Chandigarh: Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mohali has been re-empanelled with the Government of Himachal Pradesh to extend comprehensive healthcare services to its beneficiaries, including employees, pensioners, and their dependents.

Through this empanelment, eligible beneficiaries can access a wide spectrum of medical services at the hospital, including Outpatient Department (OPD) consultations, Inpatient Department (IPD) care, advanced diagnostics, and specialized treatments across key disciplines such as Cardiology, Oncology, Neurosciences, Orthopedics, and more.

The renewed association enables beneficiaries to avail quality healthcare under the government-approved scheme, ensuring affordability, accessibility, and high standards of treatment. This initiative reflects Max Healthcare’s continued commitment to enhancing access to world-class medical services and delivering patient-centric care.

Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mohali is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge diagnostic facilities and a team of highly experienced clinicians, making it a leading tertiary care center in the region. The re-empanelment is expected to benefit patients from Himachal Pradesh by providing them with advanced treatment options closer to their region, reducing the need for long-distance travel.

Chandigarh, April 23: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a dedicated cluster for the toy industry will be developed in the state over an area of 250 to 300 acres. He stated that the development of this toy industry cluster will not only give a new identity to Haryana’s industrial sector but also strengthen the country’s economy by boosting exports. He shared this information while interacting with media persons at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday evening. Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh and BJP State President Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli were also present on the occasion.

A two-day high-level meeting was held at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister to deliberate on the final draft of Haryana Industrial Policy–2026, with participation from stakeholders across various sectors. Around 40 delegations appreciated the provisions of the policy and also presented their suggestions, many of which have been incorporated into the new policy.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the country has witnessed unprecedented transformation over the past 11 years, and Haryana is playing a key role in advancing this national vision. He added that the state government is committed to achieving the goal of a ‘Viksit Haryana’ in line with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

He further stated that before finalizing the Industrial Policy–2026, direct engagement was established with stakeholders to incorporate their needs and experiences into the policy framework.

During the meeting, representatives from automobile, textile, aerospace, defence and other sectors expressed strong interest in investing in Haryana and submitted several proposals.

The Chief Minister said that due to its industry-friendly policies, Haryana has emerged as a preferred destination for investors from across the country and abroad. He emphasized that the new policy prioritizes investment in every district to ensure balanced industrial development.

He added that the new Industrial Policy will enhance employment opportunities and take Haryana’s industrial growth to new heights. The Chief Minister also thanked all stakeholders for their valuable suggestions and expressed confidence that the new policy will further strengthen the state’s industrial landscape.

On this occasion, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Rajeev Jaitley and Chief Coordinator, Industries, Sunil Sharma were also present.

Chandigarh/Sri Chamkaur Sahib, April 23

With the objective of promoting farmers’ welfare and strengthening the agricultural sector, Punjab Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal on Thursday inaugurated a lift irrigation scheme at village Oind. The project is expected to prove a significant milestone for villages in Sri Chamkaur Sahib tehsil that have so far remained deprived of canal water and where groundwater levels are continuously declining.

Addressing the inaugural function, the Cabinet Minister said that Sri Chamkaur Sahib is a historic town and despite the presence of major canals such as the Sirhind Canal and the Bhakra Main Line Canal passing through the region, several villages had not been receiving canal irrigation facilities. As a result, small farmers without motor connections were dependent on other landowners for water.

He said that keeping in view the long-pending demand of the people and the government’s target to bring maximum cultivable land under canal irrigation, this lift irrigation scheme has been designed and is being successfully implemented across the state. The initiative will also help farmers move towards self-reliance, he added.

Providing technical details, he informed that under this scheme, water will be lifted from the Samrala Minor system of the Bhakra Main Line Canal near village Oind and transported through a main riser pipe of about 900 mm diameter to a D-Tank proposed at village Gaggon. Thereafter, water supply will be ensured to surrounding villages through four separate distribution schemes.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal further informed that the project entails an expenditure of approximately Rs.44.83 crore and will provide canal irrigation to nearly 4,500 acres of agricultural land and Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Sallomajra, Gaggon, Gadhram Khurd, Gadhram Kalan, Pippalmajra, Rurki, Talapur, Dugri, Kotli, Kamalpur and Rampur Bet among other villages will benefit from the scheme.

The Cabinet Minister said, the project will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also increase farmers’ income, reiterating that the Punjab Government is committed to resolving farmers’ issues and will continue to implement such pro-people initiatives in the future.

MLA Sri Chamkaur Sahib Dr. Charanjit Singh expressed gratitude to the Cabinet Minister for this significant project. Addressing the gathering, he said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government has fulfilled its promises to the people and ensured maximum outreach of welfare schemes.

Prominent amongst others who were present included Assistant Commissioner (G) cum SDM Sri Chamkaur Sahib Pradeep Singh Bains, DSP Manjit Singh Aulakh, SE Gagandeep Singh Gill, XEN Gursharan Singh Virk, SDO Kulwinder Singh, Prof. Birdavinder Singh Ballan, NP Rana, Sikandar Singh Saheri, Amandeep Singh Mangat, Harnek Singh Bhura, Jagdev Bhattoa, Amritpal Kaur Nagra, Jagtar Singh Gharuan and other senior officials and dignitaries.

CHANDIGARH, 23rd April 2026:

In a significant move to support the Punjab’s essential grassroots healthcare workforce, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, operating in his capacity as the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee issues, on Thursday directed the Health and Family Welfare Department to officially write to the Union Government advocating for a necessary increase in the incentives provided to Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and facilitators.

The Finance Minister emphasised that the Union Government must be urged to enhance these payments under the existing scheme, which functions on a 60:40 financial ratio between the Centre and the State.

Chairing the meetings with delegations from various employee organisations, including the ASHA Workers Facilitators Sanjha Morcha, the Powercom And Transco Theka Mulazam Union, and the Punjab Police Corona Warriors, the Finance Minister Cheema also directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) and the Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL) to frame a concrete policy to resolve demands of the Powercom And Transco Theka Mulazam Union.

Expanding on the financial relief sought for the ASHA Workers Facilitators Sanjha Morcha, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema prioritised the immediate social security of these workers. Issuing directions, he said, “The Health and Family Welfare Department has been instructed to establish an agreement with a banking institution to ensure life insurance coverage for all ASHA workers and facilitators.”

He further said, “Any legitimate demands raised by the union that can be resolved directly at the departmental level must be addressed without delay through prompt administrative meetings and decisive action.”

Addressing the concerns of the state’s power sector workforce, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema held an in depth meeting with the Powercom and Transco Theka Mulazam Union. He sympathetically reviewed the operational difficulties they face and their demand to transition from outsourced employment to formal contractual terms.

Seeking a structural solution, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Direct instructions have been issued to Basant Garg, Chairman cum Managing Director of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited, to immediately formulate a concrete policy at the corporation level to comprehensively resolve the issues and demands of these outsourced employees.”

Concluding his series of administrative engagements, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema met representatives of the Punjab Police Corona Warriors and assured them regarding their issues. He provided the union with a firm reassurance regarding their issues, conveying that the state government is considering these sympathetically.

Reaffirming the government’s stand, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Under the dedicated leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, your demands are being considered with the utmost seriousness and are undergoing active review for a fair resolution.”

During the meetings, Amarjeet Kaur, Rano, Harinder Kaur Shatrana and Santosh Kumar from the Asha Workers Facilitators Sanjha Morcha, Balihar Singh, Tek Chand and Sher Singh from the Powercom And Transco Theka Mulazam Union, and Gurbaz Singh, Pawanbeer Singh and Gurwinder Singh from the Punjab Police Corona Warriors presented their issues and demands.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 23:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted a cross-border drug and arms smuggling module with the arrest of three accused, and recovered 915 grams ICE (Methamphetamine), five sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukha (21), Sola Singh alias Sonu (29) and Karan Singh (22), all residents of village Sahanke in Ferozepur. The recovered pistols include two 9MM Glock and three .30 bore pistols along with two live cartridges.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers through social media platforms and were receiving contrabands through drones from across the border. Accused were acting as local handlers for the distribution of drugs and illegal arms, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to trace forward and backward linkages in this case to dismantle the entire network.

          Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that in a targeted operation based on secret information, police teams arrested suspects Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukha, Sola Singh alias Sonu and Karan Singh.

          During the operation, one .30 bore pistol was initially recovered, he said, while adding that on their disclosure, 915 grams of ICE and four additional pistols were recovered from their possession.

          The CP said that probe has revealed that consignment of drugs and weapons were dropped in densely forested areas of the Ferozepur sector. The accused used to retrieve these consignments from such locations and further supply them to different areas, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR no. 105 dated 15-04-2026 under section 22-C of the NDPS Act and sections 25 (6, 7(iii) and 8) of the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Gate Hakima in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, April 23:

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to the welfare and holistic development of dependent and vulnerable children, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced the release of Rs.35.50 crore as financial assistance for the month of March during the financial year 2026–27. The assistance will directly benefit over 2.36 lakh children across the State.

Highlighting the Government’s sustained focus on child welfare, the Minister informed that a budget provision of Rs.432.78 crore has been earmarked for the financial year 2026–27 to ensure uninterrupted financial support to eligible beneficiaries.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that a large number of dependent children are currently benefiting under the scheme. She emphasized that the objective of this assistance is to support children’s education, healthcare and overall development, ensuring that no child is deprived of a secure future due to financial hardship.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues to implement people-centric and compassionate welfare initiatives. The Minister said that extending financial support to dependent children is not merely a welfare measure, but a sensitive and significant step towards securing their future.

She further elaborated that the scheme covers children below 21 years of age whose parents have passed away, are missing, or are unable to support the family due to physical or mental incapacity. The financial assistance enables such children to continue their education and improve their standard of living.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that continuous efforts are being made to strengthen social security schemes and ensure the care, protection and holistic development of every child belonging to vulnerable sections of society.

She added that the Government’s objective is to build a safe, inclusive and progressive Punjab, where every child gets equal opportunities to grow and shape a better future.

Chandigarh 23 April 2026:

Head Sewadar of Nihang Singh, Baba Kulwant Singh Chanakya of Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Dasvin Kotkapura today honoured Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha S Kultar Singh Sandhwan at Kotkapura and said that due to the sincere efforts of Bhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab and Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, The Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill 2026 came into force thereby Sangat across the globe are rejoicing.

After recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, Nitnem Banis, Ardas and the holy Hukamnama, Baba Kulwant Singh Chanakya said that Speaker Sandhwan’s clean image and humble nature impress everyone.

Speaker Sandhwan thanked the entire Sangat including Jathedar Baba Kulwant Singh Chanakya and said that all this has been accomplished only with the cooperation of the Sangat and the blessings of Guru Ji. He claimed that this work could not be done by the leaders of various traditional parties and representatives of influential organisations despite being in power. Now they are trying to create confusion among the society with baseless and unnecessary statements.

Speaker Sandhwan said that anyone will now onwards will afraid of to commit this heinous crime as harsher punishment law have been enacted.

On this occasion, the Sangat gathered from different areas of the city thanked the Punjab Government, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Speaker Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan for this exemplary work.

CHANDIGARH, April 23:

Punjab’s ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ has intensified into a sustained, high-impact crackdown under the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government, with fresh data pointing to a sharp rise in enforcement, deeper network disruption, and significantly improved conviction outcomes driven by the flagship campaign Yudh Nasheyan Virudh.

The data shows that 73,541 NDPS cases have been registered between 2022 and 2026 (till date), marking an increase of over 40 percent compared to 52,255 cases during 2017–21. Arrests have also seen a steep rise, reaching 98,596 in the current period, up nearly 45 percent from 68,064 earlier, indicating sustained, large-scale action against drug trafficking networks across Punjab.

The scale of enforcement is most evident in seizure patterns, which reflect a deeper penetration into supply chains. Heroin recoveries have surged by 148%, with 5,979 kg seized since 2022 compared to 2,412 kg between 2017–21. Opium seizures have also risen by over 43 percent to 3,583 kg, pointing to intensified ground-level operations.

Action against synthetic drugs has seen a particularly sharp escalation. Ice (crystal methamphetamine) seizures have jumped more than fourfold, rising from 17 kg in the earlier period to 93 kg since 2022, registering a 447% increase. Cocaine seizures, at 6,064 kg, remain broadly consistent with 6,852 kg recorded earlier, reflecting continued pressure on high-value narcotics.

The crackdown has also widened to address pharmaceutical drug abuse, with enforcement agencies recovering 8.7 crore tablets and capsules between 2022–26, underlining a broader strategy to cut off supply chains feeding addiction among youth.

Crucially, the enforcement drive is translating into stronger judicial outcomes. Conviction rates have climbed to 89 percent, indicating tighter investigations, improved evidence-building, and more effective prosecution.

Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said, “This is not just an increase in enforcement activity, it is a structural shift in how the drug menace is being tackled. The rise in cases and seizures reflects deeper, intelligence-led targeting of networks, while the jump in conviction rates shows that cases are being carried through to conviction. There is sustained pressure across the entire chain, from suppliers to distributors.”

The DGP said that scale and consistency of this action stems from the clear strategic direction under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, with Yudh Nasheyan Virudh emerging as the central driver of coordinated, high-intensity enforcement across Punjab.

While the rise in seizures reflects intensified action on the ground, the Bhagwant Mann Government has reiterated that the larger objective remains long-term disruption of drug networks and reducing availability at the grassroots level, ensuring that enforcement translates into lasting impact.

Chandigarh/Sri Anandpur Sahib, April 23

Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today visited Lodhipur, Agampur, Harsabela and Ajauli areas to review the ongoing flood protection works. He took detailed updates from officials regarding the progress of works along the Sutlej riverbank and directed them to ensure timely completion.

The Minister informed that village Lodhipur, located on the left bank of the Sutlej, is being covered under the Lodhipur Flood Protection Project for 2026. The project involves works over a total stretch of 1700 feet, including reconstruction of 300 feet on the Charan Ganga Ravine and 1400 feet of revetment on the Sutlej, along with construction of 13 studs. The project, estimated at around Rs.4.62 crore, will safeguard Lodhipur, Burj and adjoining areas from floods while strengthening protection of agricultural land.

Highlighting the importance of the Agampur bridge, the Cabinet Minister said it serves as a vital link connecting Malwa and Puadh regions with Doaba and Majha. He added that the bridge also holds strong religious significance as it connects Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib with Sri Akal Takht Sahib, thus carrying deep emotional value for the people of the state. Recalling the threat faced by the bridge in 2025, he said timely intervention by the government ensured its safety. Learning from that experience, extensive flood protection works are now being undertaken around the bridge to prevent future damage.

The Minister informed that this year, flood protection works covering a total length of 6570 feet, nearly 2 km, are underway at an estimated cost of Rs.19.72 crore. At Agampur Slice-I and upstream of the bridge, works over 3920 feet are in progress at a cost of Rs.12.05 crore, including 3280 feet of revetment and construction of 31 studs, which will significantly benefit the Agampur and crusher zone areas.

Similarly, at Harsabela, flood protection works over 2650 feet are being carried out at a cost of Rs.7.67 crore, including 2300 feet of revetment and construction of 23 studs. The Minister reiterated that government is committed to flood prevention, assuring that all projects will be completed within stipulated timelines with high quality standards.

He further stated that at Ajauli, construction of 1500 feet of revetment and 14 studs has been approved at an estimated cost of Rs.3.45 crore. This project will play a key role in regulating the flow of the Sutlej and minimizing future flood damage, providing major relief to residents and agricultural land in Ajauli, Dabkhera and Kalittran villages, he added.

Sh. Goyal also stated that strict action will be taken to curb illegal mining through modernization measures. He informed that work is ongoing at 132 points and is expected to be completed by May 30. He added that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, continuous efforts are being made for public welfare.

Prominent amongst others who were present included SDM Sukhpal Singh (Sri Anandpur Sahib), DSP Jashandeep Singh, Chairman Kamikkar Singh Dhadhi, Chairman Gurpreet Singh Arora, Superintending Engineer Ramandeep Singh Bains, Executive Engineer Sandeep Singh Mangat, SDO Varun (Ropar Drainage Sub Division), SDO Nishant Garg (Sri Chamkaur Sahib Drainage), Executive Engineer Bhavuk Sharma (Sri Anandpur Sahib), SDO Narendra Kumar (Nangal), SDO Dinesh Gupta (Sri Anandpur Sahib), SDO Gurjeet Singh (Nurpur Bedi) and other officials.

CHANDIGARH, 23rd April 2026:

A collaboration between the Punjab Government, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, and Finland’s University of Turku is beginning to translate into visible changes in classrooms, with teaching practices becoming more interactive and early signs of improved student engagement emerging on the ground.

As part of this initiative, teaching is steadily moving away from rote methods towards more joyful and participatory learning approaches. Anchored in Punjab’s broader Sikhya Kranti, the programme focuses on adapting global expertise to local classroom contexts while building scale through a structured train-the-trainers model, with nearly 300 teachers will have been trained by May to strengthen foundational learning across the state.

During his ongoing official visit to Finland, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann visited the Kukulo-Moikoinen Early Childhood Education and Care Centre. “This initiative is already yielding results by aligning global pedagogical expertise with local classroom realities,” said the Chief Minister.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “The partnership, anchored through the State Council of Educational Research and Training under the Department of School Education, seeks to strengthen teacher development in early childhood and foundational education. It is designed not as a short-term intervention but as a long-term institutional effort to embed child-centred and play-based learning in the state’s education system, alongside inclusive teaching practices.”

“The programme has focused on equipping teachers with research-driven methods while ensuring these approaches are adapted to Punjab’s socio-cultural context,” he stated, adding, “Training sessions have been conducted both in Chandigarh and in the Finnish cities of Turku and Rauma, combining workshops, mentoring, and school visits to expose teachers to classroom innovations in practice. By May 2026, close to 300 teachers would have undergone training across four cohorts to benefit students from across Punjab.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “The emphasis has been on making learning joyful and participatory, moving away from rote methods towards active engagement. Teachers have also been encouraged to design context-specific projects, supported by mentors, to implement these ideas within their own classrooms. Feedback from the field suggests improvements in student participation and motivation, along with more inclusive classroom environments.”

He noted, “Teachers have reported greater confidence in experimenting with new methods and adapting lessons to diverse learning needs. A distinguishing feature of the initiative has been its insistence on contextual adaptation rather than direct transplantation of foreign models. Continuous mentoring support from Finnish experts has enabled this transition, ensuring that global best practices are meaningfully integrated into local systems.”

Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also visited University of Turku and Turku Teacher Training School for detailed interactions. “The government now plans to scale the programme through a train-the-trainers approach, creating a cadre of master trainers to expand its reach across the state,” he said, adding, “Digital platforms and blended learning formats are also being developed to support continuous professional development and wider access.”

The Chief Minister stated, “With a structured pathway for expansion and a growing pool of trained educators, the collaboration is being positioned as a cornerstone of Punjab’s broader education reforms. The state remains committed to strengthening public education so that students are better equipped to succeed, and similar initiatives will be pursued to sustain momentum in the sector.”