SANGRUR, 2 April 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday inaugurated the Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj Hospital in Cheema village, marking a significant expansion of grassroots healthcare infrastructure, as a state-of-the-art 30-bed facility built at a cost of ₹11.70 crore begins serving tens of thousands across the region. The Chief Minister emphasised that the hospital will benefit around 50,000 people across 15 villages, while also strengthening access to affordable and quality treatment for nearly 35,000–40,000 residents in nearby areas.

During his visit, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also interacted with patients and their families at the hospital, inquiring about their well-being and reviewing the facilities on the ground. Highlighting the transformation, he stated that earlier, due to lack of facilities, patients were routinely referred to Sangrur, Patiala and Ludhiana, but will now receive treatment locally, with the hospital equipped with modern machines and dedicated emergency and mother-child wards.

During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The work on the medical college in the name of Sant Baba Attar Singh will also be started soon and the state government has already finalised arrangements for it. The sole motive is to give fillip to medical education in the region and ensure quality health facilities to the people. The state government will not leave any stone unturned for accomplishing this project on war footing.”

Speaking about the newly inaugurated healthcare facility, he said, “Today, the Community Health Center has been inaugurated at the birthplace of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj in village Cheema. Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj made significant contributions in the fields of education and social service and in his honor this Community Health Center has been named after him. This center will have a capacity of 30 beds and an expenditure of ₹11.75 crore has been incurred on this project.”

Detailing its expansion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “This center was originally established in 1975 with a capacity of 10 beds and later its capacity was increased to 20 beds, and now it has been expanded to 30 beds. This center will prove to be a boon for around 50,000 people as emergency and specialized medical services will be available. Victims of road accidents and patients with serious illnesses will receive emergency care and surgical procedures will also be conducted here.”

Highlighting medical services at the facility, he said, “Pediatric specialists will be available for the treatment of children’s diseases along with ENT and dental services. Free maternal and child healthcare services, facilities for X-rays and blood tests will be provided. Treatment for patients seeking de-addiction services will also be provided in the CHC.”

Addressing the issue of drug abuse, the Chief Minister rejected calls to legalise drugs, stating, “It is irrational and illogical as one drug cannot replace another. Rather this malady should be removed by channelizing the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive manner. The state government has already started a number of initiatives to make Punjab drug free.”

Emphasising the impact of the ongoing anti-drug drive, he said, “The Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign has already broken the backbone of the drug trade in the state. The supply line of the drugs has been snapped, drug smugglers have been put behind bars and their properties have been confiscated. The AAP government will soon embark on a campaign to felicitate the brave hearts who have given vital information against the drug smugglers.”

Outlining governance achievements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP government has taken path breaking initiatives in every sector due to which complete transformation has been witnessed in these arenas. The tax money of people belongs to the state and they are judiciously spending it on the welfare of people. People’s money is coming back to people through development, schools, hospitals, and roads. The state government has provided free electricity to 90% of households, jobs to over 65,000 youth without corruption, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh daily, and is building infrastructure.”

Cabinet Minister and Local MLA Aman Arora and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh were also present on the occasion.

FAZILKA, 2 April 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday asserted that the people of Punjab have resolved to completely wipe out Congress, BJP and the Akali Dal in the 2027 Assembly elections, declaring that decades of “loot, lies and betrayal” will now be decisively rejected by a state that has shifted firmly towards Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s honest governance and people-centric development.

After laying foundation stones and inaugurating ₹283.99 crore worth of multiple development projects, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said traditional parties that repeatedly “backstabbed Punjab” have no future, as the AAP Government continues to deliver on education, healthcare, jobs and infrastructure while ensuring that every penny of public money is spent on the welfare of people, not political families.

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the traditional parties continue to mislead people with hollow promises, but Punjabis are now fully aware of their ‘dubious character’ and will once again deliver a decisive verdict against them. “The people of Punjab will send Congress, BJP and Akalis to political oblivion in 2027. These parties are building castles in the air to mislead people, but Punjabis will not be misled anymore as they know their dubious character.”

He affirmed, “People will never forgive these parties for their sins and will teach them a befitting lesson again. They were elected time and again but they proved to be traitors and always backstabbed Punjab and its people.”

He asserted that traditional political parties are unable to accept that “a son of a common man” is governing the state effectively. “These parties are envious because they cannot digest that a common man’s son is running the government successfully. People have lost faith in these traditional parties due to their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance. Earlier rulers were more concerned about their families than Punjab and Punjabis, which is why they have been shown the door,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said these parties seek power only to plunder the state’s wealth. “They are waiting for their turn in power only to loot Punjab. They are never concerned about the state or its people. Their only aim is to satisfy their lust for power by misusing government machinery. From this stage, we talk about education, health, power and agriculture, while their stages only echo hunger for power,” he said.

Highlighting the disconnect of opposition leaders with the masses, he said, “These opportunist leaders are baffled as people are not responding to them. Their agenda is limited to their families. They ruled for years but due to incompetence and misrule, people elected the AAP which is working tirelessly for them. These parties have never been loyal to Punjab. They are envious because AAP has set the agenda of welfare of the common people.”

Taking aim at the Akali leadership, he said, “These parties used to play musical chairs in power and waited for their turn to plunder the country. Sukhbir Badal has lost his base among the masses and paid workers are being used to show crowds. The same people are seen in every rally. Frustrated by the unprecedented work of this government, he is making irrational statements like the return of dinosaurs.”

He added that such statements reflect desperation. “On the basis of such statements, he is daydreaming of returning to power, which will never happen. These leaders start speaking against me from early morning because I have exposed their reality before the people. The names of Congress and Akalis have become so discredited that even if written on a tree, it would dry up. People must remain cautious,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Reiterating AAP government’s commitment, he said, “These parties mercilessly plundered the wealth of the people and will never be forgiven. On the other hand, the Punjab Government is working for the welfare of every section of society and is judiciously utilising every penny. ₹190 crore is being spent on developing 3100 playgrounds to channelise youth energy positively.”

Highlighting healthcare initiatives, he said, “Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, health cards are being issued to 65 lakh families. Every family is entitled to free treatment up to ₹10 lakh. Over 31 lakh beneficiaries have received cards and 1.65 lakh people have availed free treatment. People must take maximum benefit of this scheme.”

On agriculture and power, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “For the first time, farmers received more than eight hours of uninterrupted power for tube wells during paddy season. Electricity is now being supplied during the daytime, transforming farmers’ lives. Every penny of public money is being spent for people’s welfare.”

He added that the government has brought structural transformation across sectors. “People’s tax money belongs to them and is being spent on schools, hospitals, roads and development. 90% households are receiving free electricity, over 65,000 youth have got jobs without corruption, roads have improved, toll plazas have been closed saving ₹70 lakh daily, and infrastructure is being strengthened.”

On irrigation reforms, he said, “When we took charge, only 21% canal water was being used. Today it has risen to 68% and will reach 85% by the next paddy season. ₹6,500 crore has been spent to rejuvenate canals and for the first time 1444 villages are receiving canal water.”

Speaking about social welfare, he said, “The scheme provides a cash benefit of ₹1000 per month to women of other categories and ₹1500 per month to women from Scheduled Castes, for beneficiaries aged 18 years and above. Taxpayers’ money is being returned to people through welfare and development. All guarantees have been fulfilled and efforts for further progress will continue.”

Highlighting education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab secured the top position in National Achievement Survey 2024, surpassing even Kerala. 740 students have cleared JEE and 1284 have cleared NEET. 118 Schools of Eminence are being set up and 60 are already functional. For the first time, 24 lakh parents participated in mega PTMs.”

He added, “All streams including Medical and Non-Medical are available in government schools. Coaching for Armed Forces, NEET, JEE and CLAT is also being provided. Education is the panacea for society’s problems and we are transforming this sector.”

Emphasising the importance of opportunity, he said, “Education is the key to progress. In the coming time, a person will be considered rich not by wealth but by children’s education. Our children are talented, they only lacked opportunities, which we are now providing.”

He cited a personal example, stating, “In 2008-09, I met a girl in Donana village who topped Punjab in class 5 but couldn’t afford education. I arranged sponsorship for her. Today she is a veterinary doctor. This shows our children only need opportunity.”

On employment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “More than 65,000 government jobs have been given purely on merit without corruption. Youth are becoming active partners in socio-economic development. These works should have been done decades ago, but now Punjab is moving forward with sincerity.”

Detailing development works, he said, “Projects worth ₹283.99 crore have been launched in Fazilka to boost infrastructure, irrigation, connectivity and public services. These include rural link roads, widening and upgradation of roads, renovation of bridges and development of grain markets. No stone will be left unturned for development of this border district and the feasibility of a new medical college will also be explored.”

Chandigarh, 2 April 2026:

Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion and Power, Sanjeev Arora, today announced a series of major initiatives and reforms aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure, improving service delivery, and enhancing ease of living for citizens across Punjab.

Highlighting public relief measures, the Minister informed that the One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for Improvement Trusts has been reintroduced till April 30, 2026, offering a rebate of around 50% on Non-Construction Fee (NCF), providing significant financial relief to property owners.

In a major achievement, house tax collection for FY 2025–26 has reached ₹600 crore, up from ₹500 crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting improved efficiency, transparency, and better compliance in urban local bodies.

Giving a boost to urban infrastructure, the Minister stated that 2,120 kilometres of roads are being taken up across Municipal Corporations and Councils at a cost of ₹1,300 crore, with completion targeted by end of May 2026. Special emphasis is being laid on ensuring pothole-free roads before the monsoon, using the latest technology for durable repairs.

In a major ease-of-doing-business reform, the building plan approval process has been simplified. Files will now be submitted to the Commissioner only once instead of twice, significantly reducing processing time. Further, STP approvals will now be required only for plots of half an acre and above, instead of the earlier limit of 500 square yards.

To further expedite approvals, a single-window committee system has been introduced at the district and head office level, ensuring that all concerned officers grant approvals in one go, thereby eliminating delays.

Strengthening emergency response systems, the Government is undertaking modernisation of fire services with an investment of ₹131 crore, including procurement of advanced fire tenders and establishment of 13 new fire stations across the state.

The Minister also informed that desilting of the entire sewerage network is being undertaken on priority and will be completed before the onset of the monsoon. Wherever feasible, super suction machines are being deployed, with 9 specialised vendors engaged for the task.

Further, sewerage projects worth ₹450 crore have already been allotted across the state for FY 2025–26 and will be completed within the current financial year. Additionally, projects worth ₹700 crore will be allotted in the current quarter.

On water management, works worth ₹700 crore were allotted in FY 2025–26 for surface water projects, aimed at conserving groundwater and ensuring the supply of clean drinking water. Moreover, 30 Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) worth approximately ₹800 crore will be allotted in the current quarter.

Emphasising the Government’s commitment, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said,

“Punjab is witnessing a new phase of urban transformation. From large-scale infrastructure development to simplifying approvals and improving civic services, every initiative is focused on delivering better facilities, faster services, and a higher quality of life for our citizens.”

Chandigarh April 2, 2026:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against  corruption in the state, has apprehended Sub Divisional Officer Hardeep Singh  posted at PSPCL office, Sub Division Kup Kalan district Malerkotla , red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 10,000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Bhogiwal district Malerkotla.

He said that the accused SDO Hardeep Singh checked the complainant’s  house and told him that unauthorised electricity meters installed in his house. In this regard, accused SDO demanded bribe of Rs. 10,000/-  to keep these electricity meter continue. Complainant had  recorded the entire conversation of demanding bribe.

Unwilling to pay any illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau range Patiala. After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused was arrested red handed while accepting  bribe money of Rs 10,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Patiala and further investigation into this case is under progress.

CHANDIGARH, 2 April 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced a significant increase in milk procurement prices for farmers associated with Milkfed Punjab (Verka), declaring it as a decisive step to strengthen the rural economy and ensure better returns for dairy producers across the state. The revised rates, effective from April 1, 2026, are expected to directly benefit lakhs of farmers while triggering a broader rise in procurement prices across the dairy sector.

In a statement, Chief Minister’s Office stated, “In another major pro-farmer initiative, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced an increase in the milk procurement price for farmers associated with Milkfed Punjab (brand Verka).”

The CM Office added, “These rates will be effective from April 1, 2026. This will increase the Milk Procurement price by ₹10 to 15 per Kg Fat. The decision aims to ensure better remuneration for dairy farmers, strengthen the rural economy, and reinforce the cooperative dairy structure in Punjab.”

In consonance with the directions of the Chief Minister this move has been taken by Milkfed to safeguard the interest of farmers and dairy producers, who are the backbone of Punjab’s rural economy.”

Around 2.5 lakh dairy farmers who are part of Milkfed family will immediately get the benefit of increased payments. This price enhancement will improve the economic viability of dairy farming and will actually benefit nearly 30 lakh milk producers of Punjab, as all other companies and Institutions which procure milk will have to increase their procurement rates so as to match those of Milkfed’s.

Pertinently, Milkfed Punjab is North India’s leading Milk Cooperative with majority share in packaged milk and milk products. Being the leader in the industry in this part of the country, the raising of milk procurement prices by Milkfed will have a spiralling effect and lead to additional infusion of ₹100 crore per month in Punjab’s rural economy.

Chandigarh, April 2

Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Punjab BJP office in Chandigarh on Wednesday evening, terming it a “cowardly and deeply disturbing assault on democratic values.” He stated that such incidents not only threaten the safety of political workers but also strike at the very foundation of India’s democratic framework.

Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, Tandon squarely blamed the AAP government for its “complete failure to take decisive and effective action against anti-social and extremist elements.” He said that repeated warnings about rising threats have gone unheeded, emboldening those who seek to disrupt peace and stability in the state.
“The AAP government has done nothing vital to check the growing influence of disruptive forces. Their inaction has created an environment where such nefarious activities can take place with alarming ease,” Tandon asserted in a statement.
Reiterating the BJP’s firm resolve, he emphasized that the party will not be intimidated by such attacks. “This nefarious assault on a democratic political party will not be allowed to succeed in its criminal intent under any circumstances. Our commitment to serve the people and uphold democratic principles remains unshaken,” he said.
Tandon also called upon law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift, transparent and thorough investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. He urged the Punjab government to rise above political considerations and take immediate, concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and political institutions.

Chandigarh: Digestive health concerns are rising across India, driven by fast-paced lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and sedentary work routines. Despite the growing prevalence of digestive problems, awareness about serious gastrointestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer remains low.

To better understand how people interpret digestive symptoms and when they seek medical help, Merck Specialities Pvt. Ltd. supported a nationwide perception audit through the Lifestyle & Digestive Health Awareness Survey. The survey assessed how individuals respond to symptoms such as irregular bowel movements, acidity, and blood in stool, while also identifying awareness gaps and behavioural patterns that may delay timely medical consultation and diagnosis.

The findings were shared at a press conference addressed by Dr. Rakesh Kapoor, Prof. and Unit Head, Dept. of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh; Dr. Jatin Sarin, Director – Medical Oncology, Livasa Hospital, Mohali and Chandigarh Cancer & Diagnostic Center, Sector 33, Chandigarh; and Col. Dr. Gurjeet Singh Chowdhary, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Indus Superspeciality Hospital, Phase-1, Mohali, who emphasised the urgent need for greater awareness and timely medical consultation for digestive health symptoms.

Colorectal cancer is emerging as a growing health concern in India, driven by unhealthy diets, obesity, and low awareness about gut health. Although largely preventable and treatable when detected early, many cases are diagnosed late due to delayed screening and poor awareness of symptoms. March is observed globally as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and against this backdrop, the nationwide survey uncovered worrying trends in digestive health awareness and lifestyle habits.

The nationwide survey collected responses from 10,198 individuals aged between 25 and 65 years across 14 major Indian cities, including Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Pune. The findings reveal several concerning patterns in digestive health behaviour and awareness. Over 80% of respondents self-medicate for digestive issues such as acidity, indigestion, or constipation instead of consulting a doctor. More than 65% of respondents reported experiencing irregular bowel movements. Over 50% consume outside or packaged food at least three times a week, with 28.1% eating outside almost daily. Only 45.2% reported exercising regularly, while 54.8% said they do not exercise at least three times a week. 39.9% reported tobacco consumption, which is a known risk factor for gastrointestinal diseases. 40% of young respondents ignored symptoms and reported digestive irregularities but did not consult a doctor, assuming it was due to lifestyle habits. Most importantly, over 80% of respondents were unaware that blood in stool can be an early warning sign of colorectal cancer.

As the campaign gathered momentum across Chandigarh, the city-specific survey findings exposed a worrying lack of awareness around digestive health and colorectal cancer.

The city-specific analysis for Chandigarh included 624 participants, comprising 287 male and 333 female respondents, across age groups 25–35 (162), 36–45 (266), 46–55 (144), and 55 years and above (52). The findings revealed that over 81% of respondents fail to recognise blood in stool as a warning sign of colorectal cancer, indicating low awareness. Equally concerning is the delay in seeking medical help, with over 85% of respondents opting for over-the-counter solutions or lifestyle changes if their bowel habits changed for a few weeks (constipation or loose motions), while only 14.4% would consult a doctor. Digestive symptoms were widely reported in the city, with 60.5% of respondents experiencing irregular bowel movements and 81.5% reporting a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation at times, which often remains unaddressed. Lifestyle risks were also evident, with around 78% frequently consuming outside or packaged food, while only 44.3% reported exercising regularly, indicating a lack of consistent physical activity among a large section of the population.

Tobacco consumption continues to be a concern, with 37.2% of respondents reporting usage. Another major issue is self-management of symptoms, with over 85% managing gastric issues through self-medication or home remedies for problems such as acidity, gas, or indigestion, while only 10.4% seek medical advice. When it comes to more serious symptoms, 39.2% admitted they would consider self-medication even in cases of blood in stool, reflecting a concerning gap in urgency despite a potentially serious warning sign. Barriers to seeking medical care were also highlighted, with lack of time being the primary reason (33.1%), while fear (26.7%) and embarrassment (22.9%) also contributed significantly, showing that hesitation often delays care.

Awareness levels remain low, with 79% unaware that serious digestive diseases can exist without pain, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis. Family history was reported by 23.6% of respondents, including conditions such as bowel cancer, polyps, or inflammatory diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. Despite this, hereditary risk continues to remain under-recognised and under-discussed.

Dr. Rakesh Kapoor, Prof. and Unit Head, Dept. of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, said, “Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and often begins as small growths called polyps that can gradually become cancerous if untreated. Risk factors include unhealthy diets low in fibre, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, and age. Don’t miss symptoms such as persistent bowel habit changes, blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early through screening methods such as colonoscopy.”

Dr. Jatin Sarin, Director – Medical Oncology, Livasa Hospital, Mohali and Chandigarh Cancer & Diagnostic Center Chandigarh, explained, “Data from Chandigarh shows that many people tend to ignore early digestive symptoms and delay visiting a doctor. Instead, they often rely on self-medication, which can hide the real problem and postpone diagnosis. Signs like ongoing changes in bowel habits or blood in the stool are commonly overlooked, even though they can be early warnings of colorectal cancer. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention and better treatment outcomes.”

Col. Dr. Gurjeet Singh Chowdhary, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Indus Superspeciality Hospital Mohali, highlighted that poor lifestyle habits play a major role in the rising incidence of colorectal cancer. He said, “Frequent consumption of processed or outside food, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and obesity can increase the risk. Adopting healthier habits such as a fibre-rich diet that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc., along with regular exercise, avoiding tobacco, and undergoing routine screening — can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and improve overall digestive health.”