Chandigarh:

The Chandigarh State Cooperative Bank Ltd. celebrated Cooperative Week from June 29 to July 6, 2026 with a series of customer awareness programmes and community welfare initiatives across its branches in U.T. Chandigarh. The activities were organized as per the directions of the Department of Cooperation, U.T. Chandigarh and under the guidance of Sh. D. Karthikeyan, IAS, Managing Director of the Bank.

During the week-long celebration, the Bank conducted extensive awareness campaigns to educate existing and prospective customers about its deposit products, digital banking services, Government-sponsored social security schemes, cyber security and fraud prevention measures. Customers were also sensitized about Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, UPI, RuPay Debit Cards, KYC compliance, nomination registration and safe digital banking practices. The initiatives received an encouraging response and reinforced the Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, digital empowerment and customer awareness.

As part of the concluding event of Cooperative Week, the Bank organized a Tree Plantation Drive on July 6, 2026 at the Green Belt, Sector 51, Chandigarh, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Sh. Jujhar Singh Badheri, Chairman of the Bank, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Sh. Jasmanpreet Singh, Senior Deputy Mayor, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, attended as the Special Guest.

Sh. Talochan Singh, Director and Sh. Balkrishan Rana, Director also participated in the plantation drive by planting saplings and encouraged citizens to contribute towards making Chandigarh greener and healthier.

On behalf of the Bank Hardeep Singh expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, the Special Guest, the Directors, officers, staff members and all participants for their support in making the Cooperative Week celebrations a success. He reiterated the Bank’s commitment to delivering customer-centric banking services while actively promoting financial inclusion, digital awareness, environmental sustainability and the cooperative movement in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Chandigarh :  Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) today formally launched its Chandigarh unit at a press conference here, announcing its intention to contest the upcoming Municipal Corporation elections and the Chandigarh Parliamentary seat in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the media, S. Gurjeet Singh Talwandi, General Secretary and Party Observer (Chandigarh), said that Chandigarh is an integral part of Punjab, geographically and socially. He strongly criticised the Badal faction, stating that under the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal as President party abandoned people of Chandigarh and its Akali workers. Their ill-informed policies left the Akali cadre demoralised either sitting at home or having joined other parties. He said under instructions of party president Giani Harpreet Singh (former Jathedar Akal Takath) and as per the 2nd December 2024 Hukamnama of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, we have successfully been able to get all Akali factions on one platform.
He said we have made zone incharge’s and they will be reaching out till grassroot level and within one month we will announce party structure.

Senior leaders who addressed the press conference included S. Gurnam Singh Sidhu (Former President, SAD Chandigarh), S. Patwant Singh Riar (Former President, SAD Chandigarh), S. Mohinder Singh (Former Deputy Mayor, Chandigarh), and S. Amrinder Singh (ex-Member, SGPC UT). The party leadership issued a call to all Panthic organisations and villages of Chandigarh to come forward and join this movement, stating that due to the absence of a regional party, the voice of Chandigarh’s people has gone unheard. They affirmed that the party will approach all societies and organisations in Chandigarh to take feedback and voice their concerns, reiterating their commitment to filling the void left by the Badal faction and giving Chandigarh the political representation it deserves.

They said we are entering Chandigarh domain with core agenda. The party outlined a comprehensive agenda built around issues that have been pending for decades but have received no attention from successive Administrations.

For surrounding villages they asked for land pooling policy should be having both acquiring option as per Gujrat model or market value compensation for owners. Villages should be developed as model villages.
 Further demanded 300 units of free electricity and 30,000 litres of free water per month for families earning below a threshold of Rs. 30,000 per month.
On the issue of identity and governance, the party demanded that Punjabi be made the official language of Chandigarh and that posts in the UT Administration be filled in the 60:40 ratio for Punjab and Haryana as stipulated by the Punjab and Haryana Reorganisation Act, 1966. The leaders pointed out that out of 11 lakh people in Chandigarh, 90 per cent speak Punjabi yet the language has not even been recognised as the second language.
The party vowed an aspirational vision for Chandigarh as a vibrant, globally competitive “24-Hour City” and a European style shopping village in sector 17 giving  a thriving economy, extended business hours and a dynamic environment attracting youth, entrepreneurs, and tourists.
They asked for a friendly industrial policy for MSME’s and specifically relaxed conversion norms for industrial to commercial plots in industrial area and demanded immediate conversion of commercial and industrial plots which are on 99-year leasehold to freehold.
Jointly they said we feel Chandigarh has not reached its full potential and we bow to bring world class infrastructure reforming ISBT, Railway Station, expanding Airport and other High tech civic amenities.

Concluding the press conference Talwandi said we are also in talks with like minded parties for alliance in Chandigarh rest assured we will only proceed on a Common minimum programme based on our vision and prioritising demands of people of Chandigarh.

Other than above eminent leaders present were Baba Gurdial Singh khuda Ali sher, Kirpal Singh and Jaspal Singh from Gurudwara sec 40, Balbir Singh and Dharma Singh Manimajra, Avtar Singh Ram darbar, Baldev Singh Kalsi Ramgarhia Bhawan, Jaspreet Singh Jassal Sector 7 Gurudwara, Davinder Singh Sigligar Ram Darbar, and Sukhchain Singh and Rattan Singh from Gursagar Gurudwara Sukhna near Lake.

Chandigarh, July 5:

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to making higher education accessible to every deserving student, Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today announced that the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students for the Academic Session 2026-27 has officially commenced. The scheme is being implemented through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which has been operational for submission of applications since July 1, 2026.

Emphasising the government’s student-centric approach, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that financial constraints should never stand in the way of a talented student’s aspirations and pursuit of higher education. She urged all eligible Scheduled Caste students across Punjab to avail themselves of the scheme and submit their applications well before the deadline to secure financial assistance and pursue their academic goals with confidence.

To ensure transparent, efficient and time-bound implementation of the scheme, the Department has notified the following schedule for the Academic Session 2026-27:

Activity      Timeline

Launch of Scheme         July 1, 2026

Last date for submission of student applications    November 15, 2026

Correction of defective applications   November 30, 2026

Institute-level verification        November 30, 2026

Final verification by DNO/SNO/MNO        December 15, 2026

Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, the Cabinet Minister said that the scholarship programme is another significant step towards realizing Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of a ‘Rangla Punjab’, where every deserving student has equal access to quality education irrespective of economic background. She said that empowering young people through higher education is essential for building a progressive, inclusive and equitable society, while financial assistance to SC students remains a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to promoting educational equity and social justice.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that the Punjab Government is committed to equipping the state’s youth with quality education and creating better employment opportunities within Punjab itself. She noted that while scholarship schemes reduce the financial burden on economically weaker families, the government’s transparent recruitment drive and merit-based employment initiatives are enabling thousands of young people to build successful careers in Punjab, thereby helping curb brain drain.

To maximise outreach and ensure that no eligible student is deprived of the benefits of the scheme due to lack of awareness, the Minister directed all District Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Officers to organise special awareness and facilitation camps across villages, urban areas and remote regions. She stressed that grassroots-level awareness is essential to ensure maximum enrolment under the scheme.

The Cabinet Minister also instructed the Directors of the Departments of Higher Education, Medical Education and Research, Technical Education and Industrial Training, School Education, and Animal Husbandry, along with all affiliated educational institutions, to proactively assist students in completing and submitting their scholarship applications within the stipulated timelines.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “Our Government is firmly committed to ensuring that every deserving student receives an equal opportunity to pursue higher education. Financial hardship should never become a barrier to education, and we will continue to extend every possible support to help our youth realise their full potential.”

Chandigarh, July 5

Haryana has initiated preparations for the Population Enumeration phase of the Census of India 2027. Informing this, Dr. Sumita Misra, Financial Commissioner Revenue and Disaster Management Department who is also the state’s nodal officer for Census 2027, said that the State Government has notified the pre-test of Population Enumeration in selected sample areas across Haryana. The field exercise will be conducted from July 6 to July 18, 2026, as part of the nationwide preparations for Census 2027.

Dr. Misra said that the pre-test is an important step towards ensuring a smooth, accurate and efficient Census operation. Before the commencement of field enumeration, eligible residents in the notified sample areas will have the option of self-enumeration from July 1 to July 5, 2026, enabling them to voluntarily submit their census particulars through the prescribed digital platform.

She further informed that after completion of the field exercise, a revisional round will be conducted from July 19 to July 20, 2026, to verify, update and validate the information collected during the pre-test.

Dr. Misra stated that the pilot exercise has been designed to assess the effectiveness of the Population Enumeration methodology, digital processes, field operations and data collection mechanisms. The experience and findings from the pre-test will help refine operational procedures, identify implementation challenges and strengthen the overall framework before the nationwide Census is undertaken.

She appealed to all residents of the selected sample areas to actively participate in the exercise and extend full cooperation to the enumerators. She said that public participation is essential for ensuring the accuracy, reliability and completeness of Census data, which serves as the foundation for evidence-based governance, development planning and welfare initiatives.

Dr. Misra further informed that the notification has been issued under the provisions of Section 17A of the Census Act, 1948, read with Rule 6D of the Census Rules, 1990, authorising the conduct of the Population Enumeration Pre-Test in Haryana as part of the Census of India 2027 preparations.

Chandigarh, July 5: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee made the greatest sacrifice for the unity and integrity of the nation. The voice he raised and the dream he envisioned were fulfilled by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi through the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Today, the Indian Tricolour is flying proudly from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a gathering on Sunday in Pathankot, Punjab, on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. Pathankot MLA Sh. Ashwani Sharma, former Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Sh. Dinesh Babbu, former MLA Seema Kumari, and several other senior leaders were also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that Pathankot is not merely a city but the northern frontier of ‘Bharat Mata’. It is the land of brave warriors, martyrs, patriots, and great sons of the nation who sacrificed everything to protect the country’s borders. The soil here carries the fragrance of valour, and the air is filled with the spirit of patriotism.

He said that history remembers certain personalities not merely through books but through generations that adopt their ideals in life. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was one such visionary leader who dedicated his entire life to India’s unity, integrity, self-respect, and national consciousness. He was not only a leader of his time but also a guide for future generations.

The Chief Minister said that Dr. Mookerjee was not only a renowned educationist but also an outstanding statesman.

He said that at the age of just 33, Dr. Mookerjee became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. The people of Bengal held him in great esteem and affection and referred to him as the “Tiger of Bengal.”

The Chief Minister said that Dr. Mookerjee’s objective was to build a strong and self-reliant India. With this vision, he entered public life and became India’s first Industry Minister. However, when faced with a choice between principles and power in 1950, he chose national interest over office. He strongly opposed the displacement of millions of Hindus and Sikhs from East Pakistan and expressed serious disagreement with the Liaquat-Nehru Pact, leading to his resignation from the Union Cabinet. Through this decision, he proved that the nation was more important to him than any position.

He said that Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee gave the call, “Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur do Nishan nahin chalenge.” This was not merely a political slogan but the voice of India’s soul. He struggled for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India and decided to enter the region without a permit. He was arrested while entering Jammu and Kashmir from Madhopur. At that time, former Prime Minister Late Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was with him. Later, Dr. Mookerjee passed away while in custody. This was not an ordinary death but the supreme sacrifice made for the unity and integrity of the nation.

Article 370 Abrogation Fulfilled Dr. Mookerjee’s Vision

He said that the mission for which Dr. Mookerjee sacrificed his life was fulfilled on August 5, 2019, when Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah abrogated Article 370. Today, the Indian Tricolour flies with pride and honour from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Attock to Cuttack.

India Transformed Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Leadership

The Chief Minister said that the world now views India from a new perspective. A country once considered part of global problems has emerged as a nation providing solutions to the world. This transformation did not happen overnight. It is the result of the hard work, faith, and dedication of Indians, along with the relentless efforts, commitment, sacrifice, and leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.

He said that over the last 11 years, millions of poor families have received permanent homes through various government initiatives. Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, poor and needy citizens have gained access to treatment for serious illnesses. He further said that in Haryana, the scope of healthcare security has been expanded by integrating the Chirayu scheme with Ayushman Bharat.

The Chief Minister said that Digital India has brought technology to every village, Skill India has equipped youth with valuable skills, and Make in India has strengthened India’s industrial capabilities. Modern expressways are being constructed across the country, advanced trains such as Vande Bharat are being introduced, and airport infrastructure is being expanded.

He said that while some people talk about “Aam Aadmi Clinics,” the Haryana Government has focused on strengthening the entire healthcare infrastructure. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of establishing a medical college in every district, Haryana has already established 17 medical colleges, while work on additional institutions continues to ensure better healthcare facilities for every citizen.

Haryana’s Model Based on Transparent Governance and Public Welfare

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government has adopted Prime Minister Modi’s model of good governance. The government works not for any caste, family, or vote bank but for the progress of every citizen. Over the last few years, nearly 2 lakh youth have been provided jobs without any “parchi-kharchi”.

He said that when he looks towards Punjab, he feels concern and pain. Today, every section of society in Punjab feels let down. Promises of employment were made to the youth, but many young people are now trapped in drug addiction.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s farmers were promised prosperity and better returns, yet they continue to struggle for fair prices for their produce. In contrast, Haryana has become the first state in the country where all 24 crops are being procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

He said that grand promises of financial assistance were made to women, but even after four years those promises remain unfulfilled. In Haryana, women are being provided ₹2,100 per month.

He further said that Haryana is providing full compensation to farmers for crop losses. Between 2004 and 2014, the Congress government provided only ₹1,136 crore as compensation for crop damage, whereas the present government has provided nearly ₹16,500 crore to farmers since 2014.

Punjab’s Future Will Be Decided by Its People, Not Delhi

The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s future will not be determined by Delhi’s politics but by the people of Punjab themselves. The farmers, youth, mothers, and sisters of Punjab will decide the direction and destiny of the state.

He said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is not seeking power from the people of Punjab but an opportunity to serve them. With the blessings of the people, Punjab will once again become a “Rangla Punjab.” He said that this would be the true tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and a strong foundation for building a Viksit Bharat.

Chandigarh:

The Member of Parliament from Sirsa, Former Union Minister, AICC General Secretary and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member, Kumari Selja attended the inauguration of the Nagpur Block Congress Committee office and a workers’ meeting at Hadauli village in the Ratia area of Fatehabad district as the chief guest. Calling upon party workers to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots, she urged them to continue raising public issues with commitment and dedication.

Addressing the gathering, Kumari Selja said the Congress has always stood with the people and every office-bearer and worker has a responsibility to fight for citizens’ rights. She added that the true strength of any political organisation lies in the commitment of its workers and the confidence reposed in it by the people. The programme was attended by Fatehabad MLA Balwan Singh Daulatpuria, District President Arvind Sharma, Gurjinder Johal, Gursewak, Paramjit Kaur, Devaraj Hadauli, Jai Prakash Lali, Satbir Bhuthan, Rajesh Chadiwal, Sudhir Godara and several other Congress leaders and workers.

Speaking to mediapersons after the event, Kumari Selja criticised the Haryana government over the state’s deteriorating law and order situation. She said incidents of murder, robbery, dacoity, firing, extortion and crimes against women were increasing, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity across the state. Condemning the daylight murder of former sarpanch Rajendra Khileri in Kharakheri village of Fatehabad district, she demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and strict legal action. Referring to the recent robbery of about ₹1.25 lakh from a petrol pump salesman in Panipat, she said such incidents raised serious questions about policing and public safety. 

Kumari Selja urged the government to strengthen the police system, ensure swift action against criminals, conduct a comprehensive review of the law and order situation, and make public safety its highest priority.

Chandigarh, July 5

Chandigarh Member of Parliament and former Union Minister Manish Tewari inaugurated an open-air gym and children’s swings at the CPWD residential area in Sector 7, Ward No. 2, dedicating the facilities to local residents. The project was completed with a grant of approximately ₹7 lakh from the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) Fund.

Speaking on the occasion, Tewari emphasized that a healthy individual is better equipped to fulfill responsibilities toward family and society. He said the open-air gym would provide residents with an opportunity to exercise in a healthy, open environment. Highlighting the importance of sports in tackling drug abuse, he said sports foster a spirit of healthy competition and help keep young people away from addiction. He added that the newly installed swings for children would contribute to their physical as well as mental development.

Later, the MP also inaugurated CCTV cameras installed in the Small Flats area of Sundar Nagar, Mauli Jagran. The surveillance system was set up with an MPLAD grant of approximately ₹5 lakh.

Addressing residents, Tewari said the CCTV cameras would play a vital role in curbing anti-social activities and strengthening law and order in the locality. He reiterated that the health and safety of Chandigarh residents remain among his highest priorities.

On the occasion, Chandigarh Congress President H.S. Lucky said that development is reflected through work on the ground rather than mere claims. He noted that MP Manish Tewari not only remains accessible to the public and works to resolve their issues but also utilizes his MPLAD funds to meet the city’s basic infrastructure and community needs.

Among those present were Resident Welfare Association President Vandana Rani, Siyasan Rai, Manoj, Rambali Verma, Triloki Verma, and a large number of local residents.

Chandigarh, July 2: On the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, the BJP Medical Cell, Chandigarh, reaffirmed its commitment to public welfare by organizing a Free FibroScan Camp at Global Health Clinic, Sector-21, Chandigarh. The camp was organized under the leadership of Lalit Takiyar, State Convenor, BJP Medical Cell, Chandigarh, and Dr. Sanjeev Bhatia, In-charge, BJP Medical Cell. A total of 55 patients successfully underwent FibroScan examinations and received expert medical consultation.
The programme was graced by Jatinder Pal Malhotra, President, BJP Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he said that doctors are not merely professionals but true pillars of humanity whose dedication, compassion and selfless service save countless lives and inspire society.
On the occasion, Dr. Guranchal, Dr. Manoj, and Dr. Sanjeev Bhatia were felicitated for their outstanding contribution to the medical profession and society. Dr. Meena Chadha, Co-Convenor of the BJP Medical Cell, also honoured Jatinder Pal Malhotra with a memento.
The programme was efficiently coordinated by Sumit Bhandari, while the overall event was led by Lalit Takiyar, State Convenor, BJP Medical Cell, Chandigarh. Speaking on the occasion, he stated that the BJP Medical Cell will continue organizing such public health initiatives and awareness programmes in the future.
Among those present were Satpal Verma, President, BJP OBC Morcha Chandigarh; Dr. Naresh Panchal, Vice President, BJP Chandigarh; Bharat Kumar, Manish Sharma, State Secretary; Ravinder Malik, District President; Vicky Shera, along with several BJP office-bearers, party workers and distinguished doctors.
At the conclusion of the programme, all the dignitaries extended their heartfelt greetings on National Doctors’ Day and appreciated the invaluable contribution of doctors for their selfless service and unwavering commitment to society.

BARNALA; 30th June 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said the state is ready to script a historic day for women as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government fulfils another major guarantee with the rollout of the ‘Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna’. He said mobile phones across Punjab will start buzzing after 12 noon as ₹3,000 is credited to the bank accounts of every woman and ₹4,500 to women belonging to the Scheduled Castes as three months’ Satkar Rashi in a single instalment. During a Lok Milni in Mahal Kalan Halqa (constituency) of BarnalaThe Chief Minister said the initiative reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring dignity, respect and financial empowerment for women, while asserting that opponents, rattled by Punjab’s rapid development, are conspiring to obstruct the state’s progress.

*Crowd Cheer CM Bhagwant Singh Mann From Packed Rooftops During Mahal KalanLok Milni*

As CM Bhagwant Singh Mann addressed the Lok Milni in Mahal Kalan Halqa of Barnala, loud cheers greeted him throughout his speech. The turnout was so overwhelming that the venue ran out of space, forcing hundreds of supporters to watch the rally from the rooftops of nearby houses and buildings. They continued waving posters in support of the Chief Minister and responded enthusiastically to his remarks, with every available rooftop around the venue filled with people eager to be part of the gathering.

Addressing the gathering during Lok Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the rollout of the landmark scheme. “From July 1, women will start receiving money directly in their bank accounts. Under the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, every woman will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women belonging to the Scheduled Castes will receive ₹1,500 per month. The amount will be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ 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, for which the state government has allocated ₹9,300 crore in the Budget,” he said.

Emphasising that the initiative is aimed at empowering women with dignity and financial independence, the Chief Minister said, “This scheme may not make women rich, but it will certainly give them dignity and self respect. Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters can help conquer every challenge. 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 government’s people-centric initiatives, the Chief Minister said, “Our government is working tirelessly for the welfare of the people. We have provided free electricity to households, given government jobs to more than 68,000 youth without corruption, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving nearly ₹70 lakh every day, strengthened education and healthcare, built infrastructure and undertaken several other key initiatives. When our government assumed office, only 22% of canal water was being utilised for irrigation. Today, that figure has increased to more than 80%. We are also providing grants for the development of villages across the state.”

Speaking about the state’s healthcare reforms, the Chief Minister noted, “The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is the country’s first-of-its-kind scheme that provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. It is a matter of immense pride that Punjab has become the first state in the country to provide such comprehensive healthcare coverage. The scheme has significantly reduced the financial burden on people while ensuring access to quality healthcare. It is aimed at providing universal healthcare to every family in the state, and people have already availed free treatment worth more than ₹650 crore under the scheme.”

Continuing to outline the government’s long-term vision for a healthier, educated and drug-free Punjab, he said, “Our government will dedicate 3,100 newly built stadiums across Punjab by July 15. Promoting sports is the most effective weapon in our crusade against drugs. By encouraging sports, we are channelising the boundless energy of our youth towards excellence. Young people engaged in sports do not even have time to look at drugs because they devote all their energy to excelling in their respective fields. This initiative will go a long way in eliminating the menace of drugs and making the youth equal partners in the socio-economic development of the state,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Highlighting the transformation of the education sector over the last four years, the Chief Minister pointed out, “After assuming office, our government laid special emphasis on the progress and prosperity of Punjab, especially the education sector. Previous governments had reduced government schools to merely Mid Day Meal Centres, but today these schools have been transformed into educational hubs. We are working with a mission to strengthen education and ensure that even the poorest child has access to quality education.”

Sharing the state’s achievement in school education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “Due to the tireless efforts of our government, Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle-school education. We have upgraded primary and middle schools, strengthened the education system, introduced smart classrooms and provided advanced training to teachers. As a result of these sustained efforts, Punjab is now leading the country in school education. The latest figures released by NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog clearly show that Punjab has overtaken Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to become the top-performing state in primary and middle-school education.”

Emphasising that the achievement is the result of consistent reforms, the Chief Minister said, “For the last four years, our government has focused on teacher training, modern teaching methods and smart classrooms, and today Punjab stands at the top. Earlier, Kerala occupied the number one position, but Punjab has now secured the top rank by a huge margin. We will continue making even greater efforts in the coming years because education is the light that dispels darkness and illuminates the world.”

Reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for every child, the Chief Minister said, “Our 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, and our government will leave no stone unturned to further strengthen it.”

Referring to the enactment of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, the Chief Minister affirmed, “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. Every incident of beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of people. The Almighty gave me the wisdom and strength to bring this legislation after detailed consultations with legal experts.”

Underscoring the government’s resolve to prevent future incidents of beadbi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “Our government has drafted this law with utmost care so that no future amendment or loophole can weaken it. This legislation will act as a strong deterrent against anti-social elements and ensure that no one dares to commit such a heinous crime again. Earlier, people escaped punishment by claiming that their mind was disturbed or that they were mentally ill. But if someone is genuinely mentally unstable, why does he target only Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji? Why does he not crash into a train engine or touch live electric wires?”

Continuing his attack on the opposition, he said, “The Akalis are opposing the anti-beadbi law tooth and nail because they know they will have to answer for the misdeeds committed in the past. They were hand in glove with the fissiparous forces that hatched conspiracies of beadbi. Now these leaders have to pay for their sinister actions, which is why they and their stooges are opposing this law. However, no opposition will deter me from working for the welfare of the people, and I will continue making every possible effort in that direction.”

Highlighting his direct connection with the people, the Chief Minister contrasted his style of governance with that of previous governments. “My predecessors never met the common people. They stepped out of their luxurious homes only after checking the temperature, whereas I remain available to the people round the clock. These leaders amassed enormous wealth by misusing their official positions and built huge palaces with towering walls and closed gates. They remained inaccessible to the people, and ultimately the people showed them the door,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister said the people of Punjab have repeatedly rejected leaders who betrayed their trust. “The people of Punjab have shown the door to those who looted them turn by turn. They fooled the people for years, but today the people of the state have become wise and are no longer getting swayed by their misleading propaganda. These arrogant politicians always took the people for granted, and that is why they were ultimately rejected by the masses. Today, these opportunist leaders are baffled because the people are not responding to them. Their agenda has always been confined to the welfare of their own families rather than that of the people,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Taking a swipe at Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Badal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Sukhbir Badal should stop living in a fool’s paradise. Instead of dreaming about returning to power, it is now his family’s turn to be in jail. Gone are the days when these parties played musical chairs and waited for their turn to rule. They safeguarded each other’s interests whenever they were in power, which is why their misdeeds never came to light. Today, the people have elected the AAP, and the party’s symbol, the broom, is cleaning the political system of Punjab. The day is not far when the Akalis will be behind bars for their sins,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He further added, “Sukhbir Badal is completely disconnected from the ground realities of Punjab. Throughout his life, he has lived in a secure environment surrounded by luxuries and opulence. He is a convent-educated political leader who is not even familiar with the basic topography of the state, yet he wants to rule Punjab. Forget everything else, the former Deputy Chief Minister cannot even differentiate between the state’s basic crops because he has very little understanding of Punjab’s fundamental issues.”

Taking potshots at the Congress, he said, The Congress party is on its deathbed and will soon become irrelevant because it has neither a vision for the people nor for Punjab. Its only objective has always been to capture power and plunder the state’s wealth, but that dream will never be fulfilled. The Congress is a divided house that will collapse because of its internal infighting. Ironically, even the senior Congress leaders who come here to unite these squabbling factions do not even know how to pronounce the names of the state leaders,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

On the occasion, Lok Sabha MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal and several other dignitaries were also present.