Chandigarh March 29, 2026:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against  corruption in the state, has apprehended Assistant Sub Inspector Lakhwinder Singh  posted as Incharge police post Kitchlu Nagar, police station PAU Ludhiana , red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of Bank Colony Noorwala road district Ludhiana.

He said that a case was registered against the complainant whose investigation officer was accused ASI Lakhwinder Singh. In this regard, complainant alleged that accused ASI demanded bribe of Rs 30,000/- in lieu of not implicating the complainant’s sister and mother in this case. Complainant had  recorded the entire conversation of demanding bribe.

Unwilling to pay any illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau range Ludhiana. After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused ASI was arrested red handed while accepting  bribe money of Rs 15,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Ludhiana and further investigation into this case is under progress.

Chandigarh/ Ludhiana, March 29, 2026:

Recent statements made by Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu regarding the development and progress of Halwara Airport are misleading and do not reflect the ground reality.

It is pertinent to mention that during a press briefing held at Ludhiana on March 26, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora had already confirmed that flight bookings for Halwara will commence from next week. “The same was reiterated by Cabinet Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu today after three days. Some “opportunists” are merely repeating whatever has been brought into public domain by me,” he quipped.

This landmark achievement is the result of sustained, consistent, and multi-level efforts spearheaded by former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and present Cabinet Minister, Punjab, Shri Sanjeev Arora, who pursued the matter relentlessly across successive years.

The journey towards operationalisation reflects Shri Arora’s unwavering commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and supporting Punjab’s industrial and economic growth, particularly for Ludhiana and surrounding districts.

Chronology of Key Interventions and Milestones

November 22, 2022: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann intervention initiated to revive stalled progress.

December 11, 2022: Funds worth ₹50 crore released to resume construction work.

January 17, 2023: MP Sanjeev Arora urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to resume Delhi–Ludhiana flights.

April 14, 2023: MP Sanjeev Arora wrote to all airlines seeking commencement of flights from Halwara.

May 7, 2023: MP Arora advocated for expedited completion of Halwara Airport.

August 22, 2023: Approval received from Civil Aviation Secretary Shri Rajiv Bansal to push airlines to start Delhi and Mumbai flights from Halwara.

August 26, 2023: MP Sanjeev Arora visited Halwara Airport to review development progress.

January 9, 2024: Ministry of Civil Aviation provided an update on construction progress.

January 31, 2024: Request made for inauguration of the Interim Terminal Building at Halwara near Ludhiana.

July 19, 2024: Sanjeev Arora reviewed construction with officials from AAI, PWD, and the Indian Air Force.

August 13, 2024: MP Arora discussed flight operations with Tata Sons Chairman Shri N. Chandrasekaran.

August 29, 2024: MP Arora met senior officials of Air India in Gurugram; assurance received that flights would commence soon.

September 3, 2024: MP Sanjeev Arora wrote to the Union Minister of Civil Aviation seeking expedited commencement of operations.

December 21, 2024: Meeting held with AAI Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar regarding airport code and operational date.

January 8, 2025: Air India conveyed that flight operations would begin after commissioning and approval.

January 10, 2025: Air India agreed to operate flights from Halwara International Airport.

February 4, 2025: Halwara Airport received the HWR airport code.

February 19, 2025: MP Sanjeev Arora and DC Shri Jitendra Jorwal reviewed final-phase works.

May 23, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Mann requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to operationalise the Civil Air Terminal and shift flights from Sahnewal to Halwara.

June 2025: Structural works completed; interior finishing of the 2,000-square-metre terminal building and installation of glass façades concluded.

July 27, 2025: First scheduled virtual inauguration by the Hon’blle Prime Minister deferred due to technical delays.

December 2, 2025: MP Shri Rajinder Gupta urged expedited operationalisation in Rajya Sabha, citing capacity for 2,500 daily passengers.

December 29, 2025: Air India cleared the airport for five-days-a-week operations and sought additional slots.

January 15, 2026: Final security audit completed; BCAS granted operational approval.

January 28, 2026: Final site inspection conducted by DC Shri Himanshu Jain and SSP (Rural) Shri Ankur Gupta.

January 29, 2026: Official confirmation received from the PMO for February 1 inauguration; Air India requested seven-days-a-week flight slots.

February 1, 2026: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the terminal building.

Mr Sanjeev Arora said that the operationalisation of Halwara Airport is expected to significantly enhance regional air connectivity, reduce travel time for industry and passengers, and provide a major boost to Punjab’s industrial, export, and investment ecosystem—particularly benefitting Ludhiana, one of North India’s largest manufacturing hubs.

Shri Sanjeev Arora’s sustained follow-up, policy engagement, and coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, airline operators, and the Punjab Government ensured that the long-pending project was finally brought to fruition.

CHANDIGARH

The Punjab Cabinet led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday took several key decisions, including paving the way for the launch of the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna across Punjab, ensuring a monthly financial assistance of ₹1000 to all other women and ₹1500 to women from Scheduled Castes, benefiting more than 97% of women in Punjab. The decision was taken in a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Chief Minister.

Disclosing this, the Chief Minister’s Office said, “Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna (State Scheme) will be launched in the State. The Scheme makes a provision of a cash benefit of ₹1000 per month to all other women and ₹1500 per month to women from Scheduled Castes. This scheme will have a monumental effect on the upliftment of women by making them independent and empowering them. It will give them choice and, clubbed with financial literacy, it will promote savings, thrift and investment and will enable dignity in fulfilling their small desires.”

It further said, “Punjab has already made considerable progress in social welfare and human development indicators; however, a large number of women across the state, particularly those belonging to economically vulnerable households, continue to lack independent financial security. Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity, and enhancing women’s participation in social and economic decision-making.”

Highlighting the scale of the initiative, the CM Office added, “The scheme is expected to benefit more than 97% of women, making it one of the most comprehensive women-centric social protection initiatives in the country. The scheme represents a landmark step towards ensuring direct economic support to women across the state and reflects the Government’s vision that women’s empowerment must translate into tangible financial independence.”

The scheme has been designed as a Direct Benefit Transfer initiative, under which financial assistance will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. There will be no restriction on the number of eligible women in a family who may avail benefits under the scheme, and existing social security pensioners will also continue to receive full financial benefits under this scheme in addition to their pensions, significantly enhancing its reach and impact.

Women aged 18 years or above, registered as a voter in Punjab and possessing a valid Aadhaar card reflecting Punjab residency along with a valid Voter ID issued by the Election Commission of India, shall be eligible to be enrolled as a beneficiary under the scheme.

To ensure effective last-mile delivery, the Bhagwant Mann Government will undertake extensive outreach and enrolment efforts, including mobilisation support to assist women in completing documentation, activating bank accounts and ensuring seamless registration, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Reinforcing the scale of the initiative, a sum of ₹9,300 crore has already been sanctioned in the Budget for the financial year 2026–27 and, given the scale and outreach of the scheme, it is expected to become one of the largest women-centric social welfare initiatives undertaken by the Government of Punjab.

*Approval to Fill 70 Direct Posts in the Department of Planning*

The Cabinet also accorded approval to fill 70 Direct Posts in the Department of planning. The process for merger of the Economic Policy and Planning Board and the Directorate of Statistics, Punjab has already been initiated. In view of this exercise, the requirement on vacant posts to be filled has been revised. So the approval was given to fill 70 posts of direct recruitment by the Officers’ Committee.

*Amendment in Terms for Appointment of CMDs and Directors of PSPCL and PSTCL*

The Cabinet also gave approval to amend the “Terms regarding qualifications and experience required for the appointment of Chairman-cum-Managing Directors (CMDs) and Directors” of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (POWERCOM) & Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (TRANSCO).

*Approval to Appoint Manpower and Supporting Staff at Pachhwara Coal Mine*

The Cabinet also gave green signal to appoint statutory manpower and Supporting Staff by PSPCL on contract basis for operation and maintenance of Pachhwara Central Coal Mine (PCCM) at District Pakur, Jharkhand. It was also decided to constitute an Empowered Committee comprising Administrative Secretary as Chairman and Chairman-cum-Managing Director and Director / Generation, PSPCL as members. This empowered committee was authorized to give all approvals pertaining to recruitment and extension in contractual engagement of Statutory Manpower / Supporting Staff for the operation and maintenance of Pachhwara Central Coal Mine, Pakur.

*Amendments in Policy for Conversion of Leasehold Industrial Plots to Freehold*

The Cabinet also gave consent to amendments in the policy for Conversion of leasehold industrial plots/ sheds to freehold. As per it, industrial plots mortgaged with banks or financial institutions shall be eligible for conversion to freehold, subject to submission of a No Objection Certificate from the concerned bank and compliance with prescribed safeguards. A conversion fee of 5 percent shall be applicable where the current title documents do not contain any clause relating to unearned increase, irrespective of its presence in earlier title documents.

*Punjab Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) (Amendment) Bill, 2026*

The Cabinet also gave nod to introduce the Punjab Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to comprehensively reform the Punjab Common Infrastructure (Regulation and Maintenance) Act, 2012 to strengthen the effectiveness, transparency and financial sustainability of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPVs) for better management of industrial areas across Punjab. The proposed amendments will address administrative and operational challenges that have emerged over the years due to the expansion of industrial parks and the emergence of new industrial clusters outside notified industrial estates. It will also create a streamlined system for collection and utilization of service charges for the maintenance of common infrastructure such as roads, street lights, parks, security, drainage systems and other shared facilities in industrial areas.

Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will be created in all industrial areas which will be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This SPV will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of common infrastructure within industrial areas on a no-profit, no-loss basis. Also, a District Monitoring Authority will be established to oversee the functioning of SPVs and provide an institutional mechanism for monitoring and dispute resolution.

*Approval for Desilting in River Satluj for NHAI Projects*

The Cabinet also gave nod for relaxing the conditions for desilting in River Sutlej to provide simple earth to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the construction of various highway projects in the state. This is part of various initiatives being taken by the Department of Water Resources involving the excavation of longitudinal channels in major rivers across Punjab as part of its broader river management and flood mitigation efforts.

Chandigarh:

The second day of the 3rd Rastogi–Dash Clinical Case Conference at PGIMER witnessed continued high-level academic engagement, with focused deliberations on complex and evolving aspects of gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).
The day began with insightful case-based discussions, including neuroendocrine tumor presentations evolving from carcinoid syndrome to ectopic Cushing’s syndrome and various challenging diagnostic scenarios such as mediastinal masses associated with Cushing’s syndrome. These sessions highlighted the importance of clinical vigilance and dynamic diagnostic reasoning in endocrine practice.
Subsequent sessions on diagnostic advances emphasized real-world challenges, including localization of occult hypoglycemia and management of metastatic functional NETs. Complex insulinoma cases and long-term disease trajectories were discussed, underscoring the need for individualized therapeutic strategies.
A plenary lecture by Dr. Wouter Willem De Herder from Rotterdam, Netherlands further enriched the academic discourse, providing global perspectives on neuroendocrine tumor management.
Therapeutic advances formed a key highlight of the day, with discussions on Lu-177–based peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), particularly in MEN1-associated GEP-NETs, as well as evolving interventional approaches such as EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for insulinoma. Comparative insights into PRRT versus somatostatin analogues in metastatic disease and management of carcinoid syndrome with cardiac involvement further underscored the expanding therapeutic landscape.
Throughout the day, speakers consistently emphasized the critical role of a multidisciplinary approach—integrating endocrinology, gastroenterology, radiology, nuclear medicine, and surgical expertise—in optimizing patient outcomes in GEP-NETs.
The conference concluded with a valedictory session, marking the culmination of two days of intensive academic exchange, case-based learning, and collaborative discussions. The poster presentation awards were given to presenters from PGIMER KEM and Amrita Kochi.In oral presentation awards were given to presenters from JIPMER, PGIMER and IMS BHU.The meeting reaffirmed the importance of clinical acumen, multidisciplinary care, and continuous academic engagement in advancing the field of endocrinology.

Chandigarh

The National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGIMER, Chandigarh, celebrated its 23rd Institute Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and fervor at the NINE Auditorium on March 28, 2026. The ‘National Institute of Nursing Education’ was originally inducted as College of Nursing for Post Basic Education Project, India, with WHO’s assistance in 1964 under the far sightedness of late Sh. Partap Singh Kairon, the then Chief Minister of Punjab. In 2003, the College of Nursing attained the status of ‘National Institute of Nursing Education’, which is one of its kind in the country.

Dr. Sukhpal Kaur delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significant milestones achieved by the institute over the years. She also shared that NINE prepares efficient nurses every year to serve the mankind with its highly qualified and committed faculty. She was pleased to share the future vision for the Institute in terms of initiating the nurse practitioner courses, fellowships in nursing specialties.

The Director of the Institute, Professor Vivek Lal graced the event as Chief Guest. He reiterated that nursing, workforce of hospital as backbone of the health system and appreciated the budding nurses for their inherent compassion and commitment.

The event was also graced by Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent; Shri Ravinder Singh, IA&AS, Financial Adviser and Shri Umeed Mathur, Registrar, PGI.

The occasion was also graced by Ms. Jyotinder Kaur Bajwa, IRS, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax who is an alumni of the College. She addressed the gathering and appreciated the contributions of nursing professionals. She highlighted the silent, yet profound impact of nursing, emphasizing that the nurses are the backbone of healthcare and inspired the students by affirming that with dedication, perseverance and self-belief, anyone can achieve anything. 

The event featured a variety of cultural events by the students of NINE.

The event was also graced by the former faculty members of NINE whose presence added pride and a sense of legacy to the occasion.

A prize distribution ceremony was conducted to recognize the meritorious students of NINE.

The students of the Institute participated very enthusiastically with power packed performances of folk dances from various states and western dance items and poetry recitations etc.

Chandigarh:

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has achieved a significant milestone by securing the second rank among Central Government hospitals/institutes under the prestigious Kayakalp Scheme for the year 2025–26 , instituted by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has sanctioned an incentive of Rs. 1,50,00,000/- (Rupees One Crore Fifty Lakhs) to PGIMER in recognition of its sustained commitment and outstanding performance in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, infection control, hospital upkeep and patient-friendly hospital environment.

The Kayakalp initiative aims to promote excellence in sanitation, waste management, infection control, and overall patient care environment in public healthcare facilities across the country. PGIMER’s achievement reflects its unwavering commitment to quality healthcare delivery and adherence to national standards.

Expressing happiness, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER stated, “”This achievement is a testament to PGIMER’s unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care and hospital hygiene. Securing the second rank at the national level reflects the dedication and coordinated efforts of our entire workforce, who are the real Karamyogi’s for us. We will continue to strengthen our systems to achieve even higher benchmarks in the future.”

Echoing the same sentiment, Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER shared, “”Kayakalp is not merely an award but a continuous quality improvement journey. This recognition underscores the effectiveness of our administrative processes, monitoring mechanisms, and staff engagement strategies in maintaining high standards of sanitation and hospital management.”

Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER stated, “”This accomplishment highlights the critical role of clinical teams, nursing staff, and sanitation workers in ensuring a clean and safe hospital environment. Infection control and patient safety remain our top priorities, and we are committed to sustaining and further improving these standards.”
PGIMER continues to strive towards excellence in healthcare, education, and research, setting new benchmarks for institutions across the nation.

Chandigarh, March 27

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening chaired a high-level review meeting with Chief Ministers of various states to assess the situation arising out of developments in West Asia and to review the availability and supply of petroleum products across the country. Haryana Chief Minister, Saini participated in the meeting via video conferencing from Chandigarh.

The Chief Minister apprised the Prime Minister that despite the prevailing situation in West Asia, the supply of petroleum products in Haryana remains smooth and uninterrupted. He assured that under no circumstances will there be any shortage for the general public and that the State Government is fully alert and prepared to handle any eventuality.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the reduction in excise duty on petroleum products, stating that the timely decision taken under his visionary leadership has helped maintain stability and balance in fuel supply across the state.

The Chief Minister informed that he has personally held meetings with petroleum companies to review the situation. He said that the availability of petrol, diesel, and gas in the state remains at the same level as it was four months ago.

 Highlighting a key policy decision, he said that the State Government has revised the lease rent for laying PNG pipelines from Rs. 3 lakh per kilometre (earlier taken in advance for 10 years) to a nominal one-time charge of Rs. 1,000 per kilometre. This move is expected to provide relief to gas companies as well as consumers and accelerate expansion of the gas network. At present, a total of 28,377 kilometres of PNG pipeline has already been laid in the state, and further expansion is expected to gain momentum.

The Chief Minister shared that Haryana currently has sufficient reserves, with approximately six days’ stock of petrol and four days’ stock of diesel available. Additionally, terminals hold nearly seven days of adequate stock, ensuring continuity in supply. The overall supply chain is functioning smoothly without any disruption.

Providing details on LPG availability, the Chief Minister said that the domestic LPG situation in the state remains normal. Haryana is receiving approximately 2 lakh cylinders daily, out of which around 1.9 lakh cylinders are being distributed. Bottling plants currently have a stock sufficient for about five days.

In the commercial LPG segment, he thanked the Prime Minister for the 70 percent allocation framework introduced by the Central Government. At present, the state has a stock of 1,73,038 commercial LPG cylinders.

The Chief Minister further said that Haryana is rapidly moving towards a transition from LPG to PNG. So far, 3.32 lakh PNG connections have been provided in the state. To further boost expansion, the provision of deemed permission has been introduced for laying PNG networks. He added that the number of domestic PNG connections is expected to double within the next three months.

Chandigarh

Aam Aadmi Party National Media Incharge Anurag Dhanda reacted strongly to the ongoing petrol and diesel shortage in Haryana. He stated that the images emerging from various districts across the state and country are deeply concerning and clearly expose the failure of the BJP government. Long queues are visible at petrol pumps, many stations have run dry, and people are returning empty-handed after waiting for hours—all while the government repeatedly claims there is no shortage.

He questioned that if there is truly no shortage, then why is there such widespread chaos? This situation indicates that the government is either unaware of the ground reality or is intentionally misleading the public. The central BJP government and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini have proven to be complete failures, as the situation on the ground appears out of control and the administration seems utterly helpless.

Anurag Dhanda highlighted that this crisis is most severely impacting the common man, farmers, and small traders. With the farming season underway, farmers urgently need diesel but are forced to stand in long queues. Small shopkeepers and those in the transport sector are also badly affected, yet the government has no concrete solution and is busy only with rhetoric.

He further stated that this is not merely a supply issue but a result of government negligence and mismanagement. Had there been proper planning and monitoring in time, the public would not be facing such hardships today. A government’s priority should be public convenience, but the current situation shows the BJP government does not care for the people.

Anurag Dhanda demanded that petrol and diesel supplies be streamlined immediately across all districts. He called for emergency measures at pumps where stock has run out and insisted on fixing accountability and taking action against negligent officials. Furthermore, he urged the government to place the truth before the public and work with transparency instead of spreading confusion.

Anurag Dhanda concluded by saying that the people of Haryana are watching and understand how the government is failing them in times of crisis. The Aam Aadmi Party stands with the public and will continue to raise their voice strongly.