Chandigarh, January 17:*

With the objective of fast tracking potash exploration in the State and addressing India’s heavy reliance on imported Potash, Punjab Government has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic mineral resources critical for agriculture. The high level review meeting was convened to take stock of progress identify future priorities and firm up timelines for exploration across key potash bearing regions of Punjab.

Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal chaired the meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat here with senior officers of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) which included Deputy Director General (Punjab Himachal and Haryana) Smt. Shrimati Gupta, Directors Smt. Sushree Mishra and Smt. Aprajeeta Bhatacharji and officers of the Department of Mines and Geology Punjab Chief Engineer S. Hardeep Singh Mehndiratta and Assistant Geologist Sh. Paras Mahajan.

The meeting reviewed the status of completed exploration blocks ongoing drilling activities during Field Season 2025-26 and proposed reconnaissance and preliminary exploration programmes for Field Season 2026-27 with special focus on Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts where significant potash potential has been identified.

Briefing the Minister, the GSI informed that G4 stage exploration has been completed in Qabarwala Block and Shergarh-Dalmirkhera Block, with geological memorandums already handed over to the State Government. Following State consent, an amalgamated Shergarh-Sherawala-Ramsara-Dalmirkhera block has been put to auction for Composite Licence in the sixth tranche by the Ministry of Mines, with results awaited. It was further shared that drilling is underway in Rajpura-Rajawali Block and Gidranwali-Azimgarh Block at six sites, of which five have been completed and final reports are expected by April after chemical analysis.

For the upcoming Field Season 2026-27, GSI proposed reconnaissance surveys in Kera-Khera Block and Saiyadwala Block of Fazilka district, along with preliminary exploration in Kandhwala-Ramsra Block, covering fifteen drilling sites.

Responding to the Minister’s query on full basin coverage, the officers of the GSI informed that the entire evaporite basin of Punjab is being surveyed through geophysical methods and an area of about fifty square kilometre has already been identified for detailed exploration, for which Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited will submit a project to the Ministry.

Appreciating the sustained and scientific efforts, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal directed that all ongoing drilling and mapping work during Field Season 2025-26 be expedited and proposed blocks for 2026-27 be completed strictly on schedule. He also directed monthly review meetings between the Department of Mines and Geology Punjab and GSI to ensure close monitoring and timely handover of additional promising blocks, besides planning future feasibility studies for mining.

Highlighting the larger public interest, the Minister said, “Potash is a critical input for agriculture and today India imports nearly 99 percent of its requirement. Any success in potash exploration and future production in Punjab will directly benefit our farmers, strengthen national food security and give a major push to the State and national economy. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is fully committed to supporting every scientific effort that helps the country move towards self-reliance in this vital mineral.”

Chandigarh/Malerkotla, January 17

The sacrifices of the Namdhari sect for the cause of India’s freedom, protection of faith and upholding of human values will remain etched in golden letters in the annals of Indian history, said Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, while addressing the state level martyrdom function organised at the Namdhari Shaheedi Memorial, Malerkotla, in memory of 66 Namdhari martyrs.

The Cabinet Minister said that the Namdhari sect stands as a living example of simplicity, truthfulness, humility and sacrifice. He said the path shown by Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji gave a new direction to the country’s freedom movement. He added that history bears testimony to the fact that the spark of awareness against British rule rose from this sacred land of Malerkotla.

He said, the valour and sacrifice of the 66 Namdhari martyr Singhs were not limited to any one religious sect but formed the foundation of the national struggle for independence. These sacrifices continue to serve as a source of inspiration for the present generation to move forward on the path of truth, integrity and service to the nation.

The Cabinet Minister said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government will fulfil every directive and service entrusted to it with humility and commitment. He urged the sangat to follow the path shown by the Gurus and the Namdhari sect and to contribute meaningfully towards rebuilding a Rangla Punjab.

The function was organised under the patronage of Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji, during which MLA Amargarh Prof. Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra and Namdhari Surinder Singh also addressed the gathering. The sangat paid floral tributes to the 66 Namdhari martyrs and took pledge to follow the path shown by them.

Prominent amongst others who were present included MLA Dr. Jameel Ur Rahman, MLA Samrala Jagtar Singh Dialpura, Deputy Commissioner Viraj S. Tirkey, SSP Gagan Ajit Singh, ADC Navreet Kaur Sekhon, SP Satpal Sharma and SDM Gurmeet Kumar Bansal.

NEW DELHI, 17th January 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced a major relief for farmers in Punjab’s border belt after the Central Government agreed in principle to shift the Border Security Fence closer to the International Border, a move that will clear the way for unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres of farmland currently trapped beyond the fencing.

Calling on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, the Chief Minister said farmers have long been forced to cross the fence with identity cards and under BSF escort to reach their own fields, facing daily hardship and uncertainty along the 532 km India Pakistan border where fencing lies deep inside Punjab’s territory. He said the Home Minister informed him during the meeting that the issue is under active consideration and that the fencing will be shifted towards the border, bringing Punjab’s land back on the accessible side without compromising national security.

Alongside the border issue, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also raised a series of long pending concerns, including Punjab’s objections to the proposed Seeds Bill 2025, the unresolved Sutlej Yamuna Link dispute (SYL), slow movement of foodgrains by the FCI, freezing of Arthia Commission, non payment of Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Mandi Fund, and the dilution of Punjab’s role in Chandigarh’s administration, seeking prompt and time bound resolution of these matters.

Raising serious objections to the proposed Seeds Bill 2025, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab is an agrarian state and one of the largest grain producing states of the country, yet the draft Seed Bill does not assure representation of the state as per schedule under the relevant section. The zone based system introduced in the Bill does not guarantee Punjab’s representation in the Central Seed Committee, unlike the existing system, thereby limiting the state’s voice in decisions that directly affect the seed sector.”

The Punjab CM added, “The proposed Bill also curtails the existing powers of the State Seed Committee, as there is no role envisaged for the state level committee in seed registration, and the draft is silent on a robust compensation framework for farmers who suffer losses when registered seed fails to perform as claimed.”

The Chief Minister further pointed out that seed varieties tested and released in foreign countries have been allowed for import and sale in Punjab and other states without compulsory multi location testing under state specific agro climatic conditions, posing serious risks to farmers. He conveyed that agriculture is Punjab’s lifeline, where farmers grow crops, sell part of the produce and retain seeds for the next season, and forcing farmers to depend entirely on companies for seeds is neither practical nor in farmers’ interest. He urged that the Bill should not be brought before Parliament in its present form, and was assured by the Union Home Minister that the concerns would be examined.

Reiterating Punjab’s long standing position on river waters, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab has no surplus water to share with any other state. There has been a substantial reduction in the availability of Satlej, Ravi and Beas waters, and therefore construction of the Satlej Yamuna Link canal is not viable.”

He noted that out of 34.34 Mean Annual Flow (MAF) of water from these rivers, Punjab was allocated only 14.22 MAF, about 40 percent, while the remaining 60 percent was allocated to Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan, even though none of these rivers actually flow through those states. “This is a gross injustice with Punjab, and there is absolutely no question of constructing this canal as it is totally against the interests of the state and its people,” he asserted, adding that Punjab’s stand before the Supreme Court remains firm that there is no water to spare.

Highlighting the problem of foodgrain movement and storage, the Chief Minister said, “For the last five months, FCI has been moving only about 4 to 5 Lakh Metric Tonnes of wheat and 5 to 6 LMT of rice from Punjab. Against 95 LMT of pending rice of Kharif Marketing Season 2025-26 to be delivered, only 20 LMT of storage space is currently available.”

He stressed that to ensure timely delivery of custom milled rice of KMS 2025-26 and availability of space for wheat during RMS 2026-27 commencing from April 1, 2026, a minimum monthly movement of 20 LMT of foodgrains, 10 LMT each of wheat and rice, is required. He also urged deployment of special trains to clear stocks, noting that Punjab contributes around 125 LMT of wheat to the national pool and proper storage is essential for national food security.

On the issue of Arthia Commission, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Arthia Commission has been frozen since the 2019-20 procurement season, contrary to the provisions of The Punjab Agriculture Produce and Marketing Act 1961, and is currently capped at ₹46 per quintal for wheat and ₹45.88 per quintal for paddy.”

He pointed out that the commission at silos has been reduced to half of that in regular mandis and that the committee constituted in January 2024 to revise the commission has not taken a decision so far. “Arthias are not agents, they provide essential services, and they deserve their rightful share. Delay in revising the commission can disrupt the smooth procurement process, and the rates should be finalised at the earliest,” he said.

Flagging the non-payment of statutory dues, the Chief Minister said, “Despite clear statutory provisions under the relevant Punjab Acts, RDF has not been reimbursed to the state government. Even after amending the Punjab Rural Development Act in compliance with Government of India instructions, RDF has not been released since KMS 2021-22.”

He pointed out that ₹9030.91 crore of RDF and ₹2267.83 crore of Market Fees are pending, severely impacting rural infrastructure development including roads and mandis. “RDF is not a charity. It is Punjab’s rightful share, and we are demanding our due,” he said, adding that the Union Home Minister assured him that a priority meeting would be convened to consider release of the first instalment.

Raising administrative concerns, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that maintaining the long standing 60:40 ratio of Punjab and Haryana officers in the Union Territory of Chandigarh is the need of the hour. He expressed concern over IAS and PCS officers being excluded from key positions and the opening of crucial departments such as Excise, Education, Finance and Health to other cadres, which dilutes Punjab’s role in the UT administration. He said the Union Home Minister assured him that the existing ratio would be maintained.

The Chief Minister also took up the issue of appointing a Punjab cadre officer as General Manager, FCI Punjab, saying that Punjab cadre officers possess critical familiarity with procurement, mandis, storage and movement of foodgrains. He pointed out that historically, regular appointments to this post have been from the Punjab cadre, with officers from other cadres holding only temporary charge, and urged that this convention be followed in the interest of efficiency and national food security.

On border areas, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Along the 532 km India Pakistan border, fencing is located deep inside Punjab’s territory. As per international norms, construction should be beyond 150 meters of the Zero Line, but in several areas of Punjab, the Border Security Fence is located two to three kilometres inside.”

He said that thousands of acres of agricultural land lie beyond the fence, forcing farmers to show identity cards and cultivate their fields under BSF escort every day. “If the fence is realigned closer to the International Border, large tracts of Indian land will come this side of the fence, allowing farmers to cultivate without fear and daily restrictions, without compromising national security,” he said, adding that the Union Home Minister informed him that the issue is under active consideration and that similar realignment has already been tried in Pathankot.

CHANDIGARH, January 17:

          In a relentless pursuit to eradicate the drug menace from Punjab as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Saturday conducted a statewide Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at identified drug Hotspots— the points of sale of drugs and psychotropic substances— across the state as part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh, marking the 322nd day of the intensified anti-drug campaign.

          The CASO was conducted simultaneously from 11 am to 2 pm in all 28 Police districts of the state on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, and Spl DGP/ADGP/IGP/DIG rank officers from Punjab Police Headquarters, Chandigarh were deputed various districts to personally supervise the operation.

          During the daylong operation, police teams have conducted raids at 831 drug hotspots across the state leading to registration of 200  first information reports (FIRs) and arrest of 227 drug smugglers. Police teams have also recovered 745 grams heroin, 1.2 kg opium, 550 grams Ganja, 4935 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 8750 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who visited Mohali to personally oversee the operation at drug hotspots, said that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched on March 1, 2025, has resulted in arrest of 45,028 drug smugglers after registration of 31,370 first information reports (FIRs) across the state and led to recovery of 1961 kg heroin, 607 kg opium, 27.5 quintals poppy husk, 47.57 lakh intoxicant tablets/capsules, 28 kg ICE and Rs 15.4 crores drug money from the possession of drug smugglers.

          Apart from arresting over 45000 drug smugglers, the Special DGP said that the Punjab Police has also facilitated the admission of more than 90,000 affected individuals into de-addiction or OOAT centres across the state as part of the prevention. Pertinently, the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state.

          He informed that the ‘Safe Punjab’ Anti-Drug WhatsApp Chatbot— 97791-00200— launched by the Punjab Government has received an overwhelming response with over 11,591 first information reports (FIRs) registered following the tips from general public. He also exhorted more people to make maximum use of Safe Punjab helpline, which allows to citizens to report drug related activities anonymously.

          Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

Chandigarh, 16 January 2026:

In order to curb the menace of adulteration across the Punjab,

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan said we are going to run awareness campaign in schools through seminars and functions by showing quality checking of sub standard or adulterated products such as milk, cheese, ghee and milk products. He added that this campaign will be commenced from Kotkapura district Faridkot.

He informed that common people will also be  invited to see the way of checking of adulterated products so that they can check the quality of products at their own level. He wants the support of Punjabis in this  campaign so that Punjab Government can help in maintaining good health to the people of Punjab.

He highlighted that Punjab Government will leave no stone unturned to eradicate the menace of adulteration. Our government motive is crystal clear that we want to provide quality education and good health to the people of Punjab. Adulteration is serious risk for people of Punjab. Speaker desired that we want to see our Punjab healthier and happiest.

He stressed that strict action will be taken against those who found involved in adulteration and no one will be spared inspite of personal relations and kinship.

Chandigarh 16 January 2026:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that the decision of the Central Government to cancel the MBBS accreditation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Jammu and Kashmir is not only an injustice to the future of the students, but also a dangerous example of linking education with religion and politics. Admissions to this medical college were made in a completely legal and transparent manner as per the merit of a central examination NEET, which had also been accepted by the National Medical Commission itself.

Speaker stressed that it is not fair and justice to cancel the MBBS accreditation only on the basis that students belong to a particular religion after conducting the inspection of the institution. If the institution had such major flaws, then on what grounds the accreditation was granted just four months ago? It is the responsibility of the National Medical Commission to answer this.

Speaker highlighted that agitation for the closure of educational institution and celebration over the cancellation of accreditation is a sign of social decline. The purpose of education is to dispel the darkness of ignorance, not to deepen hatred and division.  Closing a professional institution like a medical college without giving it a chance for reform is neither good nor in line with the constitutional spirit.

Speaker earnestly demanded that this decision be reviewed immediately, ensuring that the interests of students are protected and that education is kept away from religious or political agendas.

Chandigarh 16 January 2026:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that Basmati rice exporters are in distress and their shipments worth ₹2,000+ crore stuck and payments stalled due to growing uncertainty in Iran. Mandi prices have also been crashed amid Iran trade disruption.

He requested the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi that his urgent intervention is needed to protect farmers, millers & exporters interest. This delay is hurting Punjab’s economy and basmati rice exporters are also facing difficulty.

CHANDIGARH, 16th January 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday underscored the need to strengthen trade relations with Canada, particularly British Columbia, to expand cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for businesses and people on both sides.

During a meeting with the Premier of British Columbia David Eby, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Canada has always been a strong partner for India and Punjab, and we deeply value this relationship. We appreciate the strong trade and investment ties between Canada and Punjab and look forward to strengthening this foundation further.” He added, “Punjab is fully prepared and enthusiastic to collaborate with Canadian businesses in sectors of mutual importance.”

Highlighting Punjab’s economic strengths, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab is a leader in agro-processing, textiles, engineering goods, IT services, and renewable energy. With robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce proficient in the English language, Punjab offers an ideal destination for Canadian investors.”

He further noted, “Punjab ranks among the leading states in the country in Ease of Doing Business, and through Invest Punjab, we provide a single-window clearance system along with comprehensive investor support.”

The Chief Minister pointed out that British Columbia’s expertise aligns closely with Punjab’s development priorities. “British Columbia’s strengths in sustainable farming, food security, and greenhouse technologies align perfectly with Punjab’s agricultural modernization goals. We foresee significant opportunities in precision farming, post-harvest systems, and value-added food processing,” he said.

On education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Education and skill development is another promising area where partnerships with Canadian universities in research and vocational training can have a transformative impact.”

Emphasising sector-wise opportunities, the Chief Minister said, “In healthcare and life sciences, there are immense opportunities for Canadian firms in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telemedicine.” He added, “Renewable energy is a shared priority, and Punjab welcomes joint ventures in solar parks and bio-energy projects.”

Referring to technology, he said, “In IT and digital transformation, Punjab has strong potential for collaboration in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and agri-tech projects.”

On manufacturing and trade, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Manufacturing and engineering is another high-potential area. Canada’s expertise in agricultural machinery and precision engineering can integrate well with Punjab’s industrial clusters.”

He added, “Punjab’s agricultural exports such as wheat, rice, kinnow, litchi, and processed food products are in high demand in the Canadian market, strongly supported by the large Indian diaspora living there.” He also proposed collaboration in textiles, saying, “Canadian companies can join hands with Punjab to develop high-quality textiles and apparel that complement their fashion and retail sectors.”

Stressing the role of the diaspora, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjabi diaspora in Canada serves as a strong bridge for commercial and cultural exchange. The Punjab Government aims to deepen these ties further through cultural and educational programs.”

Inviting Canada to participate as a Partner Country at the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026, he said, “PPIS 2026 will include special business delegations, sectoral sessions, and high-level roundtable conferences, further strengthening trade and cultural exchange.”

The Chief Minister also invited leading Canadian universities to explore establishing campuses in Mohali. “As an education and skill development hub for Punjab and neighbouring states, Mohali offers significant advantages for Canadian institutions,” he said. He added, “Our objective is to attract Canadian technology and service companies to establish IT and ITeS operations and Global Capability Centers in Mohali.”

Assuring full support, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We will provide tailor-made investment facilitation to Canadian investors. I extend a warm invitation to Canadian delegations to participate in the Punjab Investor Summit to be held from March 13 to 15, 2026 at Plaksha University, Mohali.” Expressing optimism, he said, “This partnership will herald a new era of bilateral cooperation and give impetus to the overall development of both Punjab and British Columbia.”

Meanwhile, the Premier of British Columbia thanked the Chief Minister for the warm hospitality. He said, “The hospitality extended by Punjab has made my visit truly memorable.” Emphasising people-to-people ties, he added, “Punjab always resides in the hearts of Punjabis living in British Columbia, and this relationship between our people should be further strengthened.” Expressing enthusiasm for closer engagement, the Premier said, “We are keen to strengthen business ties with Punjab and will work to explore opportunities for mutual exchange in areas such as skill development, energy, and other sectors.”