Chandigarh:

Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij extended his greetings to women on the occasion of International Women’s Day, stating that women have achieved remarkable accomplishments across every field and the day reminds everyone to support and honor their contributions.

Several women visited Minister Vij at his residence in Ambala Cantonment to mark the occasion, where he conveyed his best wishes and appreciation.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Vij said that the happiness and success of women strengthen society as a whole. He said that the day highlights women’s rights, their contributions to society, and the need for gender equality. According to him, women are steadily advancing in every sector, and the day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those who have made significant contributions in education, sports, science, arts, politics, and other fields.

He further said that the occasion reminds society of the need to ensure equal opportunities, equal pay, and leadership positions for women. It also encourages young girls to pursue their dreams and promotes the message of empowerment. Additionally, the day serves as an opportunity to advocate for new policies and reforms aimed at improving women’s health, education, and safety.

On the occasion, BJP Councillor Dr. Shashi Longia, along with Neelam Sharma, Praveen Jain, Jyoti Rani, Ritu Pandey, Sunita Patil, Danisha Yadav, Aarti Sharma, Himani Jain and several other women from the BJP Shastri Mandal visited Vij’s residence and extended greetings.

*₹20 Lakh Assistance for Dharamshala Construction*

Energy Minister Anil Vij also announced financial assistance of ₹20 lakh from his discretionary fund for the construction of the Shri Mata Maharani Durga Devi Temple Gihara Samaj Dharamshala.

Earlier, members of the Gihara Samaj Society had approached the minister requesting financial support for the construction project. Following the announcement of the grant, Councillor Gaurav Saini, Ramesh Saini, Sudhir Kumar Gihara, Sudhir “Dimpy” Gihara, Rajan Gihara, Ram Ratna and other members expressed their gratitude to the minister for the assistance.

Chandigarh 8 March 2026:

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said that the Punjab government has given a boost to the industry in this Budget so that the industrial sector can develop further in the coming time.   Punjab government has fulfilled all its commitments in this unique budget. It was a people-friendly budget in which there was something for every sector. This budget will empower every citizen of Punjab and will bring further economic development of Punjab.

He said that priority has been given to the industrial sector in this budget so that the industrial sector can progress further and Punjab can become the first choice of investors.

He highlighted Punjab has received ₹55,000 crore  investments in 2025 alone. He said that this budget is pro- industrialists. This budget will make Punjab industry more prosperous as we have already adopted new industrial policy which will fulfill all legitimate demands of the industrialists.

Chandigarh, March 8:

In a response to the Punjab budget for FY 2026-27 tabled in the Vidhan Sabha today, Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, lauded the state government’s commitment to the agrarian economy, describing the budget as a significant instrument of transformation for the farming community. This budget ensures that the backbone of the nation’s food security is not left to fend for itself.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian highlighted the state’s crucial role in national food security, stating the government’s Rs 15,377 crore allocation for agriculture and allied sectors in the 2026-27 budget underscores its commitment to sustaining this contribution. It is a targeted intervention to strengthen resilience, drive crop diversification, ensure sustainability and guarantee farmer welfare, he added.

Elaborating the government’s proactive approach to water conservation, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian highlighted the success of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) adoption. “The state disbursed ₹35 crore in FY 2025-26 to incentivise water-saving techniques, with ₹40 crore allocated for next year,” he said, while urging farmers to adopt DSR to address labour shortages and groundwater depletion.

The Agriculture Minister also expressed satisfaction over the pilot project encouraging a shift from paddy to kharif maize in six districts—Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Bathinda, Sangrur, Jalandhar and Kapurthala. With an incentive of ₹17,500 per hectare and a dedicated allocation of ₹15 crore for 2026-27, he noted that the government is building a robust model for alternative cropping patterns.

“By extending a 33 percent subsidy on PAU-recommended hybrid seeds, we have not only supported our farmers financially but have also reversed the declining trend in cotton cultivation,” he asserted .

Addressing the perennial challenge of stubble burning, the Agriculture Minister highlighted the government’s aggressive push for mechanisation. He noted that ₹402 crore was utilised in FY 2025–26 to provide subsidy on stubble management machinery. With an enhanced budgetary provision of ₹600 crore for FY 2026-27, he assured that the state is on track to offer a sustainable solution to this environmental challenge .

S. Khudian highlighted the allocation of ₹7,715 crore towards power subsidy for agriculture, ensuring the continuation of free and subsidised power to sustain irrigation and productivity .

Strengthening Allied Sectors for Rural Prosperity, the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister underscored the bolstering of allied sectors to strengthen rural livelihoods. He welcomed the Rs 100 crore provision aimed at ensuring fair milk procurement prices for dairy farmers, safeguarding them against market fluctuations and supporting small and marginal producers. In the fisheries sector, he applauded the expansion of aquaculture, noting the production of over 1,500 lakh quality fish seed and the addition of nearly 3,000 acres under fish culture. “These measures are strengthening income diversification and employment generation across the state,” he added .

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated, “This budget reflects the vision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann—where the farmer is not just a food provider but the focus of governance. We are not just allocating funds, we are securing the future of Punjab’s agrarian economy and the dignity of its annadatas.”

Chandigarh 8 March 2026:

Replying on the question regarding current status of Solid Waste Processing Plant at Samgauli near Derabassi, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said that

50 acres of land was acquired at village Samgauli (Dera Bassi) in year 2017 for setting up of Solid Waste Management Plant for processing of solid waste generated in the area of Municipal Corporation Mohali and nearby other 17 Urban Local Bodies. Out of 50 acre land, possession of 39 acres has already been handed over to the Municipal Corporation, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) for this purpose in year 2020.

In this regard he further informed the House that MC S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) has prepared a project proposal for setting up a Waste-to-Energy plant at this site to cater the approximately 500 metric ton of solid waste daily generated in 9 ULBs namely MC Mohali, MC Zirakpur, Kharar, Naya Gaon, Dera Bassi, Kurali, Banur, Lalru and NP Gharuan. The proposal is under consideration and finalization at the level of State Government.

Similarily, responding to another question pertaining to arrangement of main sewerage at Nagar Panchayat Arniwala Sheikh Subhan, Local Government Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that tender has been floated for Main Sewer, Pumping Station, 2 Million Litre per Day Sewage Treatment Plant for Nagar Panchayat Arniwala Sheikh Subhan under Sawachh Bharat Mission 2.0 Scheme against estimated amount of Rs. 21.42 cr. After the completion of the tender process, the work will be allotted and will start functioning at site. This work shall be completed within 21 months.

Speaking on regularization of Water Supply and Sewerage Board/Fire Brigade personnel question, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said the government has not made recently any proposal/policy to regularize the casual employees in the Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Fire Brigade Department who have been working for the last 12-13 years.

Responding to another question raised in the House, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that presently there is no sewerage facility in the village of Balad Kothi, Bhawanigarh. Due to the absence of sewer lines, water gets accumulated in the streets/ road. To provide sewerage facility in this area and connecting this sewer with the existing sewer on the service road of national highway Rs. 4.90 Cr. are required for which funds are being arranged. After the receipt of these funds work will be completed within 06 months. The restoration work of service road will be done by national highway at their own level.

Likewise, replied in details regarding foreign investments made in the State so far, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora informed the house that during the official visits undertaken to promote investment, the Hon’ble Chief Minister held structured interactions with industry leaders, business associations and prospective investors to present Punjab’s industrial strengths and policy framework. Such engagements typically involve detailed interactions on prospective investment proposals and long-term expansion strategies of the companies, and have a relatively long gestation period before reaching implementation stage. The conversion of these discussions into grounded investments is therefore a phased process requiring due diligence and regulatory assessments. The Government, through Invest Punjab, undertakes regular follow-up and facilitation to ensure that these investment leads are systematically progressed towards fruition in the State.

Moreover he added that as a result of such initiatives and engagements, the State has received record investment proposals of more than INR 55040 cr (From April 2025 to Feb 2026).

Chandigarh 8 March 2026:

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said that the Punjab government has given a boost to the industry in this Budget so that the industrial sector can develop further in the coming time.   Punjab government has fulfilled all its commitments in this unique budget. It was a people-friendly budget in which there was something for every sector. This budget will empower every citizen of Punjab and will bring further economic development of Punjab.

He said that priority has been given to the industrial sector in this budget so that the industrial sector can progress further and Punjab can become the first choice of investors.

He highlighted Punjab has received ₹55,000 crore  investments in 2025 alone. He said that this budget is pro- industrialists. This budget will make Punjab industry more prosperous as we have already adopted new industrial policy which will fulfill all legitimate demands of the industrialists.

CHANDIGARH, 8th March 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the Punjabi Diaspora to play a proactive role in restoring the pristine glory of Punjab while addressing a gathering during India International Week.

Extending a warm welcome to the distinguished dignitaries who arrived from across the world to the sacred land of Punjab, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the delegation includes eminent legal scholars, heads of legal institutions, lawyers, and other distinguished personalities. He profusely thanked the organizers of India International Disputes Week-2026 for choosing Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab, as the venue to bring together respected legal minds from across the world on a single platform.

The Chief Minister said he was delighted to know that the delegation also includes Sikh lawyers, judges, and other eminent Sikh personalities from the USA, UK, Canada, and Singapore who have come to the sacred land of their ancestors. “Among them are several distinguished personalities who, through their talent, dedication, and hard work, have achieved great success abroad. I personally feel proud of their achievements and these moments are equally a matter of pride for all Punjabis,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Welcoming the guests, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Government of Punjab feels honored to host you all. Punjab is the sacred land of great Gurus, saints, and spiritual leaders. The state is known as the land of brave and hardworking people. Our soldiers safeguard the borders, while our farmers ensure the nation’s food security. Therefore, Punjab is proudly known as the ‘Food Bowl and Sword Arm of India’.”

Highlighting the social fabric of the state, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab is a peaceful state where harmony, mutual respect, and brotherhood are so strong that hatred cannot germinate. Punjabis have always set a beautiful example of communal harmony before the world. The holy city of Amritsar is known as a symbol of universal brotherhood, where sacred sites such as Sri Harmandir Sahib, Durgiana Temple, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, and Jallianwala Bagh are located.”

Speaking about the significance of the legal forum, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “India International Disputes Week is a platform that brings together judges, senior lawyers, law firms, young lawyers, intellectuals, and institutions from across the world. Over the course of five days, discussions will be held on various important legal subjects including Domestic Violence, Financial Crime, Public Interest Litigation, Environmental Law, Media Regulation, Mediation Strategy, Cross-Border Settlements, and other key topics. I hope that this initiative will also prove beneficial and meaningful for the common people.”

Highlighting the efforts of the Punjab Government to strengthen the justice delivery system, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “To strengthen the justice delivery system and ensure timely justice for citizens, 159 Law Officers have been recruited since 2022. To make government laws and rules accessible to the public, 53 Acts of various departments of the Punjab Government have been translated into Punjabi and uploaded on the Indian Code Portal of the Government of India. A Special Court has also been established in Mohali under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act.”

He further said, “Six Special NRI Courts have been established in the districts of Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Moga, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. Fast Track Special Courts have been set up in Sangrur and Tarn Taran. Since 2023, an amount of ₹48.82 crore has been spent on improving the infrastructure of courts across Punjab. The Punjab Government is making strenuous efforts to ensure that justice is accessible to all people, especially those from weaker and underprivileged sections of society.”

On the occasion, Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Dr Balbir Singh, Dr Ravjot Singh, Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Barinder Goyal, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and others were also present.

Chandigarh: Hailing the Budget presented by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema as progressive, visionary and people-centric, Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management and Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian today said that the financial roadmap will significantly strengthen drinking water infrastructure and transparent governance across the state.

Listing the initiatives of the Water Supply and Sanitation Department, the Cabinet Minister said the government has proposed a budgetary outlay of Rs.1487 crore in FY 2026-27 to further expand access to safe drinking water and improve sanitation services across Punjab.

He said the government will focus on completing and commissioning 11 major surface water projects, which will ensure the supply of clean drinking water to 1230 quality-affected and water-stressed villages. These projects will play a key role in addressing long-standing water quality challenges and ensuring reliable drinking water supply in rural areas, he added.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian further informed that drinking water mitigation works will also be undertaken in 125 habitations, while new projects will be launched in 88 uranium-affected areas to tackle serious contamination issues and safeguard public health.

The Cabinet Minister said the government will also launch the “Nal Jal Mitra” drive, under which one trained individual in every Gram Panchayat will support the operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems, thereby strengthening community-level participation and improving service delivery.

Welcoming the budgetary proposals related to the Revenue and Rehabilitation department, the Cabinet Minister said that the government’s decision to establish a new administrative complex at Sri Anandpur Sahib to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, would be a revered initiative of the state government. The Cabinet Minister further informed that the government would design this administrative complex in heritage architectural style, which will bring key government offices under one roof, streamline administrative functioning and enhance public service delivery while preserving the historical and spiritual identity of the holy city.

Highlighting further initiatives of revenue department, Hardeep Singh Mundian said the government has taken several transformative steps to make land and property services transparent, technology-driven and citizen-centric.

He said Punjab has become the first state in the country to introduce the “Easy Jamabandi” initiative, which allows citizens to access land records, apply for mutations, request Rapat entries and obtain Fard Badar services through an online portal or even via WhatsApp with doorstep assistance from Sewa Sahayaks.

The Minister further said the “Easy Registry” project has simplified property registration procedures by introducing simplified deed formats and enabling district-wide registration choice with real-time updates for citizens. As many as 6.17 lakh documents have already been registered under this initiative, reflecting its wide acceptance and its role in curbing corruption at Sub-Registrar offices.

Referring to disaster management efforts, the Minister said the government demonstrated swift and systematic response during the devastating floods witnessed last year. During FY 2025-26, the government released Rs.1,010 crore for comprehensive disaster relief and mitigation, which included compensation for crop loss, damage to houses and livestock besides critical investments under the State Mitigation Fund.

He said Punjab has also introduced India’s first fully digital Flood Relief System, enabling geo-tagged surveys and real-time monitoring to ensure direct online transfer of relief funds to beneficiaries without intermediaries. The initiative has significantly reduced delays, enabling flood-affected families to receive financial assistance within a few months whereas earlier such relief often took six months to a year.

CHANDIGARH, March 8:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 47th day, Punjab Police on Sunday conducted 477 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

          As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 47, Police teams arrested 147 individuals and recovered two weapons from their possession, taking the total arrests to 13,355 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 77 persons, whereas, 80 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested nine proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

          People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 372nd day with 88 drug smugglers arrested on Sunday and recovered 1.2 kg heroin, 155 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 50,150 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 52,687 in just 372 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 17 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.