CHANDIGARH, January 1st :
Punjab’s brightest government school students soaked in knowledge at Winter Residential Coaching Camps organised under Punjab Academic Coaching for Excellence (PACE) program. Over 1700 students benefited from the transformative program designed to democratise access to high-quality competitive exam coaching, informed Punjab’s Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains informed that these camps, aimed at preparing government school students for the India’s top professional education institutions like IITs, NITs and AIIMS, saw 1728 students participation across three centres: Bathinda (601 students comprising 359 Girls, 242 Boys), Ludhiana (573 students: 327 Girls, 246 Boys) and SAS Nagar (Mohali) (554 students: 367 Girls, 187 Boys).
The initiative highlights Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to level the playing field for students from all socio-economic backgrounds. “The overwhelming response to PACE Winter Camps highlights the immense potential in our government schools. This initiative empowers youth, instills confidence and gives deserving students, irrespective of their circumstances, a fair shot at top institutions. We are building a robust ecosystem of excellence and equity,” said the Education Minister.
S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the winter camps were one of the most extensive drives being undertaken by the department, with a rigorous selection process. “Participants were chosen through a rigorous multi-stage selection process evaluating performance in standardized mock tests, conceptual clarity, academic consistency and teacher recommendations, ensuring that only the most dedicated aspirants made the cut form the cohort. The program is committed to inclusivity, reserving 20% seats at each centre for students from other government schools and drop-year aspirants, extending benefits beyond Schools of Eminence and Residential Schools for Meritorious Students,” he added.
The Education Minister said that the camps offered a comprehensive learning experience, led by expert faculty from top coaching organisations like Physics Wallah, Vidya Mandir and Avanti Fellows. “A structured curriculum focuses on concept strengthening and advanced problem-solving aligned with JEE and NEET patterns. Daily doubt-clearing sessions, one-on-one mentoring and holistic development modules on stress management, career guidance and recreational activities ensured the student’s well-being. Secure, fully residential facilities provided a conducive, distraction-free environment to the students,” he highlighted.
He expressed confidence that the Winter Residential Coaching Camps would significantly enhance competitive exams outcome by providing critical early exposure to Class 11th students and boost the final preparation of Class 12th aspirants. “Last year, 265 government school students cleared JEE Mains, 45 cracked JEE Advanced and 847 cleared NEET, proving the state government schools are now premier launchpads for the country’s top professional careers,” he highlighted.
*Robust Government Arrangements Ensure Scale, Quality and Equity*
The Punjab Government, through the Department of School Education, put in place comprehensive administrative and academic arrangements to ensure the success of the Winter Residential Coaching Camps 2025 under the PACE programme. Conducted across three fully residential centres in Ludhiana, Bathinda and Mohali, the camps were designed as one of the largest competitive exam support initiatives for government school students, with standardised academic planning, centralised monitoring and uniform curriculum delivery across locations. To ensure fairness and inclusion, the government reserved 20 percent seats at each centre for students from other government schools and drop-year aspirants, extending the benefits well beyond Schools of Eminence and Residential Schools for Meritorious Students.
The Punjab government also ensured end-to-end residential and welfare arrangements to create a distraction-free, high-intensity learning environment. Students were provided secure accommodation, nutritious meals, round-the-clock supervision, and access to medical and counselling support. Academic delivery was supported through partnerships with reputed coaching institutions, daily doubt-clearing sessions, structured mentorship, and holistic modules focusing on stress management and career guidance. These arrangements reflect the Punjab Government’s deliberate effort to institutionalise excellence, equity and student well-being while preparing government school students to compete confidently for IITs, NITs, AIIMS and other premier institutions.
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CAPTION: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today paid obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar and prayed for the welfare of all. Waheguru Ji may always keep the Punjabis living across the globe happy, healthy and prosperous in New Year 2026.
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VIGILANCE BUREAU PUNJAB
*Vigilance Bureau arrests Tehsildar for accepting bribe of Rs. 30,000/-*
Chandigarh, January 1, 2026:
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, has apprehended Jagtar Singh, Tehsildar posted at district Sangrur for accepting a bribe of Rs. 30,000/-. His co-accused will be arrested soon. An amount of Rs. 1,45,000/- was recovered during the search of accused Tehsildar house.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of Mehlan village district Sangrur against Jagtar Singh Tehsildar and Malvinder Singh Clerk posted at tehsil office Sangrur.
He further said that the complainant alleged that he had approached accused for executing the registry of purchased land. Both accused received bribe money of Rs. 30,000/- for executing the registry of the land.
After verification of the complaint, it was found that above said allegations are true. In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against both the accused at VB Police range, Patiala. Further investigation into this case is underway, he added.
The Vigilance Bureau appeals to the citizens of Punjab to report any such incident of corruption to us. The Vigilance Bureau is committed to take strict action against all those involved in corruption.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*PUNJAB TO HARNESS AI FOR AGRICULTURE BOOST*
*•Gurmeet Khudian holds meeting with IIT Ropar to make Punjab front-runner in AI-driven agricultural transformation*
Chandigarh, January 1:
In a bid to boost agricultural productivity and sustainability using cutting-edge technologies, Punjab Government is gearing up to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture with the help of Centre of Excellence (CoE) established at IIT Ropar.
Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian chaired a high-level review meeting here at Punjab Bhawan, to assess progress and outline a roadmap for effective field-level deployment of AI-driven solutions to improve farm productivity, sustainability and boost the state farmers’ income.
S. Khudian emphasised that advanced technologies must translate into tangible and measurable benefits for farmers on the ground. He assured full support from the Government of Punjab for implementation of pilot project and scaling up of successful AI interventions across districts. He also directed officials concerned to facilitate installation of Automatic Weather Stations, farmer engagement for field data collection, support to horticulture clusters and expansion of AI-based livestock productivity solutions.
The Agriculture Minister also welcomed IIT Ropar’s initiative to launch national-level courses on Precision Agriculture and AI in Agriculture, aimed at skill development of youth and capacity building of government officers. Special reservation of seats for students and officers from Punjab will further strengthen the State’s human resource base in agri-technology.
The collaboration would positionPunjab as a front-runner and a model State for AI-driven agricultural transformation. The concerted efforts of the Government of Punjab are expected to significantly enhance resource efficiency, climate resilience and sustainable growth in the agriculture and allied sectors.
During the meeting, Dr. Pushpendra P Singh, Associate Professor of IIT, Ropar apprised about the key initiatives under the CoE (with a financial outlay of around Rs310 crore supported by GoI), including AI-based crop advisory systems, multilingual farmer chatbots, digital twins of crops, yield estimation models, soil health analytics, weather intelligence tools and smart livestock management applications.
Secretary Agriculture department Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind, MD Punjab Agro Ms. Hargunjeet Kaur, Director Agriculture Mr. Jaswant Singh, Director Animal Husbandry Mr Paramdeep Singh Walia and other senior officers of the state government were also present in the meeting.
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Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
*Mann Government takes major step to ensure dignity and safety of senior citizens*
*State-level campaign “Sade Buzurg Sada Maan” to commence from January 16 — Dr Baljit Kaur*
*Punjab Government to spend nearly Rs 24 crore on welfare, health and awareness programmes for senior citizens*
*Large-scale free health camps for senior citizens under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Campaign to be launched from Mohali; camps to provide free medical, legal and awareness services*
*State Action Plan worth Rs 786.83 lakh implemented for senior citizens’ welfare*
*Rs 6.82 crore grant for Old Age Homes; financial support to Day Care Centres*
*Senior citizens are the heritage of our society; government committed to their holistic protection — Dr Baljit Kaur*
Chandigarh, January 1:
The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working with continuous sensitivity and commitment to ensure the welfare, security and dignified life of senior citizens. In this regard, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr Baljit Kaur, announced during a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh today that the state-level campaign “Sade Buzurg Sada Maan” will be launched from January 16, 2026, starting from District SAS Nagar (Mohali).
Dr Baljit Kaur said that International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 1, and in this context, the Punjab Government has been implementing the “Sade Buzurg Sada Maan” campaign since 2023. During the camps organised in 2023, a total of 20,110 registrations were recorded, under which facilities such as eye check-ups, ENT check-ups, cataract surgery screening, distribution of spectacles, pension forms, Senior Citizen Cards and Ayushman Cards were provided.
She further stated that continuing this initiative, the campaign will again be organised across the state in 2026 through district-wise camps. These camps will provide senior citizens with free health services, cataract surgeries, geriatric check-ups, ENT check-ups, yoga sessions, legal awareness and other essential services.
Dr Baljit Kaur informed that under the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens for the financial year 2025–26, an amount of Rs 786.83 lakh will be spent. The plan includes free medical camps, NCD and dementia screening, training of geriatric caregivers, and state-level media and awareness campaigns. In addition, a toll-free helpline number 14567 is being operated to address issues faced by senior citizens.
She clarified that nearly Rs 24 crore will be spent by the Punjab Government on senior citizens’ welfare, including healthcare services, Old Age Homes, Day Care Centres, awareness campaigns and other related activities, reflecting the strong commitment of the Mann Government towards the well-being of the elderly.
Dr Baljit Kaur stated that under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, legal provisions have been made to protect the rights of senior citizens, and thousands of cases have been resolved so far through Maintenance Tribunals and Appellate Tribunals.
She further informed that during the financial year 2025–26, a grant of Rs 6.82 crore will be provided to Old Age Homes located in 14 districts of the state, while Day Care Centres in Barnala and Mansa will receive financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh per centre.
On this occasion, she also announced that a government Old Age Home with a capacity of 72 beds constructed at a cost of Rs 9.12 crore in district Mansa will be inaugurated on January 10, 2026, under the able leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.
In conclusion, Dr Baljit Kaur appealed to senior citizens and their families to actively participate in the district-level camps and avail the free facilities being provided by the Punjab Government.
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*INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT*
*GOVERNMENT OF STATE OF PUNJAB*
*Punjab Govt terminates services of four excise & taxation employees for prolonged unauthorized absence*
*Our Govt maintains zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline & dereliction of duty: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*We are committed to ensuring transparent & accountable system for people of Punjab: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*State Tax Commissioner invokes deemed resignation rule against four officials absent for over year*
CHANDIGARH, 1st January 2026:
Following the directives of Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to enforce strict discipline and accountability, the State Tax Commissioner, Punjab, has issued orders for the “deemed resignation” of four department employees found to be on unauthorised leave for over a year. These orders, issued by the State Tax Commissioner Jatinder Jorwal, apply to three Excise and Taxation Inspectors and one Clerk who remained absent from their duties despite multiple legal notices and opportunities to rejoin their respective offices.
Commenting on the action, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Our government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and dereliction of duty. Public service requires dedication and presence; therefore, employees who remain unauthorizedly absent for years, despite being given multiple opportunities to explain themselves, have no place in the administration. We are committed to ensuring a transparent and accountable system for the people of Punjab.”
*Zero tolerance for indiscipline to ensure transparent, accountable governance*
The services were terminated following a rigorous inquiry process conducted under Rule 8 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970. Among those affected is an Inspector, who had been absent from his post in Jalandhar-2 since March 15, 2023, after his leave request was rejected by higher authorities. Similarly, another Inspector was found to be continuously absent since June 24, 2023. He had failed to provide a satisfactory explanation or report to his assigned headquarters, despite being placed under suspension.
The department also took action against an Inspector of the Ropar Range, whose unauthorised absence dates back to May 29, 2021, following the conclusion of an approved Ex-India leave. Despite claims of medical issues and heart surgery, independent inquiries found him negligent in his official duties as he failed to join investigations even through virtual modes. Additionally, a clerk in the Jalandhar Audit Wing, had his services ended after failing to report for duty since September 11, 2023, following the non-approval of his Ex-India leave.
In all four cases, the department invoked the “deemed resignation” clause as per Finance Department instructions dated March 13, 2025. This regulation stipulates that any employee remaining absent without sanctioned leave for more than one year shall be considered to have resigned from government service. It was further clarified that as a consequence of this deemed resignation, no gratuity, pensionary benefits, or any other service-related benefits shall be extended to these individuals. The competent authority noted that while some employees cited family or health reasons, they failed to resume duties within the legally permissible timeframe, leading to the final administrative orders.
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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
GOVERNMENT OF STATE OF PUNJAB
*Under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Govt extends One Time Settlement Scheme till March 2026, reinforcing its pro-business & trader-friendly governance*
*Punjab Govt extends One-Time Settlement Scheme-2025 for tax arrears until March 31, offers major relief to traders & industry: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Over 6,300 applications received; extension granted to accommodate industry demand and compliance pressure*
*OTS extension reflects our Govt’s commitment to ease compliance & resolve pre-GST era disputes: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH, 1st January 2026
In a major relief to the trading community and industry of the state, the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has decided to extend the deadline for the ‘Punjab One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for Recovery of Outstanding Dues, 2025’ until March 31, 2026.
Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema gave the formal approval for this extension following representations from various stakeholders, including the GST Practitioners Association (GSTPA) Punjab. The decision comes in direct response to the massive participation seen so far, with the department recording 6,348 applications to date.
The Punjab Government acknowledged that many taxpayers faced a heavy statutory compliance burden during the final months of 2025, which saw overlapping deadlines for various tax filings. Furthermore, practical challenges such as the pending service of VAT assessment orders had made it difficult for many eligible businesses to accurately determine their liabilities before the original December deadline.
The OTS Scheme-2025, which initially launched on October 1, remains one of the state’s most taxpayer-friendly initiatives. It is specifically aimed at reducing legacy litigation and unlocking revenue for the state by offering substantial relief. Depending on the specific demand amount, taxpayers can avail themselves of up to a 100% waiver on interest and penalties, alongside significant waivers on the principal tax amount.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this extension would provide a golden chance for genuine taxpayers to settle long-pending disputes under pre-GST Acts (including VAT and Central Sales Tax) without procedural stress.
The Minister further added, “Our government is committed to fostering a pro-business environment. By extending this deadline to March 31, 2026, we are ensuring that no genuine taxpayer is left behind due to administrative or timing hurdles.”
He urged all eligible businesses and rice millers to utilise this final window to clear their arrears and start the new financial year with a clean slate. “After the new deadline of March 31, 2026, the department will initiate strict recovery proceedings against defaulters who fail to opt for this settlement,” said Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.