Chandigarh, September 24:

Extending a helping hand to the flood ravaged people of Punjab in their hour of need, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has decided to contribute one day’s salary amounting to Rs. 41 Lakh towards the Chief Minister Relief Fund as part of its humanitarian duty.

The officers comprising the Director, Controller Finance & Accounts, Additional Director, Joint Director, Deputy Director, Assistant Director/District Controller, Assistant Controller/Accounts Officer, Food and Civil Supplies Officer, Assistant Food and Civil Supplies Officer and the Inspectors have decided to contribute towards the fund.

A copy of the consent letter of the employees of the department written in this regard to the Director (Treasury) was today handed over to the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann by the Minister Incharge of the department Lal Chand Kataruchak.

Chandigarh, September 24-

Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Verka, the flagship brand of Punjab’s Milkfed cooperative, on Wednesday announced the launch of its latest innovation Verka High Protein Probiotic Curd.

Unveiling the product, Chairman of Punjab Milkfed Mr. Narinder Singh Shergill said that the product is a unique combination of high protein and probiotic goodness at an affordable price. He said that under the able guidance of the Chief Minister, Punjab’s cooperative sector is taking significant strides in innovation and consumer welfare. Mr. Shergill further said that priced at just Rs. 55 for a 350g cup, Verka’s High Protein Probiotic Curd delivers 22 grams of protein per pack along with a scientifically formulated probiotic blend.

The Chairman said that this product supports muscle growth, digestion, and immunity adding that with superior protein bioavailability and enhanced gut health benefits compared to plant-based alternatives, the product is aimed at health-conscious consumers, youth, and athletes. He further underscored the commitment of the Chief Minister to make quality nutrition accessible and affordable for all sections of society. Mr. Shergill said that Verka continues to empower more than 3 lakh dairy farmers across Punjab while offering consumers pure, trusted, and innovative dairy products through its robust distribution network.

With this launch, the Chairman said that Verka further strengthens its position as a farmer-focused and consumer-trusted brand, setting new benchmarks for functional and health-driven dairy products in India. Looking ahead, Mr. Shergill said that Verka is preparing to expand its health-oriented portfolio with upcoming launches such as High-Protein Milk, High Protein–Low Calorie Flavoured Milk, High Protein Yogurts, High Protein Probiotic Lassi. Likewise, he said that a low-sugar range of ice creams, sweets, other functional dairy products and others will also be launched for the people.

The Chairman noted that curd is naturally rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, and that Verka’s new formulation helps maintain a healthy balance of digestive bacteria, thereby enhancing gut health. He reaffirmed Milkfed’s mission of delivering safe, nutritious, and quality products at the most affordable prices in the industry. Mr. Shegill said that the High Protein Probiotic Curd will initially be available through select outlets and quick commerce platforms, followed by a phased rollout across the open market.

The Chairman said that the state is making steady progress toward a healthier and more prosperous future under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision, introducing probiotic dairy products and increasing annual milk procurement from 18 to 19 lakh liters, benefiting nearly three lakh farmers through cooperative societies. Major investments totaling over ₹700 crore are strengthening dairy infrastructure across the state, while back-to-back ₹100 crore allocations have boosted farmer and sector support. Despite recent floods, uninterrupted milk collection and swift relief—over 10,000 kits and planned subsidized feed for animals—demonstrate government resolve, unity and commitment, guided by AAP’s National Supremo Mr. Arvind Kejriwal to serving Punjab’s well-being and growth in every circumstance.

On the occasion Managing Director, Milkfed Mr. Rahul Gupta and Additional RCS Senu Duggal were also present.

Chandigarh, September 24:

The Punjab Cabinet led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday gave nod to several key initiatives to boost industry and commerce in the state to further put its economy on the path of high growth trajectory.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the Council Of Ministers held here today under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet gave approval to introduce Punjab One Time Settlement Scheme for Recovery of Outstanding Dues, 2025 to reduce the compliance burden of legacy cases and will enable trade and industry to enhance their compliance. The Punjab One Time Settlement Scheme for Recovery of Outstanding Dues, 2025 will be implemented from October 1, 2025 and shall remain valid till December 12, 2025. The taxpayers whose assessments have been framed till September 30, 2025, and all the rectification /revision/ amendment of assessment orders have been passed by the Department till September 30th, 2025 under the relevant Act(s) namely Punjab General Sales Tax Act, 1948, Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, Punjab Infrastructure Development and Regulation Act, 2002 and Punjab VAT Act, 2005, The Punjab Entertainment Duty Act, 1955 and The Punjab Entertainment Tax Cinematography Shows Act, 1954, shall be eligible to apply for settlement under this Scheme.

Under the OTS scheme, 100% waiver on interest, 100% waiver on penalty and 50% waiver on tax amount is being given in cases where the tax due amount is up to Rs. 1 Crore and 100% waiver on interest 100% waiver on penalty and 25% waiver on tax amount is being given in cases where the tax due amount is more than Rs 1 Crore up to Rs 25 Crore. Over and above the tax amount of Rs 25 Crore, 100% waiver on interest, 100% waiver on penalty and 10% waiver on tax amount is being given.

APPROVES OTS FOR RICE MILLERS

The Cabinet also approved to introduce One Time Settlement (OTS) Policy for Rice Mills 2025 as each miller is bound to settle its account with each State Procurement Agency after the milling period is over so that such miller may be considered for the allotment of paddy for custom milling of the next year. Some rice mills over the years have not deposited their outstanding dues due to which these millers have been declared defaulter and legal/arbitration proceedings have been initiated against such millers. Such proceedings have been pending with various Courts/Legal forums since the last many years.

The new OTS has been introduced to minimize the litigation cases of all the agencies, settlement of the cases under the policy so that sick rice units are functional again and revival of industrial units to create more employment opportunities in the State. Likewise, it will also act as a catalyst for smoother and expedite lifting of the paddy from the mandis during the KMS’s to benefit the farmers.

APPROVAL TO AMEND THE PUNJAB APARTMENT AND PROPERTY REGULATION ACT, 1995 FOR PLANNED GROWTH

The Cabinet also gave its consent to amend Section 5(1), 5(3) (ii) and Section 5(8) of the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act, 1995. This will ensure the development of colonies/areas in a proper and planned manner thereby mitigating the problems faced by the general public

CONCURRENCE TO AMEND PUNJAB GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (AMENDMENT BILL) 2025

The Cabinet also gave its concurrence to amend Punjab Goods and Services Tax (Amendment Bill) 2025 in order to facilitate taxpayers and to ensure tax compliance by the taxpayers. Pertinently Finance Act, 2025 has amended the provisions of Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 as per the recommendation of GST Council. Similar amendments have to be carried out in the Punjab Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.

GREEN SIGNAL TO CONSTITUTE EXCLUSIVE NIA COURT AT MOHALI

The Cabinet also gave its consent to constitute an exclusive Special Court at SAS Nagar, Mohali Punjab for NIA cases to avoid delays in their trials. One post of District and Sessions Judge/ Additional District and Session Judge level for constitution of Executive Special Court at Mohali will be created for investigation of cases under Section 22 of the NIA Act at SAS Nagar, Mohali in Punjab. Apart from NIA this court will also be mandated to hear cases from ED, CBI, and other special cases.

RECOMMENDS PROSECUTION SANCTION AGAINST DHARMSOT

The Cabinet also gave approval to recommendation of prosecution sanction against former Minister Sadhu Singh Dharmsot u/s 197 (1) of Code of Criminal Procedure (Section 218 of BNSS 2023) and u/s 19 of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 as amended by P.C (Amendment) Act 2018 and u/s 197 of Code of Criminal Procedure.

Chandigarh, September 24 :

Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to maintai law and order, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday directed Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against crime and criminal elements.

Chairing a virtual meeting with the CPs and SSPs today, the Chief Minister emphasized that, in view of the upcoming festive season, it is imperative to ensure comprehensive arrangements for maintaining law and order, public safety, and the smooth conduct of events. He noted that the festive season often sees increased activity by miscreants, potential stampedes due to overcrowding, incidents of theft and snatching, and attempts by anti-social or anti-national elements to exploit the situation. To address these challenges, Bhagwant Singh Mann called for proactive and coordinated measures at all levels to ensure the safety and security of citizens.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for uninterrupted traffic flow, effective crowd management, and adequate arrangements for fire safety, medical emergencies, disaster preparedness, and other contingencies. Expressing concern over recent reports of social tension from certain areas, he urged the public to uphold the ethos of communal harmony and brotherhood. Bhagwant Singh Mann cautioned  residents against being misled by misrepresented information and directed CPs and SSPs to engage with representatives of various  organizations to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain communal peace across the state.

The Chief Minister also flagged the rising concern over radical and inflammatory content circulating on social media platforms. He said such content, often aimed at provoking communal or political tensions, poses a serious threat to public order. Bhagwant Singh Mann called for robust monitoring of social media at the CP and SSP levels, with all such content to be immediately referred to cybercrime units for strict action against those responsible for posting or sharing material that could disturb peace.

The Chief Minister further emphasized the importance of community policing and urged police officials to resolve petty issues at the SHO level. A sustained campaign, he said, must be launched to promote peace and brotherhood throughout the state. This approach, Bhagwant Singh Mann added, will reduce unnecessary litigation and allow the police to focus on their core responsibilities adding that for this institutional mechanism should be framed by the civil and Police administration.

The Chief Minister also lauded the Punjab Police for its continued efforts in the war against drugs under the “Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh” campaign, as well as its strong action against gangsters. He noted that, as a border state, Punjab faces persistent threats from forces inimical to its peace, progress, and prosperity, and urged the police to remain vigilant. Highlighting the police force’s proud legacy, Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed confidence that they would continue to uphold their tradition of effectively dealing with anti-national elements.

On the occasion, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and other senior officials were also present.

Chandigarh, September 24:

In a humanitarian move, the Punjab government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has decided to provide two lakh quintal wheat seeds free of cost to the farmers who have lost their crop in around five lakh acres of land during the recent floods.

Divulging the details, the Chief Minister said that the food growers of the state have suffered a whopping loss during the recent floods adding that these two lakh quintal seeds worth Rs 74 crore will be provided free of cost to them. He said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had played a key role in making the country self-sufficient in food production. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is fully with the farmers in this hour of crisis and no stone will be left unturned to bail them out.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will provide free seeds of wheat to these farmers for the upcoming Rabi crop. He said that this is a humble effort by the state government to mitigate the woes faced by the farmers due to the devastation caused by the floods. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the destruction caused by these floods is unimaginable and unprecedented as Punjab had never seen such damage before.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that the floods have submerged over 2,300 villages, affected more than 2 million people, and destroyed crops across five lakh acres of land. Tragically, he said that 56 lives were lost, and around seven lakh people were rendered homeless adding that 3,200 government schools were damaged, 19 colleges reduced to rubble, 1,400 clinics and hospitals were ruined, 8,500 kilometers of roads were destroyed, and 2,500 bridges collapsed. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per initial estimates, the total damage amounts to approximately Rs 13,800 crore, though the actual figure can be even higher.

Chandigarh

After nearly two decades of political decline and internal strife, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), which has just two MLAs in the current 90-member Haryana Assembly, is making a determined attempt to revive itself by organising a ‘Samman Diwas Samaroh’ rally in Rohtak on the birth anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal on Wednesday. 

Once a dominant force in State politics under the leadership of Om Prakash Chautala, the INLD has been out of power in Haryana since 2005. INLD is eyeing to make footprints in the party’s traditional Jat vote bank especially in the old Rohtak region (comprising Rohtak, Sonepat and Jhajjar) , which supported Congress led by former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in the past Assembly elections.

This is the first big event being held by the Chautala family since the death of former Haryana Chief Minister and Devi Lal’s son Om Prakash Chautala in December 2024. INLD ruled the state thrice from 1977 to 1979, 1987 to 1990, and 1999 to 2005.

Being out of power for around two decades and hit by a revolt by  Ajay Chautala’s family which led to a slit in the party and and formation of the JJP in 2018, the INLD has been pushed to political oblivion in the State over the years with two MLAs in 2024 and a lone MLA in the 2019 Assembly elections. Through this rally, INLD, under the leadership of its senior leader Abhay Chautala, is poised for a major comeback and reclaim its former prominence in Haryana’s political arena.

There has been a blow hot and cold political relationship between the Chautala family and people of Rohtak, known as the political capital of Haryana for the past five decades. Chautala’s renewed focus on Rohtak is seen as a strategic attempt to tap into the reported ‘disappointment’ among the people of Rohtak—especially Jats—who had pinned hopes on senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda in the last many Assembly polls.

Until the BJP emerged as a force in Haryana in 2014, the traditional rivalry had been between the Congress and the INLD, with Jats historically siding with the latter during the leadership of Devi Lal, who got elected from the Meham Assembly segment in 1987 and as MP from Rohtak in 1989. But he lost three successive Lok Sabha elections from Rohtak to Hooda—in 1991, 1996, and 1998.

Now, the entire focus to make the rally a success and bring the party’s performance on track has shifted to Abhay Chautala, former Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Haryana assembly. After a vertical split in the Chautala clan in 2018, the INLD failed to open its account in Lok Sabha polls in 2019 and 2024 while its tally stood at one and two in 2019 and 2024 assembly polls respectively. The party’s face Abhay Singh also lost from his strong yard Ellenabad in last year assembly polls.

Talking to Reporters, Abhay Chautala said that old Rohtak (comprising Rohtak, Sonepat and Jhajjar) has always blessed Choudhary Devi Lal and OP Chautala and his family has emotional connection with the people of this region. “The wind of change has blown and people of old Rohtak are coming back to their traditional fold INLD. This rally will break all records in terms of gathering and we have expanded the tent size. It is very tough for me to lead the rally in Chautala sahab’s absence,” he added. 

He further said that the party workers have vowed to revive the INLD by reconnecting with grassroots workers and reaching out to leaders who were once close to Om Prakash Chautala. “All our workers have returned to the INLD. The JJP is finished. Even some of their office-bearers have joined us,” Chautala added.

Moreover, the INLD’s political journey has been on a steady decline since the 2009 assembly elections. In 2009, the party won 31 seats in the 90-member Haryana assembly, positioning itself as the main opposition. However, in 2014, it secured only 19 seats as the BJP surged to power with 47 seats. In 2018, a major split occurred within the party when Dushyant Chautala, grandson of Om Prakash Chautala, broke away to form the Jannayak Janata Party following a family feud. The JJP went on to align with the BJP after the 2019 assembly elections, securing a role in the state government. The INLD and JJP are not just political parties but with them attached is former deputy PM Devi Lal’s political legacy. The 2024 assembly elections were another disappointment for the INLD, as the party failed to make any significant gains and could win just two seats—Abhay’s son, Arjun Chautala, won from Rania and his cousin, Aditya Devilal, from Dabwali.

Political observers opined that the year 2025 is not 2005. During these 20 years, several prominent party leaders have quit the INLD, and many of these are now politically well settled in other parties. The split in the INLD in 2018 had further weakened the party. The political base of the INLD has already shifted to other parties like Congress and BJP, particularly in its stronghold districts like Sirsa, Hisar, Jind, Bhiwani, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Nuh and Yamunanagar. In the previous Assembly election, the JJP is believed to have paid a price for Dushyant staying on with the BJP at the height of the farmers’ agitation in 2020 against three laws passed by the Centre. Abhay Chautala, on the other hand, resigned as an MLA in protest against the laws, earning the goodwill of the agrarian communities, they added.

Chandigarh, September 22:

In a major gift to the residents of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday announced to begin the process for Registration of people under the ambitious Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna aimed at giving comprehensive healthcare to the people by offering cashless treatment worth Rs 10 lakh.

Interacting with the media persons here today the Chief Minister said that the registration for this ambitious scheme to provide Rs 10 lakh cashless treatment to the people will begin in two districts of Barnala and Tarn Taran from Tuesday (September 23). He said that the process for registration will be launched as a pilot project and will be completed in 10-12 days for which camps will be organized in around 128 places in each of these districts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a historic and first of its kind scheme launched for the welfare of the people in the state.

The Chief Minister said that all the people in these districts can apply for the Chief Minister’s Health Card and during the camps no one has to travel far from home to register for the card. He said that before the camps are organized, the entire area will be informed through public announcements to ensure everyone knows about the camps. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the applicants only need to bring their Aadhaar card, Voter ID, and a passport-size photo to the camp and no other documents will be required.

The Chief Minister said that within 10-12 days, the registration for the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna will be completed for everyone in these districts. He said that based on the feedback, if any improvements are needed in the process, they will be duly incorporated. Subsequently, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that then the registration for this scheme will begin across Punjab and once it is completed throughout the state, it will be officially launched.

The Chief Minister said that every Punjabi will be able to benefit from Rs 10 lakhs of health insurance using the Chief Minister’s Health Card allowing everyone to access free, cashless treatment. He said that Government employees, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi workers will also be included in the scheme. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every family will receive ₹10 lakhs of health insurance, there will be no limit on the number of family members, every citizen will receive the Chief Minister’s Health Card, enabling cashless treatment, treatment will be available in all government and empanelled private hospitals.

The Chief Minister said that over 2,000 health procedures and surgeries will be included in the scheme and Punjab is the first state in the country to offer health coverage of up to ₹10 lakhs. He envisioned that this historic initiative of Punjab will set an example for the entire nation to provide universal healthcare to all the residents of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that like free power this facility will also be available to all the residents of the state adding that the promise of excellent healthcare made to the people is being fulfilled today.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister said that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened in the last three years to impart quality health services to people and the number of these clinics will soon cross 1,000. He said that the availability of medicines in government hospitals has increased from 30% to nearly 100% and the number of people benefiting from primary government health services has increased from 34 lakh to 1.08 crore. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab will be the first state in the country to offer free Universal Health Insurance up to Rs 10 lakhs.

The Chief Minister said that the Union government is habitual of eating its own words everytime after the scheme launched by them fails miserably. Citing an example, he said that GST was raised with a big bang but now has been rolled back with the same speed adding that if GST was beneficial at that time why it has been taken back now. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that before taking any action on GST, the centre must give back the legitimate share of the states, pending with them, back to the states.

Urging the BJP leaders to refrain from politicizing the issue of floods, the Chief Minister dared state BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar to do his homework before issuing any statement. He said that these rejected leaders spit venom against him just to appease their political bosses adding that the statements issued by these leaders are in fact dictated from their high command. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders should better check their facts before issuing any statement on the sensitive issues.

The Chief Minister said that a Medical College will be constructed at Sangrur to impart quality health services to the people for which the state government will identify some other land. Slamming the SGPC for denying land for construction of the college, he bemoaned that the SGPC was merely a puppet in the hand of Badal family and all its actions are dictated by them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that SGPC would have certainly given the land if the Badal family had desired to construct a college.

Reiterating that no ration card in the state will be deleted, the Chief Minister said that they have sought six month’s time from the Union government in wake of the recent floods to verify these cards. He assailed the rationale being used to delete ration cards, which includes ownership of four-wheelers, government jobs, small landholdings, and income. Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out the absurdity of penalizing entire families when just one member may fulfill one of these criteria.

Chandigarh, September 22:

Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today informed that the flood situation in the State continues to stabilise as more affected families are returning to their homes.

He said that while 219 relief camps were opened across Punjab, currently only 13 camps remain active, that too only in Gurdaspur, sheltering just 10 inmates. Notably, 25 active camps with 163 inmates were reported a day earlier.

The Revenue Minister said that districts like Fazilka and Jalandhar, which had 50 and 103 inmates respectively in the relief camps yesterday, have reported nil camps and inmates today.

He further stated that since August 1, as many as 23,340 individuals have been evacuated to safety, reflecting the extensive evacuation operations carried out by the administration.

The Cabinet Minister said that floods have impacted 22 districts and 2555 villages, affecting a population of 3,89,445. A total 57 human lives have been lost and 4 persons remain missing since August 1. He said that crop damage across the State has been assessed at 1,99,926.2 hectares.

Chandigarh, September 22 – The Haryana Government has decided to observe September 23 as ‘Haryana Veer and Shaheedi Diwas’ across the state. On this occasion, public gatherings, ceremonies, seminars, and other events will be organized in all districts to pay tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, in a letter addressed to all Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, has directed that families of martyrs and recipients of gallantry awards in wars be honoured with mementos during the programme. Freedom fighters and Kargil War heroes should also be respectfully invited to the ceremonies.