LUDHIANA, 1st February 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday, at the inauguration of the terminal building at Halwara International Airport in Ludhiana, reiterated his demand to the Government of India to name the airport after legendary martyr Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, calling it a fitting tribute to one of the youngest icons of India’s freedom struggle.

The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to further strengthen international connectivity from Mohali Airport, while asserting that Punjab is steadily moving towards a moment where all four of its airports will bear the names of the state’s revered Gurus and martyrs, seamlessly linking modern infrastructure with the state’s spiritual and revolutionary legacy.

Raising the issue in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu during the virtual inauguration of the airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha laid down his life for the motherland when he was just 19 years old. His supreme sacrifice inspired millions to rise against British imperialism, and even Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh regarded him as his role model.”

The Chief Minister said that naming Halwara Airport after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha would be a befitting honour to a martyr who hailed from the region and had gone to Berkeley University to pursue a career in aviation, but chose instead to return and dedicate his life to the freedom movement. “Punjab is the land of great Gurus, prophets, saints, seers and martyrs. Every inch of this sacred soil carries the imprint of their sacrifices,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that if Halwara Airport is named after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, two of Punjab’s four airports would be named after revered Gurus and two after martyrs. “Sri Guru Ramdass International Airport, Amritsar and Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur, are named after Gurus, while Shaheed Bhagat Singh Airport, Mohali and Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha Airport, Halwara, will commemorate our martyrs,” he said.

Congratulating the people on the parkash purab of Guru Ravidas, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said it was a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Adampur Airport has been named after the great proponent of the Bhakti movement. “The path shown by Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji to create an egalitarian society is the core pillar of our government’s commitment to serve the masses,” he said, adding that it was a historic day for Punjab as the Prime Minister dedicated two airports to the people on this auspicious occasion.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Halwara Airport, the Chief Minister said it has played a significant role over the years and has been used by the armed forces during critical operations. He expressed gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces for their contribution in developing the terminal at Halwara, which has now been dedicated to the public. “The state government will hold deliberations with the Government of India in the coming days to enhance connectivity from this airport,” he said.

Recalling the earlier initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that on March 22, 2023, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha had unanimously passed a resolution requesting the Government of India to name the International Airport at the Indian Air Force Station, Halwara, Ludhiana, as Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport. “As an active leader of the Ghadar Party, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha worked tirelessly for India’s freedom, first abroad and then within the country. Naming the airport after him would be a humble tribute to his unparalleled contribution,” he said.

The Chief Minister further pointed out that Mohali International Airport has already been named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh due to the sustained efforts of the state government. “Naming airports, universities and other institutions after our iconic martyrs is an integral part of our government’s vision to preserve their legacy and inspire the youth to dedicate themselves to selfless service of the nation,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

Chandigarh 1 February 2026:

Reacting to the Union Budget, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Union government has once again ignored the legitimate concerns of Punjab and Haryana farmers, exposing its hollow claims of being pro-farmer. Cheema pointed out that there has been no increase in the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund nor any concrete assistance to strengthen market infrastructure, leaving the agrarian states in a state of disbelief.

He said that the farmer of Punjab feeds the nation, yet the Union government is continuously neglecting investment in systems that ensure food security. The Finance Minister also criticised the selective approach adopted to promote high-value crops.  While the budget mentions crops like coconut, cashew, sandalwood and dry fruits, there is nothing for farmers in North India who depend on crops suited to their agro-climatic conditions. Harpal Singh Cheema said that this budget clearly shows the Centre’s bias and its continued indifference towards the farmers of foodgrain producing states, especially Punjab. These farmers deserve respect, support and appropriate investment, not empty slogans.

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that there is nothing for Farmers of Punjab and Haryana in terms of increased allocation to Agriculture Infra Fund or strengthening Mandi Infrastructure in this Union Budget 2026. He added that States will have to do it from their own funds for the development.    Talked about development of High-Value Crops but left out Punjab fully.

He said Urea Subsidy reduced from 1,26,475 Crore last year to 1,16,805 Crores.   Nothing for “Aam Aadmi” in this budget, Zero tax relief in today’s times when incomes are not increasing and inflation is eating up savings of common man. Infact, Government of India has increased STT (Securities Transaction Tax) which will adversely affect common man. No relief on Long-Term Capital Gains since STT has been increased. It is like squeezing the common man from all sides.

Speaking on Defence he said  we were hoping that Union FM would announce major schemes to make India stronger on Defence Production and meaningfully increase the Defence Budget in view of last year’s tensions with Pakistan. Nothing of that sort has happened. Total mention of defence was “Four (4)” Times in Union FM’s Speech.

Highlighting PM-Vishwakarma Scheme, he informed that launched with so much fan-fare last year to provide holistic, end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople, offering skill training. Budget reduced from 5,100 Crore to 3,861 Crore. On one side they say this budget is aimed at developing legacy industries and a Yuva-Shakti Budget ; then they cut budget for scheme meant exactly for this.

Speaking on 16th Finance Commission,he said the vertical devolution (total share of all states in tax pool) is kept at 41 percent. No change. Finance Commission has completely ignored the plight of states and failed to increase this share despite the fiscal stretch faced by states. Horizontal Devolution to Punjab increased to 1.996 percent from 1.807 percent in 15th Finance Commission. No Revenue Deficit Grants from 16th FC. 15th FC had recommended these grants.    Conditions on SDRF are overly restrictive and will affect the State like Punjab’s ability to effectively mitigate and manage disasters. He added that  No Mention of State in Budget Speech. They have completely forgotten about Punjab and Punjabis.

On  Education front, it is very Uninspiring. He said   Less than 10% Growth from last year (~8%) on Education buget.   Budget remains unchanged from last year at 7,500 Crore on PM- SHRI scheme.

     Special Assistance to States for Capital Creation (SASCI)- he said No mention of the scheme. All states has requested extending and enhancing the outlay of scheme meaningfully to continue high-levels of CAPEX.

On   Health point of view, he said AYUSHMAN Bharat Scheme Budget remains unchanged at 9,500 Crore. Swacchh Bharat Mission Budget halved at 2,500 Crore from 5,000 Crore last year. VB-G-RAM-G Budget at Rs 95,692 Crore up from Rs 88,000 Crore under MGNREGA.

Furthermore he added that Border Infrastructure and Management Scheme (Central Scheme) Budget reduced from 5,597 Crore last year to 5,577 Crore in the current budget.

 Harpal Singh Cheema said that this Budget is more inclined towards South and Nort-East India side. Nothing for Punjab or even North India. Nothing for Farmers and Agriculture. Nothing for Jobs and Youth in this union budget.

Chandigarh, February 1:

 Punjab’s Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has accused the Central Government of discriminating against the state in the Union Budget 2026. He said the government, which claims to be pro-farmer, has once again failed to provide a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) to Punjab’s farmers.

He added that the Central Government is discriminating against Punjab on every front.

Harbhajan Singh ETO noted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had demanded a special package to repair the heavy damage caused to the state’s roads by torrential rains in 2025, but the Central Government took no action.

He further stated that the Punjab government had sought a special financial package of Rs 1,000 crore for border security to modernize the police force, along with Rs 7,757 crore in arrears from the Rural Development Fund, a higher crop diversification incentive of Rs 15,000 per acre, GST compensation for revenue losses, and funds for health services and water supply. However, none of these demands were addressed by the Central Government.

Harbhajan Singh ETO said the people of Punjab had expected the Union Budget to announce special concessions to promote the state’s farmers and industries, but this did not happen.

Chandigarh, February 1:

 Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, expressed profound disappointment and concern over the Union Budget, stating it continues the trend of neglecting Punjab and the critical needs of its farmers.

Responding to queries on the union budget, S. Khudian stated, “The true impact will be known when the detailed provisions are unveiled. However, I have a strong apprehension that BJP-led Central government has done nothing for Punjab and its farmers.” He emphasized that Punjab faces persistent discrimination, even after enduring massive flood damage for which the requested Central relief package was never granted.

Elaborating on the agricultural crisis, the Minister pointed out that while the country’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, the budget failed to address the sector’s core challenges. “The cost of every input is skyrocketing—diesel, fertilizers, pesticides—but the budget offered no solace. There was hope for a dedicated allocation or a higher MSP for all crops, but that hasn’t happened,” he said.

 He specifically criticized the reduction in the budget for the Crop Insurance Scheme and the lack of significant announcements on Minimum Support Price (MSP). “Instead of increasing support, they are cutting it. At a time when farmers are in distress, the central government has stepped back,” S. Khudian stated.

 Drawing a sharp contrast, the Minister highlighted the Punjab Government’s proactive measures. “Where the Centre failed, the Punjab Government acted. For the farmers affected by floods, our government provided compensation of ₹20,000 per acre promptly,” he said.

The Agriculture Minister S. Khudian also linked the economic neglect to national security concerns, noting, “Punjab contributes massively to the nation’s food security and its youth guard the borders. Yet, the state’s rightful due is always ignored.”

“Previous governments with cosy ties with the Centre could have sought debt waivers but didn’t, as they wanted to keep Punjab subdued. We are facing this situation head-on and will do everything possible to put Punjab back on the path to progress,” he asserted.

 “The need of the hour was for the Central Government to come forward with a substantial package to address the deepening crisis in agriculture and revive the rural economy. Unfortunately, this budget has only added to the difficulties and complexities faced by our farmers,” said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

Chandigarh

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao on Friday said that the state government is working is on completely eliminating anemia and cancer from Haryana. The number of tests related to cancer screening will be increased to ensure early detection, she said while interacting with the media persons in Chandigarh.

Expressing concern over the rising number of cancer patients, Rao said that cancer patients and one attendant are being provided free travel facilities in government buses for treatment. In addition, patients suffering from Stage-3 and Stage-4 cancer are being given financial assistance of Rs. 3,000 per month. To further strengthen cancer treatment facilities, a 50-bed Atal Cancer Care Centre has been established at the Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt, equipped with advanced facilities such as mammography, a CT simulator, and a linear accelerator. This centre is providing comprehensive cancer care not only to patients from Haryana but also from neighbouring states.
She further informed that there has been a historic increase in the health budget. While the health budget stood at Rs. 2,646 crore in 2014-15, it has been enhanced to Rs. 9,942 crore in 2025-26, reflecting an increase of about 275 percent.
Rao further said that to address the shortage of doctors, appointment letters have been issued to 746 Medical Officers and 845 Ayurvedic Medical Officers. Additionally, under the National Health Mission (NHM), 346 Medical Officers and 154 specialists are currently rendering their services. She added that MRI scan facilities are available in five districts. Memorandums of Understanding have already been signed for Panipat and Kurukshetra, while tenders have been floated for the remaining nine districts.

Responding to a question, the Health Minister said that Senior Citizen Corners and physiotherapy units are functional in all district hospitals of the state. To reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for the general public, free dialysis services have been provided to Haryana residents since October 17, 2024. Essential medicines are being made available free of cost at all government health institutions.

In reply to another question, she stated that to strengthen maternal and child health services, separate and modern Mother and Child Health (MCH) wings are being established in all district hospitals. The state aims to set up fully equipped, independent MCH wings in every district hospital so that comprehensive reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services can be delivered under one roof. Construction of the MCH wing has been completed in Panchkula, work in Panipat is at the final stage, while construction in Faridabad and Sonipat commenced in September 2025. Administrative approval of Rs. 20 crore each has been granted for similar wings in Palwal, Sirsa and Kaithal.

 Health Minister said that under the Anemia-Free India campaign, work is being carried out at a rapid pace in the state, as a result of which the anemia rate in Haryana has declined from 59 percent to 53 percent. This improvement has helped the state move from fifth to third position in the national rankings. She further informed that under the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), Janaushadhi Kendras are operational in the civil hospitals of all 22 districts, enabling patients to access medicines at affordable prices.

The state government has also taken significant steps in the field of food safety. Food testing laboratories are operational in Chandigarh and Karnal, while five mobile food testing laboratories have been deployed across various districts. In addition, clean and safe street food hubs are being developed in Ambala, Karnal, Hisar and Gurugram.

The Health Minister said that the Haryana Government’s objective is to build a strong, people-centric and modern healthcare system so that every citizen can access quality health services in a timely manner without financial hardship.

She reiterated that the state government remains fully committed to providing affordable, accessible and quality healthcare to its citizens. Continuous efforts are being made by the Health Department to strengthen infrastructure, human resources, modern equipment and the supply of essential medicines to ensure effective control over both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Chandigarh, January 30

With the objective of ensuring uninterrupted availability of minor minerals, strengthening state revenue and maintaining regulatory discipline in the mining sector, Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal called for swift operationalisation of legal mining sites across Punjab while ordering firm action against illegal mining activities.

Presiding over a high-level review meeting of the Mining and Geology Department at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) here, the Cabinet Minister reviewed progress of statutory clearances and enforcement mechanisms. He directed all Executive Engineers-cum-District Mining Officers to expedite approval of District Survey Reports through the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority so that the maximum number of legal mining sites could become functional within the shortest possible time, thereby checking illegal extraction and meeting market demand.

He said, “timely approvals were crucial to ensure adequate availability of minor minerals and to check illegal extraction.”

The Mining and Geology Minister further instructed that all pending Environmental Clearances for new contractual and Large Mining Sites be completed on priority. “Expansion of legal mining sites was the most effective way to meet market demand and plug revenue leakage caused by illegal mining activities,” he added.

Referring to the recent survey conducted by IIT Ropar, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal directed that all newly identified sites be incorporated in District Survey Report Phase-III to enhance the availability of legally mined material. He also asked Superintending Engineers and District Mining Officers to maintain zero tolerance against illegal mining and ensure strict enforcement on the ground.

The Cabinet Minister said the state government was focusing on auction-based allotment of mining sites to promote transparency, regulate sand and mineral extraction and protect river ecology. He added that close coordination with the State Expert Appraisal Committee and SEIAA was being maintained for faster appraisal while ensuring compliance with environmental norms related to river morphology, groundwater safety and flood management.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Mrs. Jaspreet Talwar, Director Mining Mr. Abhijeet Kaplish, Chief Engineer (Mining) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta, all Superintending Engineers and District Mining Officers from various districts.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, January 30:

 In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug free state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Rural Police has busted yet another cross-border narco-smuggling network with the arrest of its two operatives and recovered 51.5 kg heroin— packed in 103 packets— from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

 Those arrested have been identified as Gurjeet Singh alias Jeet and Ranjeet Singh alias Dhillon, both residents of village Talwandi Rai Dadu in Amritsar.

 The development came a day after Amritsar Rural Police busted a cross-border narco-terror network and recovered 42.9 KG heroin, four hand grenades and one Star-mark pistol along with 46 live cartridges. With this the the total recovery of heroin has reached to 94.5 kg in 24 hours.

 DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that arrested accused, in active connivance with their Pakistan-based handler, were involved in cross-border drug trafficking. Detailed examination of mobile phones has unearthed multiple communication trails and other incriminating digital evidence, he said.

 The DGP said that further investigation is underway to trace forward and backward linkages of the network.

 Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Suhail Qasim Mir said that in an intelligence-led operation, teams of Amritsar Rural Police intercepted two suspects near Khasa area, when they were riding a motorcycle, carrying a suspicious bag placed between them. Upon search of the bag, police recovered 103 packets of heroin, weighing a total of 51.5 kilograms, he said.

 The SSP said that further investigations are ongoing. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days as the probe progresses, he added.

 In this regard, a case FIR No. 36 dated 30.01.2026 has been registered under sections 21(c), 25 and 29 of the NDPS act at Police Station Gharinda.

CHANDIGARH, January 30:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 11th day, Punjab Police on Friday conducted 795 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

          As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 11, Police teams arrested 201 individuals and recovered three firearms from their possession, taking the total arrests to 3721 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 197 persons, whereas, 312 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested 11 proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

          People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946, he said, while adding that a cash reward of up to ₹10 lakh will be given for information leading to the arrest of gangsters.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 335th day with 107 drug smugglers arrested on Friday and recovered 53.6 kg heroin, 3 kg opium, 14 kg Ganja, 9350 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 900 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 47,119 in just 335 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 35 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH/BATALA,  January 30:

  Amidst the ongoing “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to Punjab a gangster free state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Friday chaired a critical review meeting to assess and intensify the ongoing crackdown against gangsters and organized crime.

 The meeting, held in Batala, was focused on the border districts, aimed to dismantle cross-border terror-crime nexuses and ensure zero-tolerance towards extortion and gang activities. The meeting was attended by ADGP Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Promod Ban, ADGP Counter Intelligence Amit Prasad, CP Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, DIG Border Range Sandeep Goel, DIG Ferozepur Range Snehdeep Sharma, SSP Amritsar Rural Suhail Qasim Mir, SSP Batala Mehtab Singh, SSP Gurdaspur Aaditya, SSP Pathankot Diljinder Singh Dhillon and SSP Tarn Taran Surendra Lamba.

 A comprehensive review was held on the prevailing law and order situation, crime trends, and counter-intelligence measures across the Border and Ferozepur Ranges. Officers shared updates on operational preparedness, joint action plans, and community engagement initiatives to root out criminal elements.

 Interacting with media persons after the meeting, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Punjab Police has achieved significant success under “Gangstran Te Vaar” campaign launched on January 20. He revealed that in the last two days alone, Punjab Police has recovered 100 kilograms of heroin.

 Sharing outcomes of the 11 days of the campaign, he said that police teams have conducted 12,275 raids across the state, of which, 8,671 persons were rounded up and 3,721 have been arrested. Apart from this, police teams have detained 1,796 individuals, and 3,154 persons were released after questioning.

 The DGP reiterated that Punjab Police is in full action mode and no gangster or drug smuggler will be spared. He asserted that gangsters operating from abroad, who are masterminding crimes, will also be brought back to Punjab at the earliest to face justice, as has been done in several cases previously.

 He appealed to the public, especially the youth, to stay away from crime and anti-social elements and channel their energy positively. He emphasized that there is no place for crime in Punjab.

 DGP Gaurav Yadav urged people to make maximum use of Anti-Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946 to confidentially share information about any criminal or gangster activities, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept secret. He stressed that with public cooperation, anti-social elements can be completely rooted out from society.

 Later, the DGP also held an extensive interaction with all Station House Officers (SHOs) and Gazetted Officers of Batala Police District, focusing on motivating the force, boosting morale, and reinforcing professional commitment. He emphasized the pivotal role of ground-level officers in maintaining public order, preventing crime, and dismantling organized networks.