As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 47th day, Punjab Police on Sunday conducted 477 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 47, Police teams arrested 147 individuals and recovered two weapons from their possession, taking the total arrests to 13,355 since the launch of the campaign.
Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 77 persons, whereas, 80 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested nine 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.
Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 372nd day with 88 drug smugglers arrested on Sunday and recovered 1.2 kg heroin, 155 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 50,150 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 52,687 in just 372 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 17 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
Punjab Cabinet Minister and the state president of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Mr Aman Arora today described the state budget 2026-27 as a historic and transformative document that marks the fulfilment of the party’s fifth and only remaining major guarantee to the people of Punjab. He termed the occasion a “golden chapter” in the state’s history, dedicated to the empowerment of women.
Addressing the media at Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Aman Arora extended heartfelt congratulations to all mothers, daughters and sisters on the momentous occasion. He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government, inspired by the vision of AAP national Convenor Sh. Arvind Kejriwal, has today delivered on the promise of a direct cash transfer to every woman in Punjab.
Divulging details about the flagship scheme, Mr. Aman Arora stated that women from general category families will receive Rs1,000 per month, while those from SC categories will receive Rs1,500 per month. “This is not just a scheme, but the largest initiative of its kind anywhere in the world, providing direct financial assistance to the women of our state,” he asserted.
The AAP led government has delivered on its major promises, including Sikhya Kranti, free electricity, healthcare revolution, ₹1 crore ex-gratia for martyred soldiers’ families, record govt jobs for youth, and now, women’s empowerment through monthly stipends – a key guarantee finally met in this budget, he added.
“Despite inheriting a debt-ridden treasury, the state government, under the financial stewardship of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, has not only managed the state’s finances prudently but has also delivered on its promises. This budget reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility without imposing a single new tax on the people,” Mr. Aman Arora stated.
Mr Aman Arora further highlighted the budget’s focus on key sectors, calling it the largest allocation for health and education in the state’s history. He also pointed to the plan to build 6,000 new sports stadiums as a testament to the government’s holistic development approach.
Touching upon food security initiatives, Mr. Arora informed the expansion of the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, with registrations opening to include new families. These families will now receive essential commodities like wheat flour, pulses and sugar to combat the burden of inflation.
Taking a dig at the opposition for their lack of substantive response during the budget presentation, Mr. Arora remarked, “For over two and a half hours, the opposition sat silently with nothing to say. Previously, they would leap to their feet every half minute to create a ruckus. The clear intent of this historic budget has silenced their noise.”
Mr. Arora drew a sharp contrast between the AAP government’s policies and those of neighbouring states. “While Haryana talks of giving only 20% of its women a conditional benefit, Punjab is extending this benefit to 97% of its women without any income ceiling under Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satikar Yojana. This is the world’s largest direct transfer scheme for women.,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also thanked Punjab Government for announcing the establishment of a state-of-the-art Sant Atar Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute in village Cheema of Sunam constituency. This premier institute will be established at the birthplace of the Sant Atar Singh Ji Maharaj, The complex will also include a Degree College, creating a unique ecosystem that blends higher education with the spirit of service to the nation.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has expressed grief over the tragic accident that occurred yesterday at a colour manufacturing factory in Safidon, Jind district. In this incident, some workers lost their lives, while several others were injured.
The Chief Minister prayed for the peace of the departed souls and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He said that the state government stands with the affected families in this difficult time and will provide them with all possible assistance. He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased person in this tragic incident. In addition, each injured person will be provided financial assistance of ₹2 lakh.
He has directed the officials to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment in hospitals. The state government has already issued necessary instructions to the concerned hospitals for proper treatment of the injured.
The Chief Minister has also directed the district administration to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident, so that the causes of the accident can be determined and necessary steps can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Aam Aadmi Party’s National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda described the “Mukhyamantri Mavaan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana” launched by the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government as the biggest initiative for women’s dignity and empowerment in the country. He said that on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Punjab government has taken a historic decision that will provide direct financial support to crores of women in the state and enhance their self-respect.
Anurag Dhanda stated that under this scheme, all eligible women above the age of 18 will receive ₹1000 per month, while Scheduled Caste women will receive ₹1500 per month, which will be directly transferred to their bank accounts. Nearly 97 percent of the women in Punjab will benefit from this scheme, which is a record in itself across the country.
He said that the Aam Aadmi Party government has ensured that women will not face unnecessary conditions or restrictions to avail the benefits of the scheme. Even women who are already receiving social security pensions will remain eligible for this scheme.
Dhanda further said that women have always played the most important role in running households, raising children and managing family responsibilities, yet in financial matters they are often dependent on others. The Mann government in Punjab has taken a historic step by giving women economic strength, helping them become financially independent, increasing their participation in household decision-making and improving their health and nutrition.
He said the scheme is not just financial assistance but a campaign to strengthen the dignity and rights of women. The Aam Aadmi Party had given this guarantee to the women of Punjab before the elections, and today it has fulfilled that promise with complete honesty.
Taking a dig at the BJP government in Haryana, Anurag Dhanda said that the ‘Lado Lakshmi Scheme’ announced by the Haryana government turned out to be merely a promise for women, as so many conditions were imposed later that most women were left out of the scheme. As a result, the benefits of the BJP government’s scheme reached only a limited number of women, whereas in Punjab the Mann government has included almost all women under this scheme, setting a real example of public welfare.
He said that while the BJP government in Haryana reduced its scheme to an election slogan, the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab has turned its guarantee into reality.
Anurag Dhanda added that today women across Punjab feel respected and empowered. From villages to cities, there is a sense of enthusiasm and satisfaction among women regarding this decision.
Advising Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh, he said that if the Haryana government truly wants to work for women’s welfare, it should learn from Punjab’s “Kejriwal Model” and provide similar relief to women in Haryana as well.
Dhanda said that the Aam Aadmi Party is a party that fulfills its guarantees, and that is why wherever an AAP government is formed, people receive direct benefits and trust in politics is strengthened.
With 329 research papers published during last one year on display, 35 researchers winning awards in the surgical, medical, and basic sciences fields for ‘Research publications’ and 59 researchers being awarded in the ‘Innovations’ category for their exemplary and credible research work, PGIMER’s 12th Annual Research Day, the big ticket medical research showcase, concluded on an upbeat note here at PGIMER today.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Prof. Nikhil Tandon, Dean, AIIMS New Delhi, praised the depth, diversity and quality of research being carried out at PGIMER as he stated, ““After going through the scope and breadth of research being carried out at PGIMER, I can say with confidence that the quality of work being done here is truly exceptional. The scientific community in this institution clearly understands what needs to be done to advance medical knowledge and improve patient care.”
Prof. Tandon delivered a special address titled “Wearing Two Hats: Doctor’s Dilemma,” where he reflected on the complex responsibilities faced by clinician-scientists.“Most medical professionals in India wear two hats—one of providing patient care and the other of pursuing research. Balancing these responsibilities is not easy, but it is essential if we want to improve healthcare and generate meaningful scientific knowledge.”
“Research is never a short journey. It demands patience—sometimes over years or even decades—before its real impact becomes visible. The work we do today may not transform healthcare immediately, but with commitment and rigour it eventually contributes to knowledge that benefits society, ” as Prof. Tandon spoke about the nature of scientific discovery, emphasizing that impactful research requires patience and sustained effort.
The Chief Guest also highlighted the importance of mentorship and collaborative academic environments as he stated, “Great research rarely happens in isolation. Institutions that nurture mentorship, collaboration and a critical mass of researchers create an environment where ideas flourish and innovation becomes possible.”
Underscoring the true purpose of scientific inquiry, Prof. Tandon concluded, “The most sustainable motivation for research is genuine curiosity and the desire to improve patient care. Publications and recognition may follow, but they should never be the sole driving force. Research must remain connected to real health challenges so that the knowledge we generate ultimately improves outcomes for our patients and communities.”
Earlier, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, welcoming the Chief Guest, highlighted the institute’s strong culture of scientific inquiry and research excellence as he stated, “Despite the enormous clinical workload handled by the institute, PGIMER stands on a very high pedestal when it comes to patient care. With an annual patient footfall of nearly 40 lakh, our clinicians remain deeply engaged in delivering healthcare services. Yet, despite this tremendous pressure, our faculty, residents and healthcare professionals continue to pursue high-quality research with remarkable dedication.”
Describing the Annual Research Day as the “Diwali of research” at PGIMER, Prof. Lal said, “Research Day is when the entire scientific effort of the institute comes together. It reminds us that beyond the intense demands of patient care, there is an equally strong commitment among our faculty and residents to push the frontiers of knowledge.”
Director PGIMER also stressed the need for deeper collaboration between leading medical institutions in the country when he stated, “We are now moving towards a research colloquium between PGIMER and AIIMS because the future of science lies in collaboration. Instead of working in silos on similar problems, we must sit together, pool our ideas and resources, and produce research that can have a stronger global impact.”
Prof. Lal further acknowledged the contributions of the institute’s founding leaders whose commitment to academic excellence continues to inspire generations of researchers at PGIMER.
Highlighting the institute’s research achievements, Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), presented the annual research overview stating, “Over the past year alone, our institute initiated 250 externally funded research projects through agencies such as ICMR, DBT, DST and CSIR, securing nearly ₹140 crore in grants. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent hundreds of questions being explored and solutions being sought to improve patient care.”
Prof. Jain further highlighted, “This year we are showcasing 329 research papers published in national and international journals, along with 59 innovations currently in the pipeline, seven of which have already been granted patents. Each of these represents the dedication of our faculty and young researchers striving to translate ideas into meaningful healthcare solutions.”
The academic extravaganza began with poster viewing from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the area adjoining the NINE Auditorium, where a wide spectrum of research undertaken at PGIMER was displayed. The posters showcased studies conducted and published between April 2025 and March 2026, reflecting the institute’s vibrant research ecosystem and strong interdisciplinary collaborations.
Awards were presented across several categories including medical specialties, surgical specialties, pre- and para-clinical sciences, senior residents, PhD scholars and systematic reviews, recognising outstanding contributions from faculty members and young investigators.
In the Medical Specialties – Professors category, Dr Ajay Duseja from the Department of Hepatology secured the First Prize, followed by Dr Sonu Goel from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, who received the Second Prize. The Third Prize was awarded to Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, also from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, for his significant research contribution.
In the Medical Specialties – Additional Professors category, Dr Madhumita Premkumar from the Department of Hepatology was awarded the First Prize, while Dr Pankaj Gupta from the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging secured the Second Prize. Dr Jayanta Samanta from the Department of Gastroenterology was conferred the Third Prize.
The Medical Specialties – Associate Professors category witnessed Dr Tanvi Kiran from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health being awarded the First Prize. The Second Prize was presented to Dr Bijaya Kumar Padhi, also from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, while Dr Rakesh Kumar Pilania from the Department of Paediatrics received the Third Prize.
In the Surgical Specialties – Professors category, Dr Divya Jain from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care secured the First Prize, followed by Dr Preethy J Mathew, also from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, who was awarded the Second Prize. The Third Prize was conferred upon Dr Jaspreet Sukhija from the Department of Ophthalmology.
Among the Surgical Specialties – Additional Professors, Dr Ankur Luthra from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care received the First Prize. Dr Vishal Kumar from the Department of Orthopaedics secured the Second Prize, while Dr Manjul Tripathi from the Department of Neurosurgery was awarded the Third Prize.
In the Surgical Specialties – Associate Professors category, Dr Ajay Singh from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care was awarded the First Prize. The Second Prize went to Dr Savleen Kaur from the Department of Ophthalmology, while Dr Himanshu Bhayana from the Department of Orthopaedics received the Third Prize.
In the Pre- and Para-Clinical Specialties – Professors category, Dr Shivaprakash M. Rudramurthy from the Department of Medical Microbiology secured the First Prize. Dr Neelam Taneja, also from the Department of Medical Microbiology, was awarded the Second Prize, while Dr Lekha Saha from the Department of Pharmacology received the Third Prize.
Among the Pre- and Para-Clinical Specialties – Additional Professors, Dr Amol N. Patil from the Department of Pharmacology secured the First Prize. The Second Prize was awarded to Dr Ashok Kumar Yadav from the Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, while Dr Sheetal Sharma, also from the Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, received the Third Prize.
In the Pre- and Para-Clinical Specialties – Associate Professors category, Dr Gaurav Sharma from the Department of Translational and Regenerative Medicine was awarded the First Prize. Dr Praveen Sharma from the Department of Haematology secured the Second Prize, while Dr Priya Datta from the Department of Medical Parasitology received the Third Prize.
In the Senior Resident category, Dr Pritam Halder from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health secured the First Prize, while Dr Vibhu Jain from the Department of General Surgery was awarded the Second Prize.
In the PhD Scholar / Pool Officer / Research Associate category, Divya Sharma from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health secured the First Prize, while Nimran Kaur, also from the same department, received the Second Prize.
In the Others category, Yogesh Rathore from the Department of Nuclear Medicine secured the First Prize, while Dr Ashok Kumar from the National Institute of Nursing Education was awarded the Second Prize.
In the Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis category, Dr Jogender Kumar from the Department of Pediatrics secured the First Prize, while Dr Rimesh Pal from the Department of Endocrinology was awarded the Second Prize.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of three distinguished PGIMER faculty members who have been honoured with the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards for their outstanding scientific contributions.These included Prof. Ritesh Aggarwal from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2020) for his pioneering research on Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA); Prof. Jitendra Kumar Sahu from the Department of Paediatrics, who received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Vigyan Yuva Puraskar (2024) for his work in paediatric epilepsy; and Prof. Suresh Kumar, also from the Department of Paediatrics, who received the 2025 award for his research demonstrating the life-saving potential of probiotics in critically ill children admitted to intensive care units.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. R. K. Ratho, Dean (Academic), followed by the National Anthem.
Through initiatives such as Annual Research Day, PGIMER continues to strengthen its role as a leading centre for medical research, innovation and evidence-based healthcare, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical science and improved patient outcomes in India.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said the upcoming Budget of the Punjab Government will introduce several new pro-people initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth while strengthening welfare measures for the people. Addressing a gathering during a Lok Milni in District Sangrur and later speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government has utilised public money responsibly over the past four years, delivering free power to more than 90% households, establishing 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, and providing over 63,000 government jobs without bribe or recommendation.
Taking a swipe at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Chief Minister said the Akali leadership has lost touch with the realities of Punjab and should stop daydreaming about returning to power. He remarked that while Punjab’s youth need employment opportunities, Sukhbir Singh Badal is busy talking about organising card tournaments in villages.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said traditional political parties burdened Punjab with debt and worked for their own interests, whereas the Punjab Government is using every rupee from the state exchequer for the welfare of the people. He also criticised the Union Government for withholding Punjab’s rightful funds while simultaneously attempting to divide people through politics of polarisation.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a Lok Milni programme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated. “The ensuing budget of the Punjab Government will introduce several pro-people initiatives besides propelling economic growth of Punjab. The Punjab Government has judiciously spent the taxpayers’ money in the last four years with a focus on the holistic growth of Punjab. The upcoming budget will also focus on citizen-centric initiatives so that the people can get major relief. For the first time in the history of Punjab, the budget will be presented on Sunday and it will further accelerate the economic development of Punjab.”
The Chief Minister emphasised that the Punjab Government is carefully utilising public funds for the welfare of the people. He highlighted that major initiatives such as free power and daytime electricity supply for farmers have brought significant relief to households and the farming community. “The Punjab Government is judiciously utilising every single penny of the state exchequer for the well-being of the people. Today more than 90% households in Punjab are getting free power and farmers are receiving power during daytime, which has been unprecedented. At a time when the assets of the country are being handed over by the Union Government to their blue-eyed friends at throwaway prices, the Punjab Government has created history by purchasing a private thermal plant,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting improvements in healthcare, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government has significantly strengthened public health infrastructure and expanded access to medical services. “As many as 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened in Punjab to provide free healthcare to people and quality healthcare services are being ensured in government hospitals.”
The Chief Minister noted, “To provide comprehensive healthcare, the Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab. Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage, which has significantly reduced the financial burden on the public while ensuring quality health services.”
Speaking about the campaign against drugs, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government has launched an aggressive movement to eliminate the menace from Punjab. “The Punjab Government has launched the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign under which the supply line of drugs has been snapped and drug smugglers involved in this heinous crime have been put behind bars. The menace of drugs is being wiped out at the micro level with the active support and cooperation of the people. This campaign has now become a mass movement with the help of the common masses,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that the present financial situation of Punjab is the result of policies adopted by previous governments, which placed a heavy debt burden on the people. “The previous regimes mounted huge debt on Punjab as those leaders never worried about the common man. In the last four years, the Punjab Government has reduced more than 35% of the debt of Punjab. Every government takes loans but those loans must be for productive purposes. Every single penny from the state exchequer is being utilised for the welfare of the people and the progress of Punjab,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Criticising the BJP, the Chief Minister said that divisive politics is being used to polarise people instead of addressing genuine concerns. “The BJP has always tried to divide the country on the basis of religion to push its agenda of hatred. The statement made by the Union Home Minister regarding religious conversion in Punjab is aimed at polarising people, which is the strategy of the BJP. Instead of indulging in such dirty politics, the Union Government should be generous in allocating funds to Punjab instead of withholding the legitimate share of Punjab,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that despite Punjab’s immense contribution to the nation, the Union Government has stalled key funds meant for the development of Punjab. “Punjab has played a stellar role in the national freedom struggle, in making the country self-reliant in food production and in defending the borders of the nation. Despite this, the share of Punjab in RDF and other funds has been stalled by the Centre, which is hampering development. Rather than indulging in such cheap tactics, the Union Government should immediately release the funds so that the development of Punjab can be further accelerated,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Referring to Punjabis stranded in the Gulf region amid the ongoing war, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government is actively coordinating with the Union Government to ensure their safe return. “The Punjab Government has identified 370 Punjabis who are stranded in the Gulf region amidst the ongoing war. We have already taken up this issue with the Union Government and efforts are being made to bring them back. The Punjab Government is firmly committed to bringing back the Punjabis stuck in the Middle Eastern countries and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause,” he said.
Earlier addressing the gathering during the Lok Milni programme, the Chief Minister said that such events are organised in village saths to ensure direct interaction with villagers and resolve issues at the grassroots level. “These programmes are organised in village saths to directly interact with people of the villages. Such places hold great importance in rural life as key decisions regarding development are taken here and disputes among villagers are resolved amicably,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Taking a dig at Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Chief Minister criticised the suggestion of organising card tournaments in villages. “Sukhbir Singh Badal says that they will organise card tournaments and the winning village will get a ₹10 lakh grant. Instead of making such statements, he should explain why he cannot promise jobs for the youth who play these cards. The former Deputy Chief Minister is unaware of ground realities because he studied in convent schools in hill stations or abroad,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab have rejected traditional political parties due to their anti-people policies. “Sukhbir Singh Badal should stop daydreaming because the people of Punjab will never vote them back to power. The Punjab Government will complete four years of service to the people on March 16 and during this period several pro-people initiatives have been taken. Today more than 90% households in Punjab are getting free power and farmers are receiving power during daytime, which is unprecedented,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting issues related to power generation and past decisions of previous governments, the Chief Minister said, “The supply of coal from the Pachwara coal mine in Jharkhand was stopped because Sukhbir Singh Badal wanted to benefit a firm close to him. The Akali leadership supplied solar power to Punjab at exorbitant prices by signing agreements with their own companies, which caused huge losses to the state exchequer. Earlier farmers had to spend nights in their fields waiting for electricity, but today they are receiving power during the daytime,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister also spoke about improvements in irrigation and water management. “When the Punjab Government assumed office, only 21% of canal water was being used for irrigation. Today 68% canal water is being utilised for irrigation in Punjab. As many as 6,900 km of water channels and 18,349 water courses have been revived to ensure water reaches the tail ends, which has immensely benefited farmers,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting employment and education reforms, the Chief Minister noted, “More than 63,000 government jobs have been given to the youth without any bribe or recommendation, which has brought satisfaction across all sections of society. In the education sector, Schools of Eminence have been established across Punjab to provide quality education to students. These schools have smart classrooms, modern laboratories and playgrounds for scientific learning,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
He further said that teachers and principals are being sent abroad for training to improve teaching standards. “Special programmes have been launched under which teachers and principals are sent abroad for training so that they can adopt modern teaching practices and prepare students for global competition. Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala. Students are also being given specialised coaching for competitive examinations such as Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that students from government schools have already begun achieving significant academic milestones. “Students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools have successfully qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and NEET examinations. The Akali leadership misused religion for political interests, which the people of Punjab will never forgive. Traditional political parties are unable to accept that the son of a common man is effectively governing Punjab,” said Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab have rejected traditional parties because they prioritised family interests over public welfare. “The people of Punjab have lost faith in traditional political parties because of their anti-people and anti-Punjab approach. Previous rulers were more concerned about their families rather than Punjab and Punjabis, which is why people removed them from power. After assuming office, the Punjab Government has focused on the progress and prosperity of Punjab and its people,” he said.
Criticising the Akali leadership further, the Chief Minister said, “Those leaders who cannot even find 11 members to form a committee in their own party are dreaming of winning all 117 seats in Punjab. These leaders patronised gangsters in Punjab and injected drugs into the veins of youth by protecting drug smugglers,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister added that the people of Punjab will continue to reject the Akali leadership for its past actions. “Akali Dal has become a party of political deadwoods rejected by the people again and again. They may try to misuse religion, but Punjabis will not be misled by it. The Akali leadership is building castles in the air to mislead people, but Punjabis will teach them a befitting lesson again,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Referring to past controversies, the Chief Minister said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal claims that all development in Punjab took place during their regime, but they turn a blind eye to sacrilege incidents such as Bargari and Behbal Kalan. By using religion for political interests, they have deeply hurt the sentiments of the people. The Akali leadership remains hand in glove with forces that are inimical to the Panth and Punjab,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan extends heartiest greetings to all Punjabis on the occasion of the sacred festival of Holi and Hola Mohalla.
He said may this festival fill the life of Punjabis with happiness, best health and prosperity. He prayed to Almighty that may God fulfill all the desires of Punjabis residing across the globe.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed grief over the demise of Raja Singh Oberoi founder of Indian television brand Texla who introduced affordable TV sets in 1980s in India. He was a visionary enterpreneur who achieved landmark achievement through his hard work.
Speaker Sandhwan deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing away and he prayed to the God to grant peace to the departed soul. Almighty may give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of distress.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan urged the parents to keep away mobile phones from their children. Nowadays mobile phones have become a part of children’s lives, but its excessive use is a matter of concern. We should be very careful and keep keen watch on children as mobile phones put harmful effects.
Elaborating the harmful effects he said that mobile phones are putting strain on eyes and heads. It leads to create lack of sleep and lack of concentration in studies. It will also create distance from family as well as from outdoor games resulting in their health problems.
Speaker Sandhwan appealed that it is the responsibility of every parents to limit the screen time of children and motivate them towards books, games and creative activities. Let’s make the future of our children safe and secure.
JALANDHAR / CHANDIGARH: This Holi, while the nation celebrated with colours and laughter, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Founder-Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, chose to turn the festival into a moment of remembrance by launching a deeply moving tribute film titled “#EkMutthiGulaal.”
The film captures a quiet, emotional exchange between a young girl and her father, an Army officer. In a simple conversation about the colour red, he gently reveals that for him it is not just a shade of celebration, it is a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and the silent price of freedom. It reminds viewers that the vibrancy of our festivals rests on the bravery of those who stand guard, often far away from their own families.
Calling upon citizens to transform celebration into gratitude, Dr. Mittal urged every Indian to offer one handful of red gulaal in memory of the nation’s martyrs. “Our soldiers give everything so that we may live, celebrate, and dream in peace,” Dr. Mittal said. “While we gather with our loved ones, there are families who hold memories instead of hands. Let this Holi not pass without remembering those who made our joy possible. Let one handful of gulaal rise for Bharat’s bravehearts, in gratitude, in respect, and in love.”
The initiative has already resonated widely, with many citizens, students, and families joining the movement by sharing short tribute videos and offering red gulaal in remembrance. At the LPU campus, Dr. Mittal, along with students, offered a symbolic tribute by releasing red gulaal into the air and observing a moment of silence, a powerful reminder that while colours fade, sacrifice never does.
