Chandigarh/Dehradun, December 26:

Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen (Retd.) Gurmit Singh today unveiled literary pictorial brochure dedicated to Veer Bal Diwas at Lok Bhawan, Dehradun, in the sacred memory of supreme sacrifice and martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji and Mata Gujri, the revered mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji during the Veer Bal Diwas Commemoration, held at Lok Bhawan Dehradun, the brochure has been authored by State Information Commissioner, Punjab Harpreet Sandhu as a noble contribution highlighting sanctity and historic significance of the three Shrines i.e. Gurdwara Thanda Burj, where Mata Gujri Ji and the Sahibzadas were kept in the extreme cold winter in year 1705, before their martyrdom, Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib where the younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, were bricked alive and Gurdwara Jyoti Sarup, where the younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, along with Mata Gujri Ji, were cremated after their martyrdom, situated in Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab.

During the event Governor Uttarakhand Lt. Gen Gurmit Singh was  presented a Religious Heritage Book titled, “Spiritual Journey of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib”, by the Harpreet Sandhu State Information Commissioner, Punjab and documentary dedicated to 350th Martyrdom Year of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib showcasing the journey of Ninth Sikh Guru from his birth till martyrdom depicting the holy shrines wherein he left his footprints was also screened for the congregation.  

Governor Uttarakhand Lt. Gen Gurmit Singh acknowledged the noble and visionary initiative of State Information Commissioner, Punjab Harpreet Sandhu for promoting the historic and religious heritage depicting relevance with martyrdom of young Sahibzadas and Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib within the diverse communities in Uttarakhand.

Chandigarh:

Aam Aadmi Party National Media In-Charge Anurag Dhanda launched a scathing attack on the BJP government in Haryana, alleging that it is playing with the future of the state’s youth. He said in clear terms that the BJP has turned Haryana into a “haven for outsiders,” where local youth are used merely for votes, but are pushed aside when it comes to jobs.

Anurag Dhanda said that boys and girls of Haryana work hard for years, pursue their education, and appear for examinations, but BJP policies render them unemployed and force them to sit at home. He asserted that this is not a mistake but a well-planned conspiracy to deprive Haryanvi youth of their rightful opportunities. He added, the most shocking thing is that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has maintained complete silence on the issue.

Citing the Haryana Public Service Commission’s Assistant Engineer (AE) Recruitment 2025, Anurag Dhandha said the figures speak for themselves. Out of 153 posts in the General category, 106 were given to outsiders—meaning more than 70 percent of jobs were handed over to non-locals. In the AE Electrical list, only 29 candidates out of 214 in the General category were from Haryana, clearly showing how the BJP government has sidelined Haryanvi youth.

Taking a sharp dig, Anurag Dhanda said the BJP deliberately reduced the domicile requirement from 15 years to just 5 years so that outsiders could easily capture government jobs in Haryana, even in reserved categories. He said the BJP’s slogan of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas rings hollow, as in reality the government stands with outsiders while destroying the future of Haryana’s youth.

He further stated that along with job discrimination, Haryana under BJP rule has become a hub for paper-leak mafias. The future of youth is being sold for ₹3–4 lakh. Arrests made from Sonipat in the CSIR-UGC-NET 2025 paper leak case clearly show that question papers are being sold before examinations, while the government turns a blind eye. The Chief Minister claims no paper leak has occurred, but police action itself exposes the BJP’s lies.

Anurag Dhanda questioned whom Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is trying to protect. Has the paper-leak mafia received political patronage? While the future of youth is being ruined, the government seems concerned only with saving its chair.

He said the Aam Aadmi Party stands firmly with Haryana’s youth and will not tolerate this injustice at any cost. He demanded an immediate, impartial investigation into the AE recruitment, full priority for Haryanvi youth in government jobs, and a CBI probe into all paper-leak cases with strict punishment for the guilty.

With the warning, Anurag Dhanda said that if the BJP government does not wake up, the Aam Aadmi Party will launch a massive public movement along with Haryana’s youth. This government that snatches away the rights of youth will not last long. Haryana’s youth will no longer remain silent and will surely respond to this injustice.

Mohali, December 26, 2025 : Thrilling and closely fought competitions of traditional martial art were witnessed during the 2nd district Gatka tournament organised by Gatka Association of district S.A.S. Nagar and Sarb Sanjha Welfare Society, dedicated to the supreme sacrifice of the younger Sahibzadas and Mata Gujar Kaur Ji. The traditional tournament concluded at the ground near Gurdwara Nanak Darbar in sector-91 under the aegis of the Gatka Association of Punjab where Khalsa Sewa Dal Gatka Akhara, Mohali achieved first place. Misl Shaheedan Gatka Akhara secured second position while Mata Sahib Deva Gatka Akhara (Girls) finished third.

In the girls’ Soti-Farri (Individual) category, Ishpreet Kaur secured first position and Harmanpreet Kaur stood second. In the boys’ category of the same event, Inderjit Singh claimed the top spot while Baghel Singh finished runner-up.

The final bout of this event was formally inaugurated by MLA Kulwant Singh in the presence of Phool Raj Singh, Chairman, Directorate of International Affairs of World Gatka Federation, Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal, President, National Gatka Association of India and office-bearers of the organising society.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Kulwant Singh recalled the unparalleled sacrifice of the Sahibzadas and urged the sangat to walk on the path shown by Guru Sahib, preserve Sikhi and Sikh heritage and continue the spirit of selfless service. He encouraged parents to familiarise their children more deeply with Sikh history and culture. Appreciating the society’s initiative of organising religious and cultural competitions for children at the Gurdwara Sahib, he appealed to parents to involve even more children in such activities next year.

Providing details, Society President and former Councillor Phool Raj Singh said that players from nine district Gatka teams displayed outstanding martial skills during the annual tournament. He added that to further promote this heritage sport abroad, strengthen children’s bond with Sikh identity and dress and form more Gatka teams, Gatka federations are being established in several countries. He also announced that a full-fledged Gatka Akhara would soon be started at Gurdwara Nanak Darbar under the guidance of an expert coach.

Gatka promoter Grewal, while highlighting the values of the sport, said the ‘Shastar Vidya’ bestowed by Guru Sahib has no place for stunt acts or showmanship and urged all Gatka Akharas and players to strictly refrain from such practices.

Among those present on the occasion were Harsimran Singh Ball DSP, Rajinder Singh Sidhu, President, Resident Welfare Society, Sector 90-91, Kuldeep Singh Samana, R.P. Sharma and Harpal Singh Channa (both former MCs), Amarjeet Singh Sector-94, Gurdeep Singh Tiwana, Gurmeet Singh, Nihal Singh, Gurbeer Singh, Palwinder Singh Goraya, Vikramjit Singh, Harpal Singh, Jasminder Singh, Harpreet Singh Sarao and Dildeep Singh.

The judging panel comprised Harsimran Singh, Sherry Singh, Narinderpal Singh, Pradeep Singh, Anmolpreet Kaur, Monika, Jagpreet Singh and Harpreet Kaur, who discharged their duties with dedication, impartiality and professionalism.

Chandigarh, December 25:

Central Civil Services Cultural and Board are organising the All India Services Table Tennis (Men and Women) tournament from 12th to 16th January 2026 in Table Tennis Hall, Sector-23, Chandigarh. Trails for Punjab teams will be held on 31 December at Polo Ground Patiala at 11:00 am.

The spokesman of the sports department further informed that in these trials security services personnel/para-security organizations/central police organizations/police/RPF/CISF/BSF/ITBP and NSG etc., autonomous parties/undertakings/public sector Banks including central ministry run banks, excluding casual/daily workers, temporary office workers, newly recruited employees who have been in regular services for less than 6 months, Government employees (regular), government officials (regular) of different departments can participate only after receiving NoC from their departments. The cost of travel, accommodation and food in this tournament will be paid by the player personally.

Chandigarh, 25 December 2025:

Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion and NRI Affairs, Government of Punjab, Sh. Sanjeev Arora, met Hon’ble Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Sh. Jitan Ram Manjhi, in New Delhi on July 21, 2025, and sought urgent support for strengthening Punjab’s MSME ecosystem, with special emphasis on the sports goods sector clustered in Jalandhar.

During the meeting, Sh. Sanjeev Arora highlighted that Punjab’s sports goods industry has significant export potential, but continues to face key challenges related to technology upgradation, product development, testing facilities, and compliance with global quality standards. He specifically urged the Ministry to approve the establishment of a Technology Extension Centre (TEC) of the Process cum Product Development Centre (PPDC), Meerut, at Jalandhar—a proposal that had been pending with the Ministry of MSME for over eight months, despite the State Government having already provided the required infrastructure.

Acceding to the request, the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, on December 18, 2025, issued an official communication through the Principal Director, Sh. Aditya Prakash Sharma, calling for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and execution of the lease deed for setting up the approved Technology Extension Centre at the Government Institute of Leather and Footwear Technology (GILFT), Jalandhar.

The approval has been accorded under the Hub & Spoke Model, with the TEC to be mentored by PPDC, Meerut. The MoU is scheduled to be signed on January 5, 2026, in Jalandhar.

As per the communication, a total built-up area of 11,166 square feet, spread across the Ground, First and Second Floors of the GILFT building, has already been earmarked for establishment of the centre. The Technology Extension Centre will provide critical support services including advanced product and process development, technology transfer, testing facilitation, skill development, and handholding support to MSMEs, particularly units engaged in sports goods and allied manufacturing.

Welcoming the decision, Sh. Sanjeev Arora thanked the Union MSME Minister for the timely intervention and stated that the Technology Extension Centre would prove to be a game-changer for Punjab’s sports goods sector by enhancing competitiveness, improving quality standards, and boosting exports.

He added that the Punjab Government remains fully committed to extending all necessary support to ensure early operationalisation of the centre.

The initiative reflects strong Centre–State coordination aimed at strengthening MSMEs, promoting innovation-led growth, and reinforcing Punjab’s position as a leading manufacturing and export hub.

CHANDIGARH, December 25:

In a New Year bonanza for the residents of Punjab, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday gave green signal to the Health department to launch Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna from the coming month thereby ensuring cashless treatment worth ₹10 lakh to every family in the state.

Reviewing a meeting of the Health department here today, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Mukh Mantri Sehat Beema Yojna is a step towards providing universal healthcare facilities to people without spending even a penny on it. “This is a step towards providing universal health care and ensuring that people get cashless treatment worth ₹10 lakh. Punjab will be the first state in the country where every family will be entitled to cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is a flagship health assurance initiative of the Government of Punjab aimed at providing financial protection and assured access to quality healthcare to all eligible residents of the State. “The scheme is a major step towards universal health coverage, under which each enrolled family is entitled to cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per year,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “The scheme covers major illnesses, critical care, surgeries, and life-saving treatments at a wide network of empanelled Government and Private hospitals across Punjab and Chandigarh, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.”

The Chief Minister said that the key objective is to ensure cashless and paperless healthcare at empanelled hospitals and to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on secondary and tertiary healthcare. “Likewise, it will strengthen equitable access to healthcare services across urban and rural areas and provide timely grievance redressal and beneficiary support through digital platforms,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all the expenses like Hospitalisation costs, Surgeries and medical procedures, ICU and critical care services, Diagnostics, medicines, and consumables as per approved packages, Pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses and others will be covered under it.

The Chief Minister said that, earlier, a family could avail treatment only up to ₹5 lakh but now this limit has been increased to ₹10 lakh adding that every citizen of Punjab will be entitled to free healthcare, whether they are government employees or pensioners adding that there will be no income limit under this scheme. “Under this scheme, any citizen can avail free treatment at any government hospital or empanelled private hospital adding that now, no citizen of Punjab will have to forgo treatment due to financial constraints.  The Health department to make the necessary arrangements for the smooth launch of this scheme for the well being of people,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Chandigarh, December 25, 2025:

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora today said that Punjab has attracted ₹1.50 lakh crore (approximately USD 19 billion) in investments since the formation of the AAP Government, resulting in the generation of more than five lakh employment opportunities across the State. He said this reflects the Government’s firm commitment to making Punjab a preferred destination for investors and a leading industrial hub. Major Investments announce for Punjab in last 5 months are

HPCL Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) – ₹2,600 Crores, Vardhman Steels- ₹3,000 Crores, Trident Group – ₹2,000 Crores, IOL Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited – ₹1,400 Crores, Happy Forgings Limited – ₹1,000 Crores, Veerka Beverages Private Limited – ₹987 Crores, Fortis Healthcare (Mohali) – ₹900 Crores, Amber Enterprises India Limited – ₹500 Crores, Infosys Limited – ₹285 crore, Toppan Speciality Films Pvt. Ltd – ₹300–400 Crores.

Highlighting the future roadmap, the Minister informed that the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors Summit-2026 will be held from March 13 to 15, 2026, at Mohali, which is expected to provide a major boost to the State’s industrial ecosystem.

He stated that the recent Japan and South Korea visits to Tokya, Osaka & Seoul were highly successful, and significant fresh investments are expected following the overseas outreach, opening new avenues for foreign entrepreneurs. To further facilitate investments, the State Government is ensuring that all industrial approvals are granted within a timeline of 5 to 45 days.

Punjab has been awarded “Top Achiever” status under the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP)-2024 by the Government of India, he added. In a major relief to industry and traders, the State has introduced a single 0.25% stamp duty on the total loan amount, covering all related instruments and capped at ₹5 lakh. Additionally, the registration fee on Equitable Mortgage has been reduced from ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,000.

The Minister said that the Government has launched RTB Act 2.0 on the Punjab Invest portal, further enhancing ease of doing business by enabling consolidated approvals starting from as early as 5 days. He added that the compliance burden has been significantly reduced by simplifying, digitising, decriminalising and rationalising 833 G2B and 1,702 G2C compliances.

Amendments to the Punjab Right to Business Act, 2020 now allow eligible enterprises to commence or expand operations based on self-declaration, with In-Principle approvals issued within 5 to 18 days. About 2,000 units have already been granted such approvals. The CLU process has also been simplified by removing the requirement for standalone industries in permissible zones.

The Minister further stated that 24 specialised Sectoral Committees have been constituted to ensure robust industry consultation for the upcoming sector-specific industrial policy. Each committee is chaired by a prominent industrialist from the respective sector. All committee reports have been submitted, and a new, robust Industrial Policy is on the anvil and will be released by January 2026.

He added that the Government launched the “Rising Punjab – Suggestions to Solutions” series across Mohali, Bathinda, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Gobindgarh and Khanna, enabling direct industry participation in policy formulation. Outreach delegations led by the Chief Minister were conducted in New Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Punjab offers attractive incentives under the existing policy, including SGST reimbursement, exemptions from electricity duty and stamp duty, and special incentives for MSMEs. Fiscal incentives amounting to ₹29,933 crore have been issued to 1,145 units since March 2022.

Concluding, the Minister said that addressing a long-pending industry demand of nearly three decades, an OTS Scheme has been approved for existing allottees with 100% waiver of penal interest and 8% simple interest, along with policies for leasehold-to-freehold conversion, plot fragmentation, subdivision and reorganisation, and the constitution of an appellate authority for grievance redressal.