Chandigarh, June 30 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij, visited Dhanora village in Ambala district late this evening to inspect the ongoing rescue operation after a four-year-old child, Nirvair Singh, fell into a deep, uncovered borewell. During his visit, he reviewed the rescue efforts and met the child’s family, offering them reassurance and support.

Speaking to the media persons, Sh. Vij said that teams from the Indian Army and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively engaged in the rescue operation and are making every possible effort to safely bring the child out.

He emphasized that the highest priority is to rescue the child from the borewell safely and as quickly as possible.

BARNALA; 30th June 2026:

In a major initiative to conserve Punjab’s rapidly depleting groundwater and strengthen irrigation infrastructure, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday launched the ₹34.51 crore Kalyan Watercourse Concrete Lining Project. The ambitious project will modernise 60.66 kilometres of the watercourse, increase its canal water carrying capacity by 10%, and ensure improved irrigation for 50,819 acres across 42 villages in Barnala and Malerkotla. Scheduled for completion by October 2026, the project is expected to significantly reduce farmers’ dependence on groundwater, providing major relief to the dark zone areas of the state.

Addressing a gathering in Barnala, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Under this project, 60.66 kilometres of the Kalyan Watercourse will be lined with concrete at a total cost of ₹34.51 crore. The entire project will be completed by October 2026.”

Highlighting the benefits of the project, the Chief Minister said, “Concrete lining of the watercourse will increase the canal water carrying capacity by 10%. The present carrying capacity of 150.40 cusecs will increase to 170.61 cusecs after completion of the project.”

Underscoring its impact on agriculture, he said, “The canal water will benefit 42 villages covering 50,819 acres in Barnala and Malerkotla districts. This project will prove to be a boon for the dark zone area, as the Mahal Kalan block has been classified as a dark zone due to excessive extraction of groundwater.”

Emphasising the long-term significance of the project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Concrete lining of the Kalyan Watercourse will significantly improve the availability of canal water and reduce farmers’ dependence on groundwater.”

Recalling the history of the watercourse, the Chief Minister said, “The Kalyan Watercourse, originating from Malerkotla, was brick-lined during the 1980s. However, due to the negligence of previous governments, it deteriorated over the years and could no longer function at its full capacity.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “As a result, farmers were not receiving adequate canal water for irrigation. The new project will ensure better irrigation facilities, improve agricultural productivity and enhance crop yields.”

FARIDKOT, 28th June 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday pointed out that the Akalis are opposing the Anti-Beadbi Act because they know they will have to answer for their past misdeeds, declaring that they had joined hands with the forces responsible for the beadbi (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. During a Lok Milni in Faridkot, the Chief Minister also held the traditional political parties responsible for looting Punjab and remaining disconnected from the common people.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to public welfare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted Punjab’s emergence as the country’s top-performing state in school education, the provision of more than 68,000 government jobs without corruption, the increase in canal irrigation from 22% to over 80%, the rollout of financial assistance for eligible women from July 1, and the benefits of cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Akalis are opposing the Anti-Beadbi Act tooth and nail because they are aware that they will have to pay for the misdeeds committed in the past. The Akalis were hand in glove with the fissiparous forces that hatched the conspiracies of Beadbi in the past. Now these leaders have to pay for their sinister actions due to which they and their stooges are opposing the Anti-Beadbi Act. However, this will not deter me from working for the well-being of the people and I will make every effort for this.”

The Chief Minister said, “My predecessors never met the common people as they came out of their luxurious homes only after noting the temperature, whereas I am available to the people round the clock. These leaders illegally built huge palaces by amassing whopping wealth through misuse of their official positions. The walls of these palatial residences were high and their gates always remained closed for the people. They remained inaccessible to the masses and were ultimately shown the door by them.”

He pointed out, “The people of Punjab have rejected those who looted them turn by turn. These leaders befooled the people for a long time, but now the wise people of the state are no longer getting swayed by their misleading propaganda. These arrogant politicians always took the people for granted and were ultimately shown the door. These opportunist leaders are baffled because the people are no longer responding to them. Their agenda has always been confined to the welfare of their own families rather than the welfare of the people.”

Slamming the Congress leaders, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “They have long befooled the people to satiate their lust for power. These parties have no agenda except to plunder the wealth of the state and exploit the common man. The people of Punjab are supreme and they stand firmly with the state government, which has taken path-breaking initiatives for their welfare. The smugglers who have long represented the Majha region have ruined generations of Punjab and they must be taught a lesson by the people in the ensuing Assembly elections.”

The Chief Minister said, “We eat the biscuits packed in pouches whereas these leaders, educated in convent schools in the hills, have always consumed the gold biscuits smuggled by their fathers. These leaders are bereft of any ideology or spirit of serving the common man. They are engaged in a mad race only to acquire power. These royal leaders have nothing in common with ordinary people. Their cars, overcoats, wardrobes and lifestyle have no resemblance with ours.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said, “After assuming office, I laid special emphasis on the progress and prosperity of Punjab, especially in the education sector. Previous governments had converted government schools into mere Mid Day Meal Centres, but today these schools have been transformed into educational hubs. The state government is working on a mission to strengthen education and ensure access to quality education for poor students.”

He said, “Due to the strenuous efforts of the state government, Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle school education. The government has upgraded primary and middle school education, strengthened the education system, introduced smart classrooms and provided advanced training to teachers. As a result of these efforts, Punjab is excelling in school education and the latest figures released by NITI Aayog show that Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to emerge as the top-performing state in primary and middle school education.”

The Chief Minister noted, “For the last four years, the state government has focused on teacher training, modern teaching methods and smart classrooms, and today Punjab stands at the top. Earlier Kerala held the top position, but Punjab has now claimed the number one rank with a huge margin. More such efforts will be made in the coming years. Education is the light that dispels darkness and illuminates the world. Therefore, the state government is laying special thrust on strengthening the education sector.”

He said, “The state government firmly believes that every child deserves access to quality education irrespective of his or her economic background. We are making concerted efforts to strengthen the education sector so that children from ordinary families receive the same opportunities to excel as anyone else. Education is the strongest tool for empowering future generations and building a prosperous Punjab. The state government will leave no stone unturned to further strengthen it.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “From July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will receive notifications on their mobile phones regarding the financial assistance of ₹1,000 in the case of women belonging to the general category and ₹1,500 in the case of SC women. The funds will be transferred directly into their bank accounts and women already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible. Nearly 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from the scheme and the state government has earmarked ₹9,300 crore in the Budget for it.”

Emphasizing the larger social significance of the scheme, the Chief Minister said, “The financial assistance may not make women rich, but it will certainly provide them with dignity and self-respect. Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters help overcome every challenge in the world. 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.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said, “I am grateful to the Almighty for blessing me with the opportunity to enact the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026. Whenever incidents of Beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji took place, the sentiments of millions of devotees were deeply hurt. The Almighty blessed me with the wisdom and strength to bring this legislation after detailed consultations with legal experts.”

The Chief Minister said, “The state government has drafted this legislation carefully so that no future amendments or loopholes weaken it. This law will act as a strong deterrent against anti-social elements attempting to commit such sacrilegious acts in future and no one will ever be able to indulge in this heinous crime. Earlier, people escaped punishment by claiming that their mind was disturbed or that they were mentally ill. However, if someone is genuinely mentally unstable, then why does he only target Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji? Why does he not crash into a train engine or touch live electric wires?”

The Chief Minister said, “The state government is working wholeheartedly for the people. We have provided free electricity to households, more than 68,000 government jobs without corruption to the youth, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh every day, imparted quality education, strengthened healthcare, built modern infrastructure and undertaken several other key initiatives. When the state government assumed office, only 22% canal water was being utilised for irrigation in Punjab. Today, this has increased to more than 80%. The state government is also working tirelessly for the development of villages by providing grants.”

The Chief Minister said, “To provide comprehensive healthcare to the people, the state government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab has become the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. The scheme has significantly reduced the financial burden on people while ensuring quality healthcare services. This historic initiative aims to provide universal healthcare to every family in the state and people have already availed free treatment worth more than ₹650 crore under the scheme.”

On the occasion, Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan and several other dignitaries were also present.

GURDASPUR; 28th June 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced that the Qadian Halqa (constituency) will be upgraded to a Sub-Division, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the people and ensuring that all key government services are available under one roof through a modern administrative complex. During a special public programme in Qadian, he also called out the Akali leadership, saying they intimidated people to secure votes and looted Punjab for years.

Calling upon Punjabis to unite against “thieves, looters and thugs,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged people to wield the ‘Jhaadu’ decisively in the 2027 elections so that the Opposition never gets another opportunity to pollute the state. The Chief Minister also assured farmers that the pending sugarcane dues of Kiri Sugar Mill would be cleared soon, highlighted his government’s pro-people initiatives, including zero electricity bills for 90% of households and ₹10 lakh cashless health cover for 47 lakh families, and appealed to people to join hands in rebuilding a vibrant and prosperous Rangla Punjab.

Sharing a few snippets from this programme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Heartfelt thanks to the people of the brave land of Majha and the Qadian constituency for the overwhelming love and affection. Fulfilling a long-pending demand of the people, I have announced that Qadian will now be made a Sub-Division. The SDM, DSP, and ADC offices will function from the same modern building, putting an end to the inconvenience faced by people in accessing government services. To accelerate the constituency’s development, Gurikbal Singh Mahal has been appointed as the new Sevadar.”

“The era of exploitation by traditional political leaders is now over. Today, 90% of households in Punjab have zero electricity bills, and 47 lakh families have already received ₹10 lakh cashless health treatment cards. Let us all come together to rebuild a vibrant and prosperous Punjab,” the post concluded.

Addressing a massive gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The huge gathering here reflects that the people of Qadian are eagerly waiting to bring about a change and free this constituency from a family that has ruled it for decades. Successive governments ignored the development of Punjab’s border region, but our government has made every possible effort to ensure its progress. The people living along the border are true patriots who have always stood firmly with the nation, and our government is fully committed to their welfare.”

The Chief Minister said, “The smugglers who have long represented this Assembly segment have ruined generations of Punjab. The people must teach them a fitting lesson in the forthcoming Assembly elections.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We grew up eating biscuits made in neighbourhood bakeries, whereas these leaders, educated in elite convent schools in the hills, consumed gold biscuits smuggled by their fathers. They have neither any ideology nor any commitment to public service. Their only objective has always been to capture power. The time has come for the people to understand the difference between bakery biscuits and gold biscuits.”

He said, “These royal leaders have nothing in common with ordinary Punjabis. Their cars, clothes and lifestyle are completely different from ours. Those who represented this area in the Vidhan Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha never worked for its development. Instead, they imposed tolls on roads and burdened the people. Even their own house stands divided, with flags of different political parties flying over it.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “My name has become a nightmare for the leaders of the traditional parties because I have exposed their misdeeds before the people. They cannot digest the fact that the son of a common man is successfully governing Punjab. The people have already rejected these leaders because they always cared more about their families than Punjab and Punjabis.”

Announcing that Qadian would soon be made a Sub-Division, the Chief Minister said, “All formalities will be completed shortly so that people no longer have to wait for their work. The Shiromani Akali Dal is a sinking ship, and even its sensible leaders are leaving the party in the interest of the people. For years, people voted for the Akalis believing they represented the sacred Takdi of the great Gurus, but they looted the people and took an illegal share from every flourishing business.”

The Chief Minister said, “The Akalis, Congress and BJP know they cannot compete with me politically. That is why they have joined hands to defame me on religious issues through fake videos. The Akali leadership mercilessly looted Punjab and committed countless unforgivable excesses against the common people. They patronised mafias that devastated the state and can never be forgiven for encouraging the drug trade, which destroyed generations of Punjab during their long tenure in power.”

The Chief Minister said, “Our government is constructing more than 43,000 kilometres of link roads across Punjab, and contractors have been made responsible for their maintenance. We are ensuring that every single penny from the state exchequer is utilised judiciously for the welfare of the people and the overall development of Punjab.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today, more than 90% of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity. For the first time, farmers are also getting uninterrupted power supply during the daytime, which was once considered impossible.”

The Chief Minister said, “The tax money collected from the people belongs to them, and our government is spending it honestly on their welfare. Every rupee is being invested in development, better schools, quality healthcare, improved roads and public infrastructure. The people’s money is now reaching the people instead of filling the pockets of a few.”

Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has provided free electricity to households, given government jobs to more than 68,000 youth without any corruption, improved the road network, closed toll plazas saving people nearly ₹70 lakh every day, strengthened education and healthcare, built modern infrastructure and taken several other historic initiatives for the welfare of Punjab.”

The Chief Minister said, “When our government assumed office, only 22% of canal water was being utilised for irrigation in the state. Today, that figure has increased to more than 80%, ensuring greater water availability for farmers while reducing dependence on groundwater.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government is working tirelessly for the development of villages, and grants are being released to ensure that every village witnesses all-round progress.”

The Chief Minister said, “To steer our youth away from the menace of drugs, the Punjab Government will dedicate 3,100 newly built stadiums across the state by July 15. Promoting sports is one of the strongest weapons in our fight against drugs because it channels the limitless energy of our youth towards excellence and nation-building.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has also launched a massive campaign to rejuvenate village ponds across the state. An elaborate plan has already been prepared to clean these ponds, treat the water and utilise it for agricultural purposes. This initiative will help reduce the pressure on rapidly depleting groundwater while strengthening sustainable irrigation across Punjab.”

Chandigarh, 28 June — Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Man Ki Baat program serves to connect 1.4 billion people across the nation.

Sh. Vij today attended the 135th Man Ki Baat program as the chief guest at BPC Jain Public School, Ambala Cantonment, to listen and watch, and he made these remarks while speaking to media persons. Earlier he had listened to the Prime Minister’s Man Ki Baat program together with city residents.

On the occasion, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Man Ki Baat program connects 1.4 billion people and shows what new work is happening across the country, how people are setting new benchmarks by using modern technology. At the same time, the Prime Minister brings before the public the unsung heroes whose work has never been praised.

Anil Vij said that earlier the country used to be thought of as only Delhi, but Modi ji has travelled to many places to learn what people are doing in different circumstances, to show where rebuilding is taking place. Through Man Ki Baat, Modi ji has worked to awaken people about innovation and superstition, saying that people should stay away from such superstitions.

From Nalanda’s glory to a plastic-free India: Cabinet minister highlighted PM Modi’s vision

The minister also said that Modi ji spoke about Nalanda University, which once attracted students from all over the world; although later invaders destroyed it without understanding its importance, Nalanda’s name still resonates worldwide. Similarly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told us about the misuse of plastic. He said that our country too can shine like other countries, and for that we must control plastic. Plastic neither decomposes nor rots and it causes problems for water drainage. Through today’s program Modi ji drew attention to many such issues. In some places institutions are working on recycling plastic and putting it to good use. He appealed to people to avoid using plastic to save the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also emphasized water conservation through Man Ki Baat and said that we must conserve every single drop of rain. The country’s greatest strength is its people; if a resolve forms in the mind, even the biggest changes in society can be made. He said that people who are doing work that could inspire others can send their suggestions and ideas. These ideas and suggestions can be considered and featured on Man Ki Baat.

Present on the occasion were Anil Jain, vice-chairperson of the municipal council Lalta Prasad, Sanjeev Walia, Shaili Khanna, Balkesh Vats, Jaswant Jain, Vineet Jain, Surendra Sehgal Gopi, Mahavir Jain, Dalip Mittal, Dr. Gaurav Munjal, Suman Jain, Satish Mudgil, Shiva Kakaran, and other dignitaries.

How many exam papers leaked under the Congress government, temples looted and idols stolen — weren’t Manish Sisodia and others then born?: Minister Anil Vij’s question

Responding strongly to Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia’s claim that the government is involved in NEET paper thefts and fundraising irregularities, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that perhaps Manish Sisodia was born only a day or two ago or there were no governments earlier? How many exam papers were leaked during the Congress government, temples looted and even idols stolen — wasn’t Manish Sisodia born then? They need an issue to oppose the Ram temple. If something happened in the Ram temple, an investigation is under way, an SIT has been formed and arrests have been made. Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi are serious about the matter. The money stolen from the Ram temple belonged to Lord Ram. Money was once stolen from Ram ji before, and the demon king of Lanka, Ravana, had abducted Sita ji. Ravana was defeated such that none remained to keep a lamp burning in his house. Those who committed these acts will receive punishment from the law and from Lord Ram.

Chandigarh, June 28, 2026: The two-day Special Camps for submission of Enumeration Forms under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 were successfully conducted on June 27 and 28 at all Polling Stations across the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

A large number of residents visited the camps and submitted their Enumeration Forms. The camps were organized with the dedicated efforts of the Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who assisted electors in filling and submitting their forms. More than 35% of the Enumeration Forms received so far have already been digitized by the BLOs.

The Election Commission of India had announced the schedule for the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 on May 14, 2026. Accordingly, the Enumeration Phase commenced in Chandigarh on June 15, 2026. Within the first week of the exercise, BLOs successfully completed 100% distribution of Enumeration Forms through door-to-door visits.

The house-to-house campaign is continuing across the Union Territory. Electors who have not yet submitted their Enumeration Forms are requested to hand over their duly filled forms to the BLO during the door-to-door visit or submit them online through the ECINet Portal (ecinet.eci.gov.in) or the ECINet Mobile App.

For any assistance or information, citizens may contact their respective BLO through the “Book a Call” facility available on the ECINet App and Portal. They may also call the Voter Helpline 1950, which is available round the clock, for any queries related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026.

Chandigarh, June 28, 2026: The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, today inaugurated the Model Immunization Centre (MIC) and launched the State-Level Pulse Polio Campaign at the Urban Community Health Centre (UCHC), Sector 22, Chandigarh. The Hon’ble Governor was accompanied by Shri V.P. Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh.

The campaign was formally launched with the administration of two drops of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to children in the 0–5 years age group by the Hon’ble Governor, reaffirming the Chandigarh Administration’s commitment to protecting every child against polio and sustaining India’s polio-free status.

Secretary Health, Chandigarh Administration, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, IAS, welcomed the Chief Guest and highlighted the Administration’s sustained efforts towards achieving universal immunization coverage.

The newly inaugurated Model Immunization Centre at UCHC, Sector 22, is the fifth such centre established in Chandigarh. Designed to provide a child-friendly, safe and comfortable vaccination environment, the centre features dedicated vaccination areas, a play zone for children during the post-vaccination observation period and a breastfeeding corner to ensure privacy and convenience for nursing mothers.

During his visit, the Hon’ble Governor inspected various sections of the Model Immunization Centre and reviewed the healthcare facilities available at UCHC, Sector 22. Dr. Sadbhavna Pandit, Officiating Director Health Services, briefed the Chief Guest about the various achievements and ongoing activities under the Universal Immunization Programme. The Hon’ble Governor appreciated the efforts of the Health Department in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for children and their parents.

Addressing the gathering, the Administrator UT Chandigarh emphasized the importance of achieving 100 per cent immunization coverage and urged all stakeholders to ensure that no eligible child is left behind. He commended the dedication and tireless efforts of doctors, nursing personnel, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and field staff in implementing immunization programmes across the city.

For the successful implementation of the Pulse Polio Campaign in Chandigarh, 478 Pulse Polio booths have been established for administering polio drops to children in the 0–5 years age group. In addition, 1,078 vaccination teams have been deployed across the Union Territory to ensure complete coverage. On June 29 and 30, 2026, these teams will conduct intensive house-to-house visits to identify and vaccinate children who may have missed the polio dose during the booth-based campaign.

The Health Department, Chandigarh, is also implementing a unique night immunization initiative titled “Taare Zameen Par – Night Vigil.” The initiative aims to administer polio drops to children of migrant labourers, homeless families, rag-pickers and other vulnerable populations who may not be accessible during the daytime campaign.

Four special “Taare Zameen Par – Night Vigil” teams, each comprising a supervisor, police personnel, vaccinator and driver, have been constituted. These teams commence their activities daily from 7:00 PM onwards to reach children residing in difficult-to-access and underserved areas.

The event was attended by Dr. Manjeet Singh, NO-NHM-cum-District Immunization Officer, programme officers and senior officers of the Health Department, doctors from GMCH-32 and PGIMER, nursing staff, ANMs and representatives from WHO, UNDP, John Snow India and other partner organizations.

On the occasion, the Hon’ble Administrator also distributed gift hampers to children who received vaccination, encouraging greater community participation in immunization activities. The programme concluded with a group photograph of the participants with the Chief Guest. His words of encouragement motivated the doctors, vaccinators and healthcare staff to continue their dedicated efforts towards the successful implementation of the campaign.

On the first day of the campaign, around 34,835 children were administered polio drops across Chandigarh. The Health Department, UT Chandigarh, has appealed to all parents and guardians to ensure that children who may have missed vaccination at the Pulse Polio booths receive polio drops during the ongoing house-to-house activities on June 29 and 30, 2026.