Chandigarh, 16 January 2026:

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that Punjab has once again achieved a significant milestone in strengthening its startup and innovation ecosystem, with the Government of India recognising the State as a “Top Performer” for the second consecutive time in the States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking – 5th Edition, released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

The Certificate of Appreciation was conferred upon the Government of Punjab, Department of Industries & Commerce, on the occasion of National Startup Day, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the august presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

He added that this repeated recognition reflects Punjab’s sustained and focused efforts towards building a robust, inclusive, and innovation-driven startup ecosystem. The State’s performance underscores the impact of progressive startup policies, strong institutional mechanisms, incubation and acceleration support, improved access to finance, mentorship initiatives, and ease-of-doing-business reforms implemented by the Government of Punjab.

Expressing happiness over the achievement, Shri Sanjeev Arora, Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Punjab, stated: “This consecutive recognition by the Government of India as a ‘Top Performer’ is a strong validation of Punjab’s unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Punjab has created a supportive ecosystem for startups, particularly for youth and first-generation entrepreneurs. The Government will continue to strengthen policy support, incubation infrastructure, and market access to make Punjab a preferred destination for startups and investors.”

The State’s performance was evaluated on key parameters including startup policy implementation, institutional support systems, incubation infrastructure, funding mechanisms, capacity building, mentorship, and market linkages, he added.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, the Minister Sanjeev Arora emphasised that Punjab will continue to focus on innovation-led economic growth, employment generation, and technology-driven development, ensuring that startups remain at the core of the State’s economic transformation.

CHANDIGARH / SAS NAGAR, 16th January 2026:

Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr Baljit Kaur on Friday launched Phase II of the flagship campaign “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” from Kalkat Bhawan (Kisan Vikas Chamber) in Mohali, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, care and social security for senior citizens across the state. The campaign is being implemented on a district-wise basis to deliver health, welfare and social security services directly to elderly citizens.

Addressing the gathering, Social Security Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, “Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring a dignified, secure and respectful life for our senior citizens. For Phase II of the ‘Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan’ campaign, an amount of ₹786 lakh has been earmarked to conduct district-level camps so that essential services can be provided at the doorstep of the elderly.”

Referring to the response received during the first phase, the  Minister said, “During Phase I, which was launched in 2023, as many as 20,210 senior citizens were registered. This strong participation reflects both the need for such initiatives and the trust people have placed in the government’s welfare programmes.” She informed that the remaining districts of Punjab will be covered under Phase II from February 2 to February 18.

Elaborating on the services being offered, Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, “These camps are designed to provide comprehensive care to senior citizens. Facilities include eye check-ups and cataract examinations, ENT and orthopaedic consultations, screening for non-communicable diseases and dementia, as well as homoeopathic and ayurvedic treatment. On-the-spot enrolment for social security pensions, issuance of Senior Citizen Cards and ALIMCO cards are also being facilitated.”

She added that assistance and awareness regarding the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with information on other legal rights, are integral components of the camps.

The Social Security Minister further said, “Essential assistive devices such as near-vision spectacles, hearing aids, walking aids, cervical collars, belts and wheelchairs are being distributed on the spot to senior citizens who need them. In addition, a toll-free helpline number 14567 is already operational to provide assistance to elderly citizens across Punjab.”

The camps provided immediate relief through health and eye check-ups, assistance in accessing pensions and other monetary benefits, and legal literacy sessions. During the state-level camp in Mohali, Dr Baljit Kaur handed over ALIMCO kits and sanction letters for old age pensions to beneficiaries present on the occasion. Representatives of NGOs and Senior Citizen Associations were also felicitated by the Minister in recognition of their extraordinary services to senior citizens.

Sharing details of financial support being extended by the government, Dr Baljit Kaur said, “At present, around 23.33 lakh beneficiaries are receiving old age pensions every month in Punjab. For the current financial year 2025-26, a budgetary provision of ₹4,100 crore has been made for pension schemes, reflecting the government’s priority towards social security.”

Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab, Vikas Partap informed that old age pensions have been paid up to December 2025. He said that old age homes have been established at Tapa in Barnala district and at Mansa to provide shelter to senior citizens in need, while several NGO-run old age homes are being supported through financial assistance from the government.

MLA Derabassi Kuljit Singh Randhawa also addressed the function and appreciated the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government for taking proactive and sustained steps towards the welfare and well-being of senior citizens.

Director, Social Security, Women and Child Welfare, Vimmie Bhullar formally welcomed the dignitaries and briefed the audience about the objectives and implementation of Phase II of the “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” campaign.

Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Joint Secretary Social Security Anand Sagar, ADC (G) Sonam Chaudhary and SDM Damandeep Kaur were also present on the occasion.

The event also featured cultural performances, including a Nukkad Natak titled “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” by Utsav Kala Manch and Malwai Gidha by retirees of government departments from Malwa Art and Cultural Society, Mohali, which reinforced the message of respect, care and dignity for senior citizens.

CHANDIGARH, January 16:

 In a powerful appeal to the young population of the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday called for a united and youth-led fight against tobacco, describing the state’s youth as the ultimate architects of a healthier future.

 Chairing a Youth Conclave titled “Building a Tobacco-Free Generation through Promotion, Adoption and Implementation of New Initiatives” at Panjab University here, the Health Minister exhorted students and young leaders to become role models and carry the momentum of tobacco control from campuses to communities and digital spaces. “Punjab’s strength lies in its youth. When young minds reject tobacco, the future of the state automatically becomes healthier, stronger and more productive,” he asserted.

 The conclave, organized by the Generation Saviour Association (GSA) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, Panjab University, Vital Strategies, SIPHER, and RCTC, PGIMER, brought together students, experts, and civil society leaders.

 Dr Balbir Singh highlighted that tobacco not only affects human body but severely affects human mind also, making a person mentally sick , which leads to a plethora of mental health problems including suicide tendency. “Tobacco use leads to other harmful addictions of drugs as well as to crime, therefore we all should come forward to nip the evil in the bud and save our society.” he added.

 The Minister underlined Punjab’s pioneering achievements in tobacco control, noting that the state has the lowest prevalence of tobacco use in the country as per the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). He credited this success to stringent enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), early action against e-cigarettes, a permanent ban on hookah bars, and the establishment of free tobacco cessation centres in all districts.

 “These numbers reflect policy success, but the real victory will be when tobacco use becomes socially unacceptable. That change can only be driven by informed and empowered youth,” Dr Balbir Singh remarked. He also released a comprehensive 10-state study titled “Youth Perception in India Towards Creating a Tobacco-Free Generation” to underscore the importance of youth-centric strategies.

 Dr Balbir Singh concluded with a clarion call for a united front, urging every citizen, especially the youth, to pledge for a tobacco-free lifestyle. “Let us all resolve to build a tobacco-free Punjab. Our collective resolve today will determine the health and prosperity of our generations tomorrow,” he said.

 The event saw the participation of experts including Dr. Sonu Goel, Head, RCTC-PGIMER; Dr. Rakesh Gupta, President, SIPHER; Dr. Rana J. Singh, Regional Director, Vital Strategies; Dr. Mira Aghi; Ms. Opinder Preet Kaur Gill, Director GSA; Mr. Vivek Awasthi, Executive Director, UPVHA; and Mr. Saptarishi Basu Roy, MANT.

CHANDIGARH, January 16:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 321st day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 294 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 71 drug smugglers after registration of 54 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 44,701 in 321 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 1.3 kg heroin, 500 grams opium, 208 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 16,510 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, 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.

          Over 100 Police teams, comprising over 800 police personnel, under the supervision of 66 gazetted officers have conducted 294 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 297 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 27 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh January 16:

The elections for the Punjab Legislative Assembly Press Gallery Committee were held today in the presence Secretary Punjab Vidhan Sabha Shri Ram Lok Khatana in which Parminder Singh Jattpuri was elected as President, Deepak Sharma as Vice President, and Naveen Sethi as General Secretary of the Press Gallery Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

An official spokesperson of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha informed that 24 members participated in this election process. Parminder Singh Jattpuri got 15 votes, while Napinder Brar got 9 votes for President seat. Similarly, Deepak Sharma received 16 votes while his opponent Rohit Bansal Pakka received 7 votes for the Vice President seat.  For the General Secretary seat, Naveen Sethi got 16 votes, while Gurupdesh Bhullar got 7 votes.

Chandigarh, 16 January 2026:

Adopting Zero tolerance approach against corruption, Vigilance Bureau had arrested red handed Parveen Kumar Clerk and his co-accused  Satish Kumar Junior Engineer posted at Improvement Trust Ropar  in a corruption case. After the conclusion of the trial, they were today convicted  by competent court and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20000/- to both of them .

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Vigilance Bureau said that accused Junior Engineer and Clerk had demanded a bribe of Rs. 15000/- from the complainant in lieu of getting the sale deed registered of his property.

He further said that the complainant paid the bribe in instalments and had approached Vigilance Bureau before the payment of the final instalment of bribe money.

Acting on his complaint, VB laid a trap and raid was conducted at the office of Improvement Trust Ropar and bribe money of Rs.7500/- was recovered from the possession of co-accused Parveen Kumar in the presence of Government

officials/witnesses and co-accused Parveen Kumar was apprehended at the

spot.

Chandigarh:

AAP National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda on Friday termed the changes in old-age pension rules in Haryana as an act of cruelty by the CM Nayab Singh-led government. He alleged that by altering the old-age pension rules, the BJP government is preparing to snatch food from the plates of senior citizens. If these changes are implemented, thousands of poor farmers and elderly people in Haryana will be deprived of pensions.

Anurag Dhanda said that if an elderly person owns more than four acres of agricultural land or sells crops through the “Meri Fasal–Mera Byora” portal, the government is preparing to cut their pension. He added that the Haryana government has become so insensitive that it has started considering a farmer prosperous merely for selling crops worth ₹1.80 lakh. CM Nayab Singh is unable to distinguish between poverty and prosperity. He has forgotten that selling crops does not mean net profit, as it includes the farmer’s labour, ploughing, and the cost of seeds and fertilizers. On one hand, the BJP makes a false promise of giving ₹5,100 to farmers, and on the other, it has stooped so low as to snatch even the old-age pensions of poor farmers.

Anurag Dhanda said that in several cases, reports have emerged that the income of other family members is also being added to the elderly person’s income, even when they are living separately. Poor senior citizens in Haryana are worried due to this decision and have been forced to make rounds of government offices. He said it is extremely shameful that instead of serving them, CM Saini is forcing senior citizens at this age to undergo unnecessary harassment and mental torture.

Anurag Dhanda stated that old-age pension is not a government charity but a constitutional and social right of senior citizens. The BJP government is trying to take away this right in the name of portals and technical rules, which the Aam Aadmi Party will not tolerate under any circumstances. The Aam Aadmi Party stands firmly with the poor and senior citizens of Haryana.

He said that around 2.3 million senior citizens in Haryana depend on old-age pensions. If the government truly wants to show respect, it should stop placing the burden of portal-related errors on the elderly; otherwise, it will be clearly understood that the BJP government is following a policy of snatching the livelihood of senior citizens and farmers.

He demanded that all proposed changes related to old-age pension rules be withdrawn immediately and that the rule of treating total crop sales as income be scrapped. Not a single eligible senior citizen’s pension should be stopped; instead, the government should make the pension system simpler and more humane.

Chandigarh, January 16

Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon today hailed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s historic victory in the BMC elections, calling it a resounding endorsement of the party’s ideology, governance model and the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis.

In a statement, Tandon said that the mandate shows the deep and growing trust of the people in the Prime Minister’s commitment to development, transparency and good governance.

“This historic win is not merely an electoral success, but a clear expression of public confidence in the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and their unwavering focus on nation-building,” he said.

Tandon noted that urban voters have overwhelmingly supported the BJP’s agenda of clean administration, infrastructure-led growth, and citizen-centric governance. “From dsanitation and urban mobility to digital governance and financial discipline, the BJP has consistently delivered the best results. The people the city have rewarded performance over promises,” he added.

He further stated that the victory demonstrates the strength of the BJP’s organizational structure and the tireless efforts of party workers who connected with citizens at the grassroots level. “Every karyakarta deserves appreciation for working relentlessly to communicate the party’s vision and achievements to every household,” Tandon said.

Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s transformative impact on urban India, Tandon said that flagship initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, strengthening municipal governance and promoting ease of living have resonated strongly with voters.

“This mandate will inspire the BJP to work with even greater dedication to fulfill the aspirations of the people. The party remains committed to inclusive growth, accountable governance and building cities that are engines of India’s progress,” Tandon concluded.

SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB, 14th January 2026:

On the sacred occasion of Maghi, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann visited Sri Muktsar Sahib, where he paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Tuti Gandi Sahib and addressed a large public gathering, reiterating the Punjab Government’s position on the tracing of 169 missing saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. On a day deeply rooted in Sikh history and sacrifice, the Chief Minister said the tracing of the saroops was a matter of duty rather than achievement.

The Chief Minister also announced that the Punjab government would make budgetary provisions for a ₹1,000 monthly assistance scheme for women in the upcoming budget and maintained that his government has fulfilled every commitment made to the people of Punjab. The AAP leaders said the scale of participation at the Maghi gathering reflected public confidence in the government.

Addressing a mammoth political conference organised to mark Maghi, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government has so far fulfilled every promise made to the people of Punjab. “We have honoured every commitment made to the people, and now we will start a scheme to give ₹1,000 to every woman of the state. The required budgetary provision will be ensured in the coming budget. This government is fully committed to the welfare of all, and every promise made to the people of Punjab will be fulfilled by all means,” he said.

Recalling the historical significance of the sacred site, the Chief Minister said that the land had witnessed the supreme sacrifice of Sikh warriors led by Bhai Maha Singh ji and that the entire Sikh Sangat was paying tribute to their martyrdom. “People have converged here from across the state and are fortunate to be part of this gathering. This pious land and the sacrifices made here live in the heart of every Sikh across the world, inspiring them to stand against tyranny, injustice, and oppression,” he said.

Taking a dig at opposition parties, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that previous  governments suffer from weak memory and are merely waiting for their turn to plunder Punjab after elections. “The ‘jhaadu’ (broom), which is the symbol of AAP, has cleaned the political system, and that is why traditional parties are baffled. These leaders are attacking me only because I come from a common family, something they are unable to digest,” he said.

Stressing that people are supreme in a democracy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the masses have made up their mind to teach opportunist leaders a lesson. “The massive turnout at this rally reflects the love and affection people have for the government and its policies. Other parties are also holding rallies, but Sukhbir Badal’s rally must have ended by now because hardly anyone would have gone there,” he remarked.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that even people brought in buses hired by the Akalis had joined the AAP rally. He added that the opposition is groping in the dark to defame the state government and is envious of its pro-people and pro-Punjab stance. “I will leave no stone unturned to safeguard the interests of Punjab and Punjabis at any cost,” he asserted.

Highlighting governance priorities, the Chief Minister said that the role of any government is to give wings to children so they can write new success stories in life. “Every file signed by me is aimed at benefiting the common man and the state. More than 63,000 youths have been provided jobs purely on merit, without corruption or recommendation. Every decision taken by our government is focused on the progress of Punjab and the prosperity of its people,” he said.

On strengthening public services, the Chief Minister said that more than 10,000 new police personnel are being recruited to enhance the efficiency of the Punjab Police. He added that several public libraries have been opened to help students study and excel, uninterrupted power is being provided to all sectors, and 90 percent of households are receiving free electricity.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that even villages at the tail end have received water for the first time, something opposition leaders never prioritised. “Those who do not know the result of 12 multiplied by 5 are daydreaming of coming to power,” he said, adding that people of Delhi are now repenting after electing a wrong government that has stalled pro-people decisions taken during the AAP regime.

He said that previous governments were responsible for brain drain due to flawed policies, but reverse migration has begun since his government assumed office. “The wise, brave, and hardworking people of Punjab are fully aware of the dubious character of leaders who were earlier rejected by them. Today, Punjab is making rapid progress in every field because our government has taken concrete steps for comprehensive development, including historic initiatives in health, education, and power,” he said.

Referring to infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said that work on over 49,000 km of roads is progressing at full pace. Reiterating the women’s assistance scheme, he said that the promise of ₹1,000 per month to every woman will be fulfilled through the coming budget, just as every other promise has been honoured. He added that while Sukhbir claims all development took place during their regime, they deliberately ignored the sacrilege incidents of Bargari and Behbal Kalan.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that exploiting religion for vested political interests has bruised the psyche of the common people and is an unpardonable sin. “They are hand in glove with forces inimical to the Sikh Panth and Punjab,” he said, adding that the SIT probing the case of 328 missing saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib has traced 169 saroops from a religious place near Banga, out of which 139 have no official record.

“This is not an achievement but our duty,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, adding that publishing of saroops is the responsibility of SGPC and that such institutions failed in their duty due to the Akalis. “These leaders cannot be forgiven for such sins and mischiefs,” he said.

Highlighting economic relief and healthcare initiatives, the Chief Minister said that 19 toll plazas have been closed, saving ₹64 lakh every day for people. He added that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened across Punjab, providing free treatment and medicines, and that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna will soon be rolled out to offer cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh.

Addressing the gathering, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia said that the Punjab Government has taken exemplary steps for the welfare of people. “The massive participation in this rally clearly shows that people have made up their mind to give another chance to the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government. The work done by this government has received appreciation across the country, and people are eagerly waiting to re-elect the AAP due to its consistent pro-people initiatives,” he said.

On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Dr Balbir Singh, Dr Baljit Kaur, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Laljit Singh Bhullar, Lal Chand Kataruchakk, Hardeep Singh Mundian, along with MLAs Baljinder Kaur, Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, and others were also present.