Chandigarh, October 15:

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, on Wednesday, handed over appointment letters to 28 newly recruited youth including 25 Veterinary Inspectors, three clerks and promoted one class IV employee. To date, as many as 326 veterinary officers, 545 veterinary inspectors and 63 class C employees including clerks, enumerator/ puncher/ computer, steno, junior scale stenographer, laboratory assistant, laboratory technician, milk recorder, legal clerk, machine operator have been recruited in the department since Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government came into power.

While congratulating the newly inducted officials, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian encouraged them to perform their duties with full dedication. He stressed that honesty and integrity are essential in public service. Recognising the department’s vital role in assisting farmers and stimulating the rural economy, he pointed out that these recruitment would improve operational efficiency and service delivery of the department, besides helping to improve animal healthcare services in Punjab.

Highlighting the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s efforts to boost youth employment, S. Khudian informed that the state government has created a historic precedent in public service recruitment by providing over 55,000 government jobs to the deserving youth of Punjab, all executed with complete transparency and fairness. He said that the process to recruite 405 new veterinary officers is also underway in the animal husbandry department.

Chandigarh, 15 October 2025:

Invest Punjab successfully hosted a two-day engagement titled ‘Invest Punjab’s Interaction with Business Leaders’ in Bengaluru, the team headed by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and  Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, received an overwhelmingly positive response from prominent industry leaders.

Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora conducted focused one-on-one and group discussions with leading industrialists to understand their investment priorities and present Punjab’s robust infrastructure, progressive policies, and attractive incentives. Key interactions included Intel, Arjas Steel, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Idea Forge, Sonata Software, Royal Orchid Hotels, India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers – Engaged with CXOs from IEDA, TISSOLVE, Arvind Consultancy, UHP, IESA, SEMI, Infineon Technologies, SCL, and others to align with Punjab’s vision for industrial growth.

Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora extended a formal invitation to these industry leaders to invest in Punjab, emphasizing the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to industrial acceleration, employment generation, and a business-friendly environment. He highlighted the State Govt streamlined facilitation mechanisms and infrastructure upgrades aimed at expediting project execution.

Minister Sanjeev Arora shared that during Invest Punjab’s roadshows, the team engaged with top corporates including Hero Group, Amber Enterprises, ITC, Jaipurias of Varun Beverages, Intel, HAL, Arjas Steel, Medanta Hospital, Royal Orchid, Sonata Software, OLA, Ideaforge, IHCL for Taj Hotels, Ralson, Genpact, Minda Group, GMR, New Holland, AIPL, Dawat Rice group, ACKME Solar, Info Edge, for their future investments

He also emphasized about the Brands/Corporates which are already flourishing and expanding in Punjab such as Nestle, Freudenberg, Danone, Tata Steels, Sanathan Textiles, ITC, Hindustan Levers, Pepsico, Verbio, Infosys, Mahindra, CDIL for semiconductors. The home-grown Punjabi Brands such as Hero, Monte Carlo, Cremica, Trident, Sonalika Tractors, Nivea Sports needs no introduction and have contributed steadily in Nation building.

Mohali has emerged as a prime destination for high-tech investments in IT, semiconductors, and data centers, driven by its excellent connectivity, modern infrastructure, and availability of skilled talent at competitive costs. With Infosys expanding its presence, the region is attracting major players seeking efficient growth opportunities. Punjab’s strong academic ecosystem—including IIT Ropar, ISB, IISER, Thapar, CDIL, and others—is fueling innovation and reinforcing the state’s position as a future-ready hub for advanced industries, he added.

Further Arora added under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government continues to champion the vision of a New Punjab—a state empowered by dynamic industrial growth and expanded economic opportunities. Invest Punjab will persist in its outreach efforts to translate investor interest into tangible partnerships and investments.

The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including PDC Vice Chairperson Seema Bansal, Secretary Industries & Commerce K.K. Yadav; PSIEC Managing Director Saurabhi Malik;  Invest Punjab CEO Amit Dhaka; Gaurav from KPMG; senior officials from Invest Punjab; and other esteemed guests.

Chandigarh, October 15:

Ahead of Diwali, the Punjab government, led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, brought relief to flood victims by distributing ₹6.3 crore in compensation. 12 cabinet ministers on Wednesday handed over sanction letters to affected families across state, fulfilling the government’s promise under “Mission Rehabilitation”.

However, On October 13, the Chief Minister had launched the state-wide compensation drive from Ajnala by disbursing Rs.5.70 crore among 631 families. The Mann government has provided Rs. 20,000 per acre for crop loss, up to Rs.1.20 lakh for damaged houses and financial aid for livestock within just 45 days. The amount was transferred directly into beneficiaries’ accounts through DBT to ensure transparency. The special girdawari teams covered almost every affected household and it was also being ensured that damaged roads will soon be re-carpeted.

Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema initiated the compensation distribution process in Sangrur by handing over sanction letters to eight flood-affected families in the Dhuri constituency. ₹3.50 crore will be distributed to flood victims in Sangrur district.

Cabinet Minister and AAP State President,  Aman Arora today initiated the disbursement of compensation to flood-affected families from village Rampur Kalan in Banur Sub-Tehsil and village Sarsini in Derabassi Tehsil of district SAS Nagar. The Minister distributed compensation approval letters worth 66 lakh to around 80 affected families.

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed relief worth Rs.1.05 crore among flood-affected families in Fazilka district for losses to crops and houses. The Minister informed that Rs.10.19 lakh was given to 43 beneficiaries and Rs.14.22 lakh for 29 damaged houses in Kahnewala village, Rs.9.47 lakh in Bahik Hasta Uttar village and Rs.71.22 lakh in Dharampura village.

Later, Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed Rs.16.88 lakh as compensation to flood affected residents of Lakkarwala, Thehri and Shergarh villages in Malout constituency. She said that although floods did not hit Malout, certain areas suffered crop and property damage.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh accompanied by MLA Gurlal Ghanaur also handed over sanction letters of ₹88 lakh as compensation to 232 farmers from the flood-hit villages of Saunta, Sheikhpur Dakheli Lohsimbli, and Samaspur in Patiala district.

In Bhoa constituency, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Sh. Lal Chand Kataruchak distributed relief cheques worth Rs.31 lakh among 130 flood-affected families of Pathankot district.

Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar formally started the distribution of compensation to flood-affected families from Kishan Singh Wala village in Kapurthala district by handing over sanction letters to around 25 farmers from Kishan Singh Wala, Chak Patti Balu Bahadur, and Hussainpur Bule villages in Sultanpur Lodhi sub-division.

PWD and Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO distributed compensation worth Rs.59 lakh among 138 flood-affected families in Gurdaspur district. The distribution drive covered multiple areas where 42 beneficiaries from village Khushipur in Dera Baba Nanak received cheques of Rs.23 lakh, 50 beneficiaries from village Khokhar Rajputan in Gurdaspur were given Rs.24 lakh and 46 families from village Kothe in Dera Baba Nanak were provided relief worth nearly Rs.12 lakh.

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has started the distribution of compensation in Zira sub-division of Ferozepur district from village Fattewala by handing over sanction letters amounting to more than Rs. 16 lakh were distributed to 57 farmers. Meanwhile, S. Khudian also distributed sanction letters of compensation amounting to Rs. 99.20 lakh to 254 farmers of village Nihala Lavera and Rs. 6.60 lakh to 37 farmers of village Kamal Wala of Ferozpur.

Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh  launched the distribution of relief funds to flood-affected families in Hoshiarpur district. At an event held at Tanda Municipal Council, the first tranche of approval letters was handed over. As many as 60 beneficiaries received approval letters totaling Rs.24.27 lakh, while beneficiaries from village Fatta received Rs.9.46 lakh, those from Abdullapur received Rs.5.50 lakh and beneficiaries from Gandhowal received Rs.9.30 lakh.

Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal distributed Rs.24 lakh among 28 affected families of Ajanala constituency and Rs.18.41 lakh among 23 families of Rajasansi constituency.

Similarly, Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian disbursed Rs. 25.05 lakh as flood relief to 84 farmers from flood-hit villages under Samrala sub-division.

Similarly, Horticulture, Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare Minister Sh. Mohinder Bhagat distributed Rs.10 lakh as compensation to 47 farmers from villages Mulewal Araiyan, Seechewal, Narangpur, Sohal Khalsa and Billi Warraich in Shahkot under Mission Rehabilitation. He informed that a total compensation amount of Rs.13 crore will be disbursed among flood-affected families across Jalandhar district.

CHANDIGARH, October 15:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 228th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 376 locations on Wednesday leading to the arrest of 75 drug smugglers after registration of 61 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 33,080 in 228 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 296 grams heroin, 497 grams opium, 13 kg poppy husk, 1164 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 3120 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 120 Police teams, comprising over 1100 police personnel, under the supervision of 71 gazetted officers have conducted 376 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 378 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 43 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Bengaluru/ Chandigarh, October 15:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday held meetings with the eminent Bussiness tycoons here and showcased the state as best investment destination in the world.

Interacting with the industrialists, the Chief Minister showcased Punjab as a land of opportunities and invited the companies to invest in the state. He said that entrepreneurs will be immensely benefited by investing in the state, which is rapidly emerging as the industrial hub of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, peace and amity, which are mainly responsible for overall development and prosperity in the state.

The Chief Minister said that knowing well that power is the engine of growth, the Punjab government is providing uninterrupted power to every sector be it residential, commercial or agriculture He urged the representative of the company to make optimum use of this congenial atmosphere backed by excellent infrastructure, power, skilled human resources and best industrial and work culture to spread their business. Extending a red carpet welcome to the industrialists, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government was always open for new ideas and innovations to boost up the industrial growth in Punjab.

The Chief Minister invited the industrialists to the sixth Edition of the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit adding that this summit will be held on March 13, 14 and 15, 2026 at Mohali, Punjab and will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to share ideas and collaborate on Punjab’s future industrial landscape. He said that the expertise and insights of the industrial captains are critical to shape Punjab’s future adding that the summit will be an ideal platform for showcasing and understanding Punjab’s potential, exploring collaboration opportunities, and networking. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he believe that together they can build a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive industrial ecosystem in Punjab for which their participation, trust, and commitment is solicited.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has always been a land of resilience, enterprise, and rich heritage adding that the state is proud to be the Food Basket of India, contributing the largest share to the nation’s grain pool. However, he said that in the last three years there has been a paradigm shift in Punjab’s industrial journey which has taken a dynamic turn. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state is now an industrial powerhouse, leading in sectors such as food processing, textiles, auto components, hand tools, bicycles, IT, tourism, and others.

The Chief Minister said that industrial growth of Punjab is truly global as Investors from across the world have recognized the state’s potential. Since March 2022, he said that Punjab has received investment proposals worth Rs 1.23 lakh crores, with the potential to create over 4.7 lakh jobs, positioning Punjab as an emerging hub for industrial growth and innovation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab is home to several prestigious global companies, including Nestlé, Class, Freudenberg, Cargill, Verbio, Danone and others which have established operations here, contributing to the State’s economic transformation.

The Chief Minister said that these international companies recognize Punjab’s potential and the conducive environment that the state provides for businesses to thrive. He said that the state’s global reach is evident through investments from countries such as Japan, the USA, Germany, the UK, UAE, Switzerland, France, Spain, and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he believes that this is just the beginning as Punjab has truly become a preferred investment destination not only for Indian investors but for those worldwide.

The Chief Minister said that after assuming the charge of office he has created an investor-friendly ecosystem that promotes ease of doing business. He said that due to industrial friendly policies of the state government Punjab today ranks as a Top Achiever in Ease of Doing Business and has launched the FastTrack Punjab Portal, India’s most advanced single-window system, with single entry and exit and over 150 services. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government ensures zero offline applications and fast-track approvals adding that through the Punjab Right to Business Act, the state offers in-principle approval in just five days for eligible units up to Rs 125 Crore.

The Chief Minister further said that Punjab is the first state to introduce some major regulatory reforms which includes time-bound clearances within 45 days, deemed approvals, escalation mechanisms, and extended validity for key licenses. Likewise, he said that investor support through WhatsApp alerts, AI chatbots, and call centers ensures real-time responsiveness. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that digital CRO reports, extended validity of fire NOC, and leasehold-to-freehold conversions are simplifying operations further.

The Chief Minister said that partnership between government and industry is key to success and the state government firmly believes that industrial growth can only be achieved when we work as equal partners. He said that this principle guides our New Industrial Policy introduced in 2022, which was shaped in consultation with industry leaders and stakeholders, ensuring that it caters to their needs and aspirations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the state government has created 24 sectoral committees chaired by the captains of industry to formulate sector specific policies.

The Chief Minister assured the industrialists that the state government is fully committed to forge partnership of equality, transparency and mutual support with industries and businesses. He said that the entire state government present here is committed to facilitate the business journey of the entrepreneurs. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the industrialists will support the state government in a big way and it will further propel the pace of industrialisation in the state.

The Chief Minister also invited members of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) for focused CXO Roundtables on the evolving industrial landscape of Punjab and emerging opportunities in Electronics, Semiconductor, Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing sectors. He batted for collaborative efforts to build a semiconductor and electronics ecosystem in Punjab, leveraging Mohali’s strong academic and research base. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that Punjab could play a significant role in developing passive components and design-engineering capabilities, given the availability of a strong talent pool and supporting infrastructure in the region adding he focused on enhancing Punjab’s participation in the national defence manufacturing value chain.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora and others were also present.

Abohar : The 35th Martyrdom Day of the brave hero, Saheed Ratan Lal Ji, was commemorated in the village of Dangar Khera. On this significant occasion, his family and local residents gathered to pay their respects. Martyr Ratan Lal Ji made the ultimate sacrifice during the turbulent times of terrorism in Punjab and will forever be remembered for his courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. The villagers honored his memory with tearful eyes, pledging to follow the path paved by martyrs like him.

Family member Master Devi Lal Sangwal said that on October 11, 1990, the police received intelligence regarding the presence of a terrorist group near Thana Makku, Fatehgarh Sabarn. Saheed Ratan Lal, along with his team, attempted to apprehend suspicious individuals during a patrol, leading to an attack in which the terrorists opened fire. In the ensuing confrontation, one terrorist was killed; however, Ratan Lal sustained serious injuries and ultimately sacrificed his life for the nation while being transported to the hospital. He emphasized that the sacrifice of Saheed Ratan Lal Ji symbolizes the highest traditions of both his family and the Punjab Police, ensuring that he will remain immortal in the hearts of his family and the people of Dangar Khera.

Chandigarh 11 October 2025, In a noble gesture to promote the spirit of service and humanity, Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh, organized a Blood Donation Camp in collaboration with Vishvas Foundation, the Indian Red Cross Society, Chandigarh, and the Blood Transfusion Department of PGIMER, Sector 12, Chandigarh. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with 93 donors coming forward to contribute the gift of life.

The event commenced with a solemn prayer by the school choir, setting a serene and compassionate tone for the day. This was followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Rev. Sr. Anupa, the School Manager; Rev. Sr. Venita, the Principal; Sr. Usha, the Vice Principal; Dr. Sangeeta, Associate Professor, Department of Transfusion Medicine, PGIMER; Sadhvi Neelima Vishvas President of Vishvas Foundation; and parent representatives. The lighting of the lamp symbolized the illumination of hope and the spirit of altruism that guided the event.

In her welcome address, Rev. Sr. Venita expressed gratitude to all the collaborating organizations for their valuable support in making the camp a success. She emphasized the importance of nurturing compassion and social responsibility among students, stating that such initiatives help young minds understand the value of selfless service.

The school choir presented a soulful rendition on the theme of humanity and togetherness, filling the atmosphere with emotion and positivity. A brief motivational speech followed, encouraging voluntary blood donation as a civic duty that can save countless lives.

The medical team from PGIMER, supported by volunteers from the Indian Red Cross Society and Vishvas Foundation, ensured the smooth and safe collection of blood units. Stringent medical standards were maintained throughout the process, with doctors and trained nurses supervising each step. Refreshments and rest arrangements were provided for donors to ensure their comfort and well-being.

As a mark of appreciation, tokens of gratitude were presented to Vishvas Foundation for his organizational support and Dr. Sangeeta for her professional guidance and contribution. Both were commended for their continued efforts in promoting voluntary blood donation drives across the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sangeeta lauded the enthusiasm of the donors and praised the school for instilling social awareness among students. Vishvas Foundation also expressed his appreciation to the school management and volunteers for their dedication in coordinating the event so effectively.

The camp concluded on a note of fulfillment and gratitude, as teachers, parents, and alumni joined hands in the cause of humanity. The successful collection of 93 units of blood stood as a testament to the collective effort of the school community and its commitment to social welfare.

The initiative by Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School once again reaffirmed its mission to educate hearts and minds—not just through academics, but through active participation in the service of society.

Rampura Phul (Bathinda), October 11:

Slamming the opposition parties for misleading propaganda against the state government, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that the leaders of the opposition just want to attain power for their vested interests and settling their scores rather than serving the people. 

Addressing the gathering after dedicating Railway Over Bridge (ROB) here today, the Chief Minister said that the opposition leaders are eagerly waiting for returning to power in the hope of teaching me a lesson for my several pro-people initiatives rather than serving the state. He said that these leaders have no vision for the state or its people but they just want to attain the power for muzzling the voice of the common man. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders have plundered the wealth of the state for their vested political interests due to which people had ousted him.

The Chief Minister said that the traditional political parties are envious of him because they are not able to digest that the son of a common man is governing the state effectively. He said that the people of the state have lost their faith in the traditional political parties because of their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the people of the state will forgive these parties who have ruined the state or used the tanks to attack Sri Harmandir Sahib.

The Chief Minister said that these people have only ‘one way’ pockets as they can acquire the money through illegal means rather than giving it to the people. He said that the former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has distributed the money of ‘Golaks’ to the people rather than from his own business of Dabwali transport or Sukh Vilas. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people are well versed in their dubious character and even identify the money notes being distributed by him as it was their hard earned money only.

Taking a dig over Sukhbir’s claim of being a farmer, the Chief Minister said that the Akali leader should tell the secret how a flourishing transport business and hotels can be constructed from a chunk of land. He said that everyone knows that the Akalis had mercilessly plundered the wealth of the state due to which all these businesses have been set. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that moreover these people patronized the chitta trade in the state which led to the genocide of generations of the state.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government will adopt no leniency towards the ‘Jarnails’ who were the perpetrators behind the genocide of youth through the curse of drugs. He said that those leaders who had patronized the drug trade have already been put behind bars adding these leaders not only used to patronize drug trade across the state but ironically they even sold/ supplied the drugs in their official government vehicles. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the past no one had previously dared to arrest these affluent leaders, but now his government has done so and they will have to pay the price for their sins.

The Chief Minister said that, surprisingly, when this Akali leader was arrested, the unholy nexus between the political parties was exposed as they cried for human rights violations and demanded special cells and facilities for the accused. He said that several ace leaders were produced by this region but they were never bothered about the development of this area adding that they were focused only about the well being of their families and never had intent for such projects. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that contrary to them the state government headed by him is taking every decision for the welfare of the common man.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has started work to construct more than 19,000 kilometre link roads in the state adding that the main motive of the campaign is to facilitate the people as these Link Roads act as a catalyst in commuting and smooth transportation of the goods and services to people. He said that these link roads are the arteries of economic growth in the state as they help the people residing in rural areas to commute on one hand and give impetus to trade and business on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the Punjab Mandi Board and PWD to ensure high quality of the work besides ensuring that every penny allocated for that project was invested in a justified manner.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Rs 5000 crore is being spent on the project to make the state ‘Power Cut’ Free’. He said that this marks a dawn of a new era as a historic initiative has been introduced in Punjab’s power sector by the state government.  Bhagwant Singh Mann that this project has been launched to make Punjab free from power cuts through the complete transformation of the Transmission and Distribution network.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government has set up Schools of Eminence across the state to impart quality education to the students as a result of which 265 students from these and other government schools have qualified for the JEE Mains exam. Likewise, he said that 44 students have cleared JEE Advanced and 848 students have qualified for NEET. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened in the last three years, and this number will soon cross 1,000 adding that so far these clinics have provided free medicine to 1.75 crore people.

The Chief Minister categorically said that such functions never used to take place during the previous regimes as the state government wanted to keep the people in the dark. He said that the state government has given government jobs to more than 55,000 eligible youth completely on the basis of merit. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sadak Surakhya Force has been constituted by the state government due to which casualties in road accidents have witnessed a dip by 48% and the initiative has been hailed by the Government of India too.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that today will be remembered as a historic day for the people of the neighboring districts, especially those from the Malwa region, because the railway overbridge built at a cost of over Rs 63.55 crore has been dedicated to the public. He said that this 1,130 meters long will give huge reprieve to people as before construction of this bridge, people often faced great inconvenience due to the frequent closure of the railway crossing. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that with the construction of this bridge, transportation will become easier, and it will also help save people’s time, money and energy.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that school students will get relief from daily hassles as they will now be able to reach their schools on time. He said that the people of this area had been demanding this ROB for many years adding that the construction of this bridge will not only benefit the residents of Bathinda and nearby districts, but also provide major convenience to people from other districts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this bridge will usher in a new era of economic progress by connecting the two parts of Rampura city with Patiala Mandi and Nabha Mandi.

CHANDIGARH, October 11:

          In a significant leap forward for public healthcare as per the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab’s AI-Driven Stroke Project has solidified its success, establishing Punjab as India’s undisputed leader in deploying artificial intelligence for life-saving medical care. This groundbreaking hub-and-spoke model, a visionary collaboration between the Government of Punjab, CMC Ludhiana, Qure.ai, and Medtronic, is delivering proven, life-altering results and setting a new national benchmark for emergency treatment.

          Hailing the project’s achievements, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh revealed that within few months of its operation, the innovative network has screened over 700 suspected stroke patients. Crucially, the system has enabled six patients suffering from severe strokes to undergo a complex, life-saving brain clot removal procedure known as Mechanical Thrombectomy, completely free of cost, he said.

          “Through this project, we are not just saving lives but also preventing devastating disabilities. The Punjab Government is providing the Mechanical Thrombectomy procedure, which can cost between ₹5 to ₹6 lakh in private hospitals, entirely free of cost to patients. This ensures that financial constraints do not stand in the way of a patient’s recovery and a second chance at life,” said the Health Minister.

          Pertinently, under the project, suspected stroke patients arriving at the spoke centres—district hospitals in Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Sangrur, and Government Medical College Patiala—immediately undergo a CT scan. This scan is then analysed in minutes by sophisticated AI technology from Qure.ai, with the results instantly shared with a team of specialist neurologists at the central hub, Christian Medical College (CMC) Ludhiana.

          These experts, led by Dr Jeyaraj Pandian, Dr Ivy Sebastian, and Dr Rajeshwar Sahonta, provide real-time, long-distance guidance to the doctors at the spoke centres. For patients identified as requiring advanced intervention, a swift and coordinated transfer to CMC Ludhiana is initiated for life-saving procedures.

          Dr Balbir Singh emphasised that the project’s initial results are profoundly encouraging. “This is a transformative model that delivers swift, expert care directly to citizens in their moment of greatest need. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is fully committed to expanding this proven initiative across Punjab to ensure equitable access to world-class stroke care for all,” he added.

*BOX: What is a Mechanical Thrombectomy?*

Mechanical Thrombectomy is a minimally invasive, life-saving procedure to remove a blood clot from a brain artery during a severe ischemic stroke. It is a highly complex procedure that must be performed within a critical time window to restore blood flow to the brain, significantly reducing the risk of death and long-term disability.