JALANDHAR, 30th January 2026:

Launching the distribution of scholarships to more than 2.7 lakh Scheduled Caste (SC) students at the PAP Ground in Jalandhar, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the ₹271 crore Post-Matric Scholarship under the ‘Mission Rangla Punjab’ drive reflects a fundamental shift in governance priorities, asserting that while Congress, the Akalis and the BJP remained preoccupied with family interests, AAP has focused squarely on securing the future of Punjab’s children.

Highlighting a 35 percent rise in beneficiaries since 2020–21, the Chief Minister said the surge was the result of genuine education reforms, not tokenism, and stressed that scholarships are not mere financial aid but a tool of self-reliance, correcting years of systemic neglect in which delayed and diverted funds had even prevented students from appearing in examinations.

Sharing a few snippets from the event on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “At the PAP Ground in Jalandhar today, scholarships were distributed to Scheduled Caste students, marking the beginning of disbursement to more than 2.5 lakh children across the state. The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure that children from needy families are able to pursue higher education. Compared to 2020–21, the number of students receiving scholarships has increased by 35 percent in 2024–25. This scholarship is not merely financial assistance but a powerful means of making students self-reliant. The effort is to ensure that no child is deprived of education or forced to abandon their dreams due to lack of money.”

Addressing students at a scholarship disbursement function, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “From scam to ‘Punjab Shine’, the Post-Matric Scholarship has become a powerful instrument of social transformation. This ambitious scheme has given wings to the dreams of millions of Scheduled Caste students who are pursuing higher education,” drawing thunderous applause from beneficiaries present at the venue.

Recalling the period between 2017 and 2020, the Chief Minister said that the scheme had been virtually stalled, leading educational institutions to withhold degrees of students. “A scam took place under this scheme and every Punjabi was anguished by it. The then minister in charge of the department betrayed their own community by illegally minting money meant for the education of children from weaker sections,” he said, adding that funds meant for SC students were usurped, depriving them of their rightful opportunities.

Emphasising the transformative power of education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Education is the only key to changing the destiny of the weaker and underprivileged sections. Unfortunately, successive governments deliberately kept these students away from books. Today, our government is giving them a chance to realise their dreams and excel in life.” Congratulating parents, he added that their sacrifices and hard work were the real source of inspiration for students to move forward through education.

The Chief Minister recited Sant Ram Udaasi’s poem Maghda Rahin Ve Surja Kammian De Vehre from the stage. “This poem is very close to my heart and has always inspired people to believe in hard work,” he said, urging youth to remain grounded, set clear goals and pursue them with dedication, as hard work alone leads to success.

Welcoming the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the function was aimed at spreading the light of education to every corner of Punjab. He said, “This scheme reflects our government’s commitment to social justice and is rooted in Babasaheb Ambedkar’s belief that education is the most powerful weapon to eliminate social inequality.”

Highlighting the impact of the scheme, the Chief Minister said it was enabling students to transform their destiny and contribute to making India a global frontrunner. “The objective is to connect economically weaker Scheduled Caste students with higher education. The scheme is meant for families with an annual income below ₹2.50 lakh and is being implemented in Punjab with complete transparency,” he said.

Sharing key achievements, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The number of beneficiaries has increased unprecedentedly. Compared to 2020–21, there has been a 35 percent increase in beneficiaries in 2024–25.” He added that the budget had been enhanced from ₹245 crore to ₹271 crore, underlining that it was the Punjab government’s duty to ensure the well-being of every section of society. “For the first time, bio-authentication has been made mandatory for students, heads of institutions and nodal officers to prevent fraud,” he said.

The Chief Minister said a new accountability system had been introduced on the Dr Ambedkar Scholarship Portal. “The Post-Matric Scholarship is not just financial assistance. It is a pathway to self-reliance. We are firmly committed to ensuring that no talented child’s dream remains unfulfilled due to lack of money,” he reiterated.

Linking the initiative to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s philosophy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said education had been placed at the centre of governance. “No freebie or concession card can eliminate poverty or social evils. Education alone can break this vicious cycle by raising living standards,” he said, adding that the government was making relentless efforts to improve the quality of education to empower the common people.

He said, “The Punjab government is simultaneously rejuvenating the education and health sectors. Schools of Eminence have been set up across Punjab, equipped with smart classrooms, modern laboratories and playgrounds. Teachers and principals are being sent abroad for specialised training to familiarise them with modern teaching practices and prepare students for global competition.”

Expressing pride, the Chief Minister said Punjab had topped the National Achievement Survey, surpassing even Kerala. “Government schools have become temples of the modern era, illuminating thousands of young lives,” he said, noting that students were being provided coaching for competitive exams such as Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT.

He said it was heartening that students from government schools had qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and NEET. Referring to healthcare reforms, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh is being provided to all 65 lakh families in Punjab, without any income condition, including government employees and pensioners.”

Stating that Punjab had become the first state to provide free healthcare to all citizens, he said 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics were offering free treatment daily. He added that over the last four years, 63,027 government jobs had been given transparently, without bribe or recommendation. “Since 2022, 90 percent households are receiving free electricity and, for the first time, farmers are getting more than eight hours of uninterrupted daytime power during the paddy season,” he said.

The Chief Minister said 6,900 kilometres of 18,349 watercourses had been revived to ensure water reaches tail ends. He noted that after commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, the government would also celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidass Ji on a grand scale, with a series of events planned across the state.

Taking a dig at traditional political parties, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “They are unable to digest the fact that the son of a common man is governing Punjab effectively. People have lost faith in these parties because of their anti-people and anti-Punjab approach. They were more concerned about their own families than Punjab and Punjabis, which is why they have been shown the door.”

On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Dr Baljit Kaur also addressed the gathering.

Beneficiary students shared emotional testimonies. Dilpreet Singh, pursuing MBBS, thanked CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for “turning Dilpreet Singh into Dr Dilpreet,” saying words fell short to express his gratitude. Harshita, a BA LLB student, said the scheme had made her dreams a reality and proved that the government delivers on its promises. Sursangam Kaur said the scholarship had given wings to her aspirations, while Dilpreet Singh from Lamrin Skill University said the scheme played a decisive role despite his family’s weak financial condition. Navansh Sidhu from DIPS College, Dhilwan, said he came from a humble background and that his dreams had come true through this initiative, thanking the Chief Minister for the visionary step to support underprivileged students.

Prominent dignitaries present included Cabinet Ministers Hardeep Singh Mundian and Mohinder Bhagat, Lok Sabha MP Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, MLA Balkar Singh, Chairman Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank Pawan Tinu, Chairman Punjab State Safai Karamchari Commission Chandan Grewal, and others.

Chandigarh

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday secured a clean sweep in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections by winning the posts of mayor, senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. BJP Councillor Saurabh Joshi was elected as the city’s new mayor. 

Joshi received 18 votes, defeating AAP candidate Yogesh Dhingra, who received 11 votes, and Congress candidate Gurpreet Singh Gabi, who got seven votes only. Chandigarh MP also has a voting right as an ex officio member of the 35-member municipal corporation. Sitting MP Manish Tewari of the Congress raised his hand in support of his party’s nominee Gurpreet Singh Gabi.

The BJP also won both Deputy Mayor posts. Since the Congress did not contest the Deputy Mayor elections, BJP secured the remaining two positions without difficulty. BJP’s Jasmanpreet Singh was elected as senior Deputy Mayor and Suman Sharma was elected as Deputy Mayor. Both candidates received 18 votes each.

The election was conducted under the supervision of Presiding Officer Ramneek Singh Bedi and Deputy Commissioner Chandigarh Nishant Yadav, who directed councillors to follow standard operating procedures throughout the process. A key feature of this year’s polls was the return of the show-of-hands voting method, being used for the first time since 1996. According to rule, Councillors announced their choices openly, raised their hands, and signed after casting their votes. The voting process lasted around two hours and concluded peacefully, with officials reporting no incidents of cross-voting.

After being declared mayor, Joshi took charge as presiding officer for the election of the remaining top posts. This year’s election came against the backdrop of controversy surrounding the 2024 mayoral polls, which were marred by allegations of vote manipulation. In that case, the Supreme Court intervened, overturning an initial BJP win and declaring AAP’s Yogesh Dhingra as mayor. The fallout from last year’s incident prompted renewed calls for reforms, with several stakeholders, including Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari, advocating for open voting to prevent tampering and ensure greater accountability.

Historically, Chandigarh’s Municipal Corporation elections have not been covered by the anti-defection law, leading to repeated instances of cross-voting and allegations of corruption. These factors further strengthened the push for a more transparent process. Another significant element this year was the lack of coordination between Congress and AAP, which had earlier joined hands to challenge the BJP. Both parties fielded separate candidates, effectively improving BJP’s prospects in a House where it already held a numerical edge with 18 seats, compared to AAP’s 11 and Congress’s six. The city’s MP also has voting rights in the mayoral election.

Chandigarh: In the case of the tragic death of two innocent persons during the cleaning of a hotel sewer line in Hansi, the Haryana Human Rights Commission has launched a scathing attack on the police investigation, terming it seriously biased, suspicious, and aimed at protecting the actual culprits from the rigours of law. The Commission stated in unequivocal terms that the direction of the investigation and the documents placed on record clearly indicate a deliberate and well-planned attempt to shield the real culprits.
The Full Commission, comprising Chairperson Justice LalitBatra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, made strong observations on the police report, stating that the so-called appointment letter of the hotel’s Assistant Manager, which bears no date, not only raises grave suspicion but also clearly suggests that such a document was hurriedly prepared after the incident to divert liability away from the hotel owner. The Commission described this as a blatant abuse of both law and morality.
The Commission further observed that the legal opinion dated 13.11.2025, without any reason, rendered by Deputy District Attorney, in diluting the offence by converting it from Section 105 B.N.S. to Section 106 B.N.S. also puts a serious question mark on the legal opinion indicating the ulterior motive and designs of the Police Investigating Agency.The Haryana Human Rights Commission categorically stated that this is not merely a case of investigative negligence, but appears to be an institutional attempt to evade accountability. The Commission made it clear that half-hearted explanations and cosmetic investigations cannot be tolerated in such grave matters.
Taking note of the seriousness of the case, the Full Commission headed by Justice LalitBatra has directed the Superintendent of Police, Hansi, to examine the matter afresh and submit a detailed report at least one week prior to the next date of hearing. The Superintendent of Police has also been ordered to appear in person before the Commission on the next date of hearing. Additionally, the Deputy Superintendent of Police who initially investigated the case and the Deputy District Attorney who rendered the disputed legal opinion have also been summoned to appear before the Commission.
The Commission has also expressed strong displeasure over the failure of the Municipal Council/Gram Panchayat and the hotel management to submit their reports so far, warning in stern terms that non-compliance with the Commission’s orders will be viewed seriously.

The Haryana Human Rights Commission further clarified that while compensation of ₹30 lakhs each has been paid to the families of the deceased, monetary relief alone does not amount to justice. Bringing the real culprits to the dock of law is imperative, the Commission emphasized, reiterating that the value of human life cannot be settled through mere paperwork.
The matter has been listed for next hearing on February 18, 2026.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, January 27:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police (CP) has busted a cross-border narco-arms smuggling module with the arrest of four operatives and recovered 1.5 kg heroin and ₹1.98 lakh drug money from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Jaskinder Singh alias Sikander, Harpal Singh, Gurmukh Singh and Sukhdeep Singh, all residents of village Ranian in Amritsar. Apart from recovering heroin and drug money, police teams have also recovered two sophisticated pistols— including one 9MM pistol and one .30 bore pistol— along with 34 live cartridges— manufactured in Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF)— from their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused persons, in active connivance with their foreign-based handlers, are in contact with Pak-based smugglers through social media platforms. Acting on their directions, the arrested persons were retrieving consignments of illegal arms and heroin being transported via drones from across the border, and further supplying to various locations in Punjab, he said.

          The DGP said further investigation is underway to trace forward and backward linkages in this case.

          Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on specific and reliable secret information, teams from CP Amritsar carried out a well-planned operation and arrested four accused involved in a cross-border smuggling and recovered drug money and 34 live cartridges from their possession. On the disclosure statements of arrested accused Gurmukh Singh and Sukhdeep Singh, police teams have recovered two pistols, while, consignment of 1.5 kg heroin was recovered on the disclosure of accused Jaskinder Singh and Harpal Singh, he added.

          The CP said that further investigation has revealed that the all the accused are closely related to each other and belong to the same extended family. Whereas, accused Harpal Singh and Gurmukh Singh are brothers, Jaskinder Singh alias Sikander and Sukhdeep Singh are their nephews, he said, while adding that it was also found that all four accused fall within the age group of 19 to 33 years and have no previous criminal antecedents.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 11 dated 22-01-2026 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Civil Lines in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, January 27:

The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar has added another feather to its cap, with 11 cadets securing admission to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and other premier defence training academies during the past one month.

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that this achievement underscores the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to nurturing young talent for the armed forces, with a total of 289 cadets having joined various defence training academies since its inception.

While congratulating the cadets on joining the training academies, Mr. Aman Arora wished the cadets success and encouraged them to work hard and become exemplary officers.

Mr. Arora said that eight cadets have joined the NDA’s 155th Course, which include Vishvaroop Singh Grewal & Bhaskar Jain from Ludhiana, Apardeep Singh Sawhney from Patiala, Paramdeep Singh from Pathankot, Rehaan Yadav from Bathinda, Sukhpreet Singh from Sangrur, Prince Kumar Dubey & Shaurya Vardhan Singh from Jalandhar. Cadet Gurkirat Singh from Ropar district joined the Indian Naval Academy’s (INA) 117 course. In addition, Gurnoor Singh from Bathinda joined the Cadet’s Training Wing (CTW) at the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), Secunderabad, while Akash Singh Kushwaha from Jalandhar joined the CTW at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES)-54 Course. Incidentally Gurnoor Singh secured the All-India rank of 15 for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES)-54 Course.

Chandigarh, January 27:

Central Civil Services Cultural and Board are organising the All India Services Hockey, Basketball, Chess (Men and Women) and Cricket (Men) tournament from 17th to 28th February 2026 in Delhi.

Trials for selection of Punjab players for these tournaments will be conducted on January 29 at 11:00 am. Trials for the men’s and women’s hockey teams will take place at Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar, while selection trials for basketball and chess teams will be organised at Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana. Similarly, trials for the men’s cricket team will be held at the Practice Ground, PCA Stadium, Sector-63, SAS Nagar.

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, 27th January 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that the second phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ is set to strike at the very backbone of the drug menace, as the state prepares to escalate its most aggressive mass campaign yet against narcotics by mobilising people at the village level and deepening public participation across Punjab.

Reviewing the progress of Phase II of Yudh Nashean Virudh, the Chief Minister announced that a major state-level meeting of Village Defence Committees (VDCs) will be convened in the coming month to give renewed momentum and sharper direction to the campaign, signalling the government’s intent to convert the anti-drugs drive into an irreversible people-led movement.

Chairing a meeting to review the implementation of the second phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ on Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Drugs is a global phenomena but nowhere across the world the war against this menace has been launched in such a vigorous manner. In an unprecedented manner a 1.50 lakh member strong team of ‘Pinda De Pehredaar’ (warriors) in the form of Village Defence Committee (VDC) has been constituted to make Punjab drug free.” He said that an important meeting of these VDCs will be convened in the coming month to give further push to this campaign.

The Punjab Chief Minister stated, “In this meeting the VDC Members will take pledge to ensure their villages become Drug Free,” adding that the Punjab government will ensure fulsome support and cooperation to them for this noble cause.

He also asked the officers to award Identification Cards to members of VDC so that their significant work is recognized. Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Public participation is must for every campaign,” adding that it is also imperative for sustainability.

The Chief Minister said, “The ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has been transformed into a mass movement as this menace was a social problem.” He said that with the active support of the people Phase II of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ will be more successful than the Phase I and Punjab is all set to script a new success story as a part of this campaign. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has set an example by successful completion of this mass movement.

On the occasion, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh and others were also present.

CHANDIGARH, 27th January 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday asserted that the Punjab Government stands firmly committed to safeguarding the State’s interests in the water dispute, while pursuing a mutually agreed resolution of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue during a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “We have no water to share with any other state, but as the elder brother of Haryana, we do not want to draw daggers with our neighbouring state and seek early resolution of this long-pending issue.”

The Punjab CM stated, “Punjab has no surplus water to share with any other state,” and categorically asserted, “Not even a single drop of Punjab’s rightful water can be allowed to be taken away.” He said that the SYL canal is an emotive issue for the State and added, “The State will face serious law and order problems if it is imposed,” while making it clear that “land for the SYL canal is not available in Punjab as of today.”

Reiterating Punjab’s approach, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab is the elder brother, and both states are here to find an amicable solution to this controversial issue,” adding that “both the Supreme Court and the Government of India want a mutually accepted solution, and it is a good thing that both states have joined hands to resolve the issue and end confrontation.”

Highlighting that Punjab is not depriving anyone of their rightful share, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Out of 34.34 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of water from the three rivers, Punjab was allocated only 14.22 MAF, which is 40 percent, while the remaining 60 percent was allocated to Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan, even though none of these rivers actually flow through these states.”

Expressing concern over Punjab’s water crisis, the Chief Minister said, “Due to reduction in surface water availability, excessive pressure is being put on groundwater resources,” adding that “115 out of 153 blocks in Punjab have been declared over-exploited.” He said that Punjab today has “the highest rate of groundwater extraction in the country.”

Invoking the spirit of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab ignores its own water requirements and gives about 60 percent of its water to meet the needs of non-riparian states,” but added that “while Punjab shares its river waters, flood-related damages are borne solely by the State,” making it imperative that “the rights of Punjab are duly safeguarded.”

Quoting a Gurbani verse, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat,” adding, “The Sikh Guru Sahiban have equated air with the teacher, water with the father and land with the mother, and the State government is following their teachings to protect these natural resources.”

The Chief Minister said, “For the first time in recent history, both state governments are holding serious deliberations to solve this matter,” adding that “there is no question of winning or losing, but the interests and emotions of Punjab and Punjabis cannot be ignored.”

He said that “water is the lifeline of both states,” and proposed that “regular meetings between officers of both states through a Joint Working Group are necessary.” Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that “frequent meetings of the Joint Working Group will go a long way in finding an amicable solution and ushering in an era of progress and prosperity for both states.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Secretary Irrigation Krishan Kumar and others.