting that a Union Territory under central control cannot become a convenient ground for political blame-shifting. Making it clear that responsibility lies squarely with the Union Government, he stated that if attempts are being made to pin the incident on him, then the Centre should hand over Chandigarh to the Punjab Government instead of evading its own duty.

At the same time, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann drew a sharp contrast between governance models, highlighting how the AAP government is reducing the financial burden on people while the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh is imposing unjust entry taxes on the public, calling the move anti-people and vowing strong opposition at every level.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to farmers, the Chief Minister underscored that Punjab will continue to strongly take up the demands of Aarthiyas with the Union Government, ensuring seamless procurement and standing firmly with the farming community.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of dedicating a Community Health Center at village Cheema, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Though Chandigarh is administered by the Governor of Punjab, for everything that happens in the Union Territory right from farmers agitation, agitation in Panjab University (PU) or others, the BJP loves to blame me.”

The Chief Minister asserted, “The BJP should refrain from baseless and irrelevant statements on this issue as the area is under the jurisdiction of the Administrator of Union Territory. If Punjab demands Chandigarh it is being labelled as separatist but on the other hand the centre runs away from its duty to maintain law and order there.”

Opposing the Congress-led Himachal government’s decision to impose an entry tax, he said, “On one hand the AAP government is abolishing the tool tax and giving reprieve to the common man whereas on the other hand these people are levying undue taxes on people. This move is totally unwarranted and undesirable and will not be tolerated at any cost and will be opposed both tooth and nail.”

On farmers’ concerns, the Chief Minister stated, “I will flag the genuine demands of the Aarthiyas with the Union government as all their demands pertain to the Government of India (GOI). These issues have been repeatedly raised with the centre and will again be put up before the Union government. The AAP government is firmly committed to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement for benefitting the farmers.”

SANGRUR, 2 April 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday inaugurated the Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj Hospital in Cheema village, marking a significant expansion of grassroots healthcare infrastructure, as a state-of-the-art 30-bed facility built at a cost of ₹11.70 crore begins serving tens of thousands across the region. The Chief Minister emphasised that the hospital will benefit around 50,000 people across 15 villages, while also strengthening access to affordable and quality treatment for nearly 35,000–40,000 residents in nearby areas.

During his visit, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also interacted with patients and their families at the hospital, inquiring about their well-being and reviewing the facilities on the ground. Highlighting the transformation, he stated that earlier, due to lack of facilities, patients were routinely referred to Sangrur, Patiala and Ludhiana, but will now receive treatment locally, with the hospital equipped with modern machines and dedicated emergency and mother-child wards.

During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The work on the medical college in the name of Sant Baba Attar Singh will also be started soon and the state government has already finalised arrangements for it. The sole motive is to give fillip to medical education in the region and ensure quality health facilities to the people. The state government will not leave any stone unturned for accomplishing this project on war footing.”

Speaking about the newly inaugurated healthcare facility, he said, “Today, the Community Health Center has been inaugurated at the birthplace of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj in village Cheema. Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj made significant contributions in the fields of education and social service and in his honor this Community Health Center has been named after him. This center will have a capacity of 30 beds and an expenditure of ₹11.75 crore has been incurred on this project.”

Detailing its expansion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “This center was originally established in 1975 with a capacity of 10 beds and later its capacity was increased to 20 beds, and now it has been expanded to 30 beds. This center will prove to be a boon for around 50,000 people as emergency and specialized medical services will be available. Victims of road accidents and patients with serious illnesses will receive emergency care and surgical procedures will also be conducted here.”

Highlighting medical services at the facility, he said, “Pediatric specialists will be available for the treatment of children’s diseases along with ENT and dental services. Free maternal and child healthcare services, facilities for X-rays and blood tests will be provided. Treatment for patients seeking de-addiction services will also be provided in the CHC.”

Addressing the issue of drug abuse, the Chief Minister rejected calls to legalise drugs, stating, “It is irrational and illogical as one drug cannot replace another. Rather this malady should be removed by channelizing the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive manner. The state government has already started a number of initiatives to make Punjab drug free.”

Emphasising the impact of the ongoing anti-drug drive, he said, “The Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign has already broken the backbone of the drug trade in the state. The supply line of the drugs has been snapped, drug smugglers have been put behind bars and their properties have been confiscated. The AAP government will soon embark on a campaign to felicitate the brave hearts who have given vital information against the drug smugglers.”

Outlining governance achievements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP government has taken path breaking initiatives in every sector due to which complete transformation has been witnessed in these arenas. The tax money of people belongs to the state and they are judiciously spending it on the welfare of people. People’s money is coming back to people through development, schools, hospitals, and roads. The state government has provided free electricity to 90% of households, jobs to over 65,000 youth without corruption, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh daily, and is building infrastructure.”

Cabinet Minister and Local MLA Aman Arora and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh were also present on the occasion.

FAZILKA, 2 April 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday asserted that the people of Punjab have resolved to completely wipe out Congress, BJP and the Akali Dal in the 2027 Assembly elections, declaring that decades of “loot, lies and betrayal” will now be decisively rejected by a state that has shifted firmly towards Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s honest governance and people-centric development.

After laying foundation stones and inaugurating ₹283.99 crore worth of multiple development projects, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said traditional parties that repeatedly “backstabbed Punjab” have no future, as the AAP Government continues to deliver on education, healthcare, jobs and infrastructure while ensuring that every penny of public money is spent on the welfare of people, not political families.

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the traditional parties continue to mislead people with hollow promises, but Punjabis are now fully aware of their ‘dubious character’ and will once again deliver a decisive verdict against them. “The people of Punjab will send Congress, BJP and Akalis to political oblivion in 2027. These parties are building castles in the air to mislead people, but Punjabis will not be misled anymore as they know their dubious character.”

He affirmed, “People will never forgive these parties for their sins and will teach them a befitting lesson again. They were elected time and again but they proved to be traitors and always backstabbed Punjab and its people.”

He asserted that traditional political parties are unable to accept that “a son of a common man” is governing the state effectively. “These parties are envious because they cannot digest that a common man’s son is running the government successfully. People have lost faith in these traditional parties due to their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance. Earlier rulers were more concerned about their families than Punjab and Punjabis, which is why they have been shown the door,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said these parties seek power only to plunder the state’s wealth. “They are waiting for their turn in power only to loot Punjab. They are never concerned about the state or its people. Their only aim is to satisfy their lust for power by misusing government machinery. From this stage, we talk about education, health, power and agriculture, while their stages only echo hunger for power,” he said.

Highlighting the disconnect of opposition leaders with the masses, he said, “These opportunist leaders are baffled as people are not responding to them. Their agenda is limited to their families. They ruled for years but due to incompetence and misrule, people elected the AAP which is working tirelessly for them. These parties have never been loyal to Punjab. They are envious because AAP has set the agenda of welfare of the common people.”

Taking aim at the Akali leadership, he said, “These parties used to play musical chairs in power and waited for their turn to plunder the country. Sukhbir Badal has lost his base among the masses and paid workers are being used to show crowds. The same people are seen in every rally. Frustrated by the unprecedented work of this government, he is making irrational statements like the return of dinosaurs.”

He added that such statements reflect desperation. “On the basis of such statements, he is daydreaming of returning to power, which will never happen. These leaders start speaking against me from early morning because I have exposed their reality before the people. The names of Congress and Akalis have become so discredited that even if written on a tree, it would dry up. People must remain cautious,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Reiterating AAP government’s commitment, he said, “These parties mercilessly plundered the wealth of the people and will never be forgiven. On the other hand, the Punjab Government is working for the welfare of every section of society and is judiciously utilising every penny. ₹190 crore is being spent on developing 3100 playgrounds to channelise youth energy positively.”

Highlighting healthcare initiatives, he said, “Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, health cards are being issued to 65 lakh families. Every family is entitled to free treatment up to ₹10 lakh. Over 31 lakh beneficiaries have received cards and 1.65 lakh people have availed free treatment. People must take maximum benefit of this scheme.”

On agriculture and power, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “For the first time, farmers received more than eight hours of uninterrupted power for tube wells during paddy season. Electricity is now being supplied during the daytime, transforming farmers’ lives. Every penny of public money is being spent for people’s welfare.”

He added that the government has brought structural transformation across sectors. “People’s tax money belongs to them and is being spent on schools, hospitals, roads and development. 90% households are receiving free electricity, over 65,000 youth have got jobs without corruption, roads have improved, toll plazas have been closed saving ₹70 lakh daily, and infrastructure is being strengthened.”

On irrigation reforms, he said, “When we took charge, only 21% canal water was being used. Today it has risen to 68% and will reach 85% by the next paddy season. ₹6,500 crore has been spent to rejuvenate canals and for the first time 1444 villages are receiving canal water.”

Speaking about social welfare, he said, “The scheme provides a cash benefit of ₹1000 per month to women of other categories and ₹1500 per month to women from Scheduled Castes, for beneficiaries aged 18 years and above. Taxpayers’ money is being returned to people through welfare and development. All guarantees have been fulfilled and efforts for further progress will continue.”

Highlighting education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab secured the top position in National Achievement Survey 2024, surpassing even Kerala. 740 students have cleared JEE and 1284 have cleared NEET. 118 Schools of Eminence are being set up and 60 are already functional. For the first time, 24 lakh parents participated in mega PTMs.”

He added, “All streams including Medical and Non-Medical are available in government schools. Coaching for Armed Forces, NEET, JEE and CLAT is also being provided. Education is the panacea for society’s problems and we are transforming this sector.”

Emphasising the importance of opportunity, he said, “Education is the key to progress. In the coming time, a person will be considered rich not by wealth but by children’s education. Our children are talented, they only lacked opportunities, which we are now providing.”

He cited a personal example, stating, “In 2008-09, I met a girl in Donana village who topped Punjab in class 5 but couldn’t afford education. I arranged sponsorship for her. Today she is a veterinary doctor. This shows our children only need opportunity.”

On employment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “More than 65,000 government jobs have been given purely on merit without corruption. Youth are becoming active partners in socio-economic development. These works should have been done decades ago, but now Punjab is moving forward with sincerity.”

Detailing development works, he said, “Projects worth ₹283.99 crore have been launched in Fazilka to boost infrastructure, irrigation, connectivity and public services. These include rural link roads, widening and upgradation of roads, renovation of bridges and development of grain markets. No stone will be left unturned for development of this border district and the feasibility of a new medical college will also be explored.”

Chandigarh, 2 April 2026:

Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion and Power, Sanjeev Arora, today announced a series of major initiatives and reforms aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure, improving service delivery, and enhancing ease of living for citizens across Punjab.

Highlighting public relief measures, the Minister informed that the One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for Improvement Trusts has been reintroduced till April 30, 2026, offering a rebate of around 50% on Non-Construction Fee (NCF), providing significant financial relief to property owners.

In a major achievement, house tax collection for FY 2025–26 has reached ₹600 crore, up from ₹500 crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting improved efficiency, transparency, and better compliance in urban local bodies.

Giving a boost to urban infrastructure, the Minister stated that 2,120 kilometres of roads are being taken up across Municipal Corporations and Councils at a cost of ₹1,300 crore, with completion targeted by end of May 2026. Special emphasis is being laid on ensuring pothole-free roads before the monsoon, using the latest technology for durable repairs.

In a major ease-of-doing-business reform, the building plan approval process has been simplified. Files will now be submitted to the Commissioner only once instead of twice, significantly reducing processing time. Further, STP approvals will now be required only for plots of half an acre and above, instead of the earlier limit of 500 square yards.

To further expedite approvals, a single-window committee system has been introduced at the district and head office level, ensuring that all concerned officers grant approvals in one go, thereby eliminating delays.

Strengthening emergency response systems, the Government is undertaking modernisation of fire services with an investment of ₹131 crore, including procurement of advanced fire tenders and establishment of 13 new fire stations across the state.

The Minister also informed that desilting of the entire sewerage network is being undertaken on priority and will be completed before the onset of the monsoon. Wherever feasible, super suction machines are being deployed, with 9 specialised vendors engaged for the task.

Further, sewerage projects worth ₹450 crore have already been allotted across the state for FY 2025–26 and will be completed within the current financial year. Additionally, projects worth ₹700 crore will be allotted in the current quarter.

On water management, works worth ₹700 crore were allotted in FY 2025–26 for surface water projects, aimed at conserving groundwater and ensuring the supply of clean drinking water. Moreover, 30 Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) worth approximately ₹800 crore will be allotted in the current quarter.

Emphasising the Government’s commitment, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said,

“Punjab is witnessing a new phase of urban transformation. From large-scale infrastructure development to simplifying approvals and improving civic services, every initiative is focused on delivering better facilities, faster services, and a higher quality of life for our citizens.”

Chandigarh April 2, 2026:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against  corruption in the state, has apprehended Sub Divisional Officer Hardeep Singh  posted at PSPCL office, Sub Division Kup Kalan district Malerkotla , red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 10,000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Bhogiwal district Malerkotla.

He said that the accused SDO Hardeep Singh checked the complainant’s  house and told him that unauthorised electricity meters installed in his house. In this regard, accused SDO demanded bribe of Rs. 10,000/-  to keep these electricity meter continue. Complainant had  recorded the entire conversation of demanding bribe.

Unwilling to pay any illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau range Patiala. After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused was arrested red handed while accepting  bribe money of Rs 10,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Patiala and further investigation into this case is under progress.