Chandigarh, September 24 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of the 74th All India Police Wrestling Competitions at Madhuban Police Academy as the chief guest. On this occasion, he said that it is a matter of joy that this competition was organized on the auspicious day of Navratri. There is a deep connection between sports and the police forces. Sports not only provide good health but also teach team spirit, mutual cooperation, and discipline. He congratulated all participants and winning players.

CM Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that it is a matter of great pride that 1,474 players from 34 teams showcased their talent in this competition held on the land of Haryana, the powerhouse of sports. The players got an opportunity to display their skills and abilities, which will greatly help in strengthening coordination among police forces. He said that a good player also becomes a good policeman. Players who play with discipline, team spirit, and cooperation perform their duties with more efficiency and competence. Sports and police have now become complementary to each other. They are also proving effective in maintaining the fitness of police personnel.

*Goal to establish India as a sports superpower in the 2036 Olympics*

The Chief Minister said that considering the importance of fitness, the Prime Minister has said that those who are fit excel in every field. To realize this vision, he launched the Fit India Movement in 2019. Now Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has set a goal to establish India as a sports superpower in the 2036 Olympic Games. He has also expressed the desire to host these games in India.

*Haryana Police has produced many talented players*

The Chief Minister said that Haryana Police personnel have not only performed their duty of security excellently but have also given the country many talented players. Such players have brought honour and glory to the nation. Haryana Police has made a commendable contribution in creating an encouraging environment for sports in the state. Players from Haryana Police have won Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, Major Dhyan Chand, Arjuna, and Dronacharya Awards, bringing glory to the state.

*State developed a vision for sports*

The Chief Minister said that about 11 years ago, the present government developed a vision for sports. The vision is to connect every child and youth with sports and provide opportunities to those who have an interest in sports, and to build playgrounds in every village. The goal of this vision is to make Haryana the sports capital of India. The government has modernized sports infrastructure. In 2015, the Haryana Sports and Physical Fitness Policy was implemented. This policy increased youth interest in sports, enabling them to perform better at national and international levels. The government started the Sports Nursery Scheme. At present, there are 1,489 sports nurseries in the state where 37,225 players are being trained. The Haryana Outstanding Player Service Rules 2021 were also introduced. Under this, 550 new posts were created and 224 players were given government jobs. Reservation has been provided for direct recruitment to Class-I to Class-IV posts for players. Sports equipment has been provided to 15,634 players.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that recruitment will soon be conducted in Haryana Police under the sports quota. He also honoured the winning players.

*Experience will help in reaching greater heights in the future – DGP*

On this occasion, Haryana Director General of Police Sh. Shatrujit Kapoor congratulated the medal-winning players and said that they will continue this success in the future. They will carry with them the experience gained from the soil of Haryana, which will help them achieve new heights. He said that along with showcasing their skills and abilities, players also got to learn about each other’s lifestyle, food habits, and languages, which strengthens national unity. Haryana Police has successfully organized 19 All India Sports Competitions so far.

The DGP said that in the All India Police Wrestling Competitions, CISF players won a total of 40 medals, including 13 gold, 9 silver, and 18 bronze. Players from Uttar Pradesh won 12 gold, 15 silver, and 19 bronze medals, while ITBP players won 9 gold, 4 silver, and 6 bronze medals. Haryana players are also making the country proud at the international level. The state government is encouraging players at every level. On this occasion, All India Police Sports Control Board representative Sh. Vidhu Shekhar IPS also shared his views.

In the women’s 53 kg freestyle match held before the Chief Minister, CISF’s Rajni secured first place and won the gold medal, while UP Police’s Hemlata won silver. In the men’s 125 kg weight category (freestyle), Haryana’s Mausam Khatri secured first place and won the gold medal, while Ishaq Mohammad of Jammu & Kashmir won silver. Bronze medals in the women’s category were won by Priyanshi and Nirmala, while in the men’s category Mohit and Bharat Chaudhary won bronze.

On this occasion, local MLA Sh. Jagmohan Anand, Director of Haryana Police Academy Sh. Arshinder Singh Chawla, IG Sh. O. P. Narwal, BJP District President Sh. Praveen Lather, and others were present. Students of DAV Police Public School presented Haryanvi dance on the occasion.

Chandigarh September 24- The Haryana Government has constituted market committees in all 22 districts of the state and released the list of appointed Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen. As per  the orders issued by the government, these newly appointed office bearers have been entrusted with the responsibility of efficient management of all arrangements in the mandis, including crop procurement. They have also been tasked with ensuring compliance with the guidelines laid down by the government. The  primary objective of these appointments is to make the mandi system more transparent, smooth, and farmer-friendly.

The newly appointed Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen will work towards streamlining the crop procurement process, ensuring farmers get fair prices, and establishing better coordination in mandi operations. In addition, ensuring the availability of basic facilities in the mandis, such as storage, transportation, and other resources, will also be the p[art of their responsibilities.

This step by the  state government is expected to prove particularly beneficial for farmers and the general public. These appointments will not only improve the mandi system but also ensure that farmers receive timely and fair prices for their produce, thereby strengthening their economic condition. Furthermore, better management in mandis will also ensure that consumers get access to quality products.

*The details of District-wise Appointments*

*Ambala*

Ambala City: Chairman – Jaswinder Singh, Vice Chairman – Gulshan Kumar

Naneola: Chairman – Gurcharan Singh, Vice Chairman – Yogender Mohan

Saha: Chairman – Jasmer Singh, Vice Chairman – Manjit Singh

Barara: Chairman – Kulraj, Vice Chairman – Devender Bansal

Shahzadpur: Chairman – Gopal Mittal, Vice Chairman – Jagdeep Singh

Naraingarh: Chairman – Narender Rana, Vice Chairman – Bhushan Aggarwal

Ambala Cantt: Chairman – Balwinder Singh, Vice Chairman – Surender Bhatia

*Bhiwani*

Bahal: Chairman – Ravi Mahmiya, Vice Chairman – Ramchander Tandi

Jui: Chairman – Meer Singh, Vice Chairman – Deepak

Loharu: Chairman – Sanjay Nehra, Vice Chairman – Subhash Saini

Siwani: Chairman – Sanjay Rahad, Vice Chairman – Pooja Rani

Tosham: Chairman – Charandev Mehcha, Vice Chairman – Sachin

Bhiwani: Chairman – Krishan Lal, Vice Chairman – Sanjay Mehta

Bawani Khera: Chairman – Rajender Kumar, Vice Chairman – Patram

*Charkhi Dadri*

Charkhi Dadri: Chairman – Satender Parmar, Vice Chairman – Mohan Lal Pradhan

*Jhajjar*

Jhajjar: Chairman – Satyavir Singh, Vice Chairman – Jasbir Singh

Bahadurgarh: Chairman – Vinod Kaushik, Vice Chairman – Pradeep Gupta

Beri: Chairman – Rajender Sharma, Vice Chairman – Ashok Goyal

*Palwal*

Palwal: Chairman – Pankaj Virmani, Vice Chairman – Sandeep Goyal

Hodal: Chairman – Jagmender Singh, Vice Chairman – Pawan Sharma

Hathin: Chairman – Devi Singh Dagar, Vice Chairman – Rakesh Garg

Hassanpur: Chairman – Ram Bainsla, Vice Chairman – Pawan Poonia

*Sirsa*

Ding: Chairman – Ravinder Singh, Vice Chairman – Manoj Kumar Khurana

Ellenabad: Chairman – Bhagwan Singh, Vice Chairman – Chander Prakash

Rania: Chairman – Lalit Mohan Popli, Vice Chairman – Swarn Singh Abholi

Sirsa: Chairman – Inderpal, Vice Chairman – Janak Raj Sherpura

*Panchkula*

Barwala: Chairman – Deshraj Poswal, Vice Chairman – Akshay Kumar Kaushal

Panchkula: Chairman – Surender Sharma, Vice Chairman – Om Prakash Singla

Raipur Rani: Chairman – Panchram, Vice Chairman – Arvind Singla

*Nuh*

Nuh: Chairman – Chet Ram, Vice Chairman – Than Singh

Punhana: Chairman – Mahadev Patel, Vice Chairman – Sanjay Garg

Ferozepur Jhirka: Chairman – Mahavir Saini, Vice Chairman – Tejpal

Taoru: Chairman – Mukesh Yadav, Vice Chairman – Prem Saini

*Yamunanagar*

Sadhaura: Chairman – Naveen Kumar, Vice Chairman – Sunita Garg

Saraswati Nagar: Chairman – Jaswinder Saini, Vice Chairman – Satish Kumar

Bilaspur: Chairman – Vipan Singla, Vice Chairman – Surajbhan Saini

Jagadhri: Chairman – Vipul Garg, Vice Chairman – Thath Singh

Pratap Nagar: Chairman – Kailash Sharma, Vice Chairman – Yogesh Kumar

Yamunanagar: Chairman – Rakesh Tyagi, Vice Chairman – Mohit Bansal

Radaur: Chairman – Rupinder Singh Mali, Vice Chairman – Bansi Lal

*Dabwali*

Kalanwali: Chairman – Satpal, Vice Chairman – Mohan Lal

Dabwali: Chairman – Satish Jagga, Vice Chairman – Amilal Parikh

*Mahendragarh*

Ateli: Chairman – Shiv Ratan, Vice Chairman – Rakesh Kumar Aggarwal

Kanina: Chairman – Aruna Kaushik, Vice Chairman – Ashish Kumar

Mahendragarh: Chairman – Bhagirath, Vice Chairman – Krishan

Narnaul: Chairman – Babulal, Vice Chairman – Suresh Chandra Choudhary

Nangal Chaudhary: Chairman – Ramashankar, Vice Chairman – Radhe Shyam Saini

*Kaithal*

Dhand: Chairman – Vijender Ror, Vice Chairman – Jai Singh

Pundri: Chairman – Subhash Hajwana, Vice Chairman – Devi Dayal Barsana

Kaithal: Chairman – Satish Sharma, Vice Chairman – Ram Narayan

Kalayat: Chairman – Raj Kishan Rana, Vice Chairman – Rishi Pal

Rajound: Chairman – Vijender Singh, Vice Chairman – Rajesh Kumar

Cheeka: Chairman – Jagmal Rana, Vice Chairman – Mange Ram Jindal

Siwan: Chairman – Shamsher Saini, Vice Chairman – Vikram Munjal

Pai: Chairman – Rajender Krishan, Vice Chairman – Satyawan Dhull

*Rewari*

Kosli: Chairman – Mahesh Yadav, Vice Chairman – Dinesh Goyal

Rewari: Chairman – Anil Saini, Vice Chairman – Deepak Mangla

*Jind*

Jind: Chairman – Manish Bablu Goyal, Vice Chairman – Haridas

Julana: Chairman – Manoj Kumar, Vice Chairman – Praveen

Uchana: Chairman – Surender Kumar, Vice Chairman – Praveen

Pillukhera: Chairman – Rohtas, Vice Chairman – Sonu

Safidon: Chairman – Chander Singh Saini, Vice Chairman – Madan Goyal

Narwana: Chairman – Amit Dhakal, Vice Chairman – Satya Prakash Saini

Alewa: Chairman – Rampal Bhardwaj, Vice Chairman – Shamsher Saini

*Sonipat*

Sonipat: Chairman – Arun Chauhan, Vice Chairman – Sanjay Verma

Kharkhoda: Chairman – Anand Singh Dahiya, Vice Chairman – Gulshan Thekedar

Ganaur: Chairman – Nishant Chhokkar, Vice Chairman – Yogesh Kaushik

Gohana: Chairman – Krishan Saini, Vice Chairman – Rajender Kirdar

*Faridabad*

Faridabad: Chairman – Subhash Ahuja, Vice Chairman – Sonu Sharma

Tigaon: Chairman – Rajeshwar Bhati, Vice Chairman – Shripal Sharma

Ballabgarh: Chairman – Sanjeev Kumar, Vice Chairman – Kanta Devi

Mohna: Chairman – Sandeep Tomar, Vice Chairman – Hari Om Sharma

NIT: Chairman – Devinder Bhadana, Vice Chairman – Manoj Yadav

*Karnal*

Indri: Chairman – Mahender Singh, Vice Chairman – Deepak Bansal

Kunjpura: Chairman – Deepak Saini, Vice Chairman – Sandeep Chauhan

Karnal: Chairman – Ishwar Lal, Vice Chairman – Lekhraj Garg

Gharaunda: Chairman – Rajkumar Paliwal, Vice Chairman – Rajpal Sharma

Jundla: Chairman – Sushil Kumar, Vice Chairman – Ramesh Chandra

Assandh: Chairman – Praveen Kumar, Vice Chairman – Ram Avtar

Taraori: Chairman – Randeep Chaudhary, Vice Chairman – Rajiv Narang

Nilokheri: Chairman – Shivnath Kapoor, Vice Chairman – Malkhan Singh

Nissing: Chairman – Rohit, Vice Chairman – Radheshyam

Nigdhu: Chairman – Balraj, Vice Chairman – Shriram

*Panipat*

Bapoli: Chairman – Rajender Rawal, Vice Chairman – Pawan Kumar

Israna: Chairman – Rajesh Jaglan, Vice Chairman – Vishal Goyal

Matloda: Chairman – Ramesh Saini, Vice Chairman – Ashwini Garg

Panipat: Chairman – Avtar Singh, Vice Chairman – Balwan Sharma

Samalkha: Chairman – Vinay Kumar Jain, Vice Chairman – Satveer Sharma

*Gurugram*

Farrukhnagar: Chairman – Daulat Ram, Vice Chairman – Kanwarpal Chauhan

Gurugram: Chairman – Manish Yadav, Vice Chairman – Rajender Aggarwal

Daulatpur: Chairman – Manoj Yadav, Vice Chairman – Shyamlal

Sohna: Chairman – Dayaram Lohia, Vice Chairman – Ashok Bansal

*Hisar*

Hansi: Chairman – Dinesh Dhawan, Vice Chairman – Surjeet

Narnaund: Chairman – Uday Singh Lohan, Vice Chairman – Virender Sharma

Bass: Chairman – Shamsher Singh, Vice Chairman – Azad Sharma

Barwala: Chairman – Praveen Saini, Vice Chairman – Roshan Ghanghas

Uklana: Chairman – Inder Singh Ola, Vice Chairman – Anand Jain

Adampur: Chairman – Thakar Das Pawar, Vice Chairman – Ritu

Hisar: Chairman – Surender Singh, Vice Chairman – Anil

*Fatehabad*

Dharsul: Chairman – Ram Mehar, Vice Chairman – Lala Hemraj

Tohana: Chairman – Jagjit Singh, Vice Chairman – Laxman Bansal

Jakhal: Chairman – Binder Singh, Vice Chairman – Kanwal Krishan Singla

Bhuna: Chairman – Rajiv Nahla, Vice Chairman – Kailash Bansal

Bhattu Kalan: Chairman – Pradeep Mandhan, Vice Chairman – Yograj Sharma

Fatehabad: Chairman – Jagdish Jakhar, Vice Chairman – Inder Gawri

Ratia: Chairman – Dharampal Sharma, Vice Chairman – Kulwanti Saini

*Rohtak*

Rohtak: Chairman – Ashok Chaudhary, Vice Chairman – Satish Goyal

Sampla: Chairman – Uday Bhan Malik, Vice Chairman – Bansi

Meham: Chairman – Ishwar Singh, Vice Chairman – Leelu

*Kurukshetra*

Ismailabad: Chairman – Balbir Rana, Vice Chairman – Naseeb Singh

Pehowa: Chairman – Tarandeep Waraich, Vice Chairman – Nand Lal Singla

Shahabad Markanda: Chairman – Karanraj Singh Toor, Vice Chairman – Trilochan Handa

Thanesar: Chairman – Suresh Kumar, Vice Chairman – Shashikant Jain

Ladwa: Chairman – Ganesh Dutt, Vice Chairman – Surender Singhal

Pipli: Chairman – Satish Ror

Chandigarh, September 24 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday visited Nehru Place market in Karnal and held discussions with shopkeepers regarding the recent GST reforms. The traders welcomed the Chief Minister with a shower of flowers and expressed their appreciation for the reforms.

The shopkeepers said that during the festive season, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has given a significant gift by reducing GST rates, bringing benefits not only to customers but also to traders. They shared that customers themselves are coming forward to talk about the GST relief and are showing greater enthusiasm for shopping.

Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini thanked Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and said the Prime Minister always fulfills his commitments. He recalled that on August 15, from the Red Fort, the Prime Minister had announced major GST relief for the common people, traders, the poor, and industrialists ahead of the festive season. Within a month of that announcement, the GST Council implemented key reforms, abolishing the 12 percent and 28 percent tax slabs and retaining only two rates—5 percent and 18 percent.

Sh. Saini said this decision has provided direct relief to the public, curbing inflation and bringing joy to households during the festive period. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is progressing rapidly and earning global recognition and respect.

Karnal MLA Sh. Jagmohan Anand, BJP District President Praveen Lather, and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, September 24 – Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh said that Gurugram, the economic capital of the state, is steadily becoming the first choice for investors to establish Global Capability Centers (GCCs) due to its continuously improving connectivity and industry-friendly environment.

The Minister was speaking at a stakeholder consultation meeting on the provisions of the upcoming GCC Policy 2025, held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Gurugram on Wednesday.

*Government Committed to Supportive and Progressive Environment*

The Industry and Commerce Minister underlined that the state government is committed to providing a supportive and progressive ecosystem rather than a restrictive one. He said that industries are the main pillars of Haryana’s growth. The government is consistently striving to ensure that investors and entrepreneurs get all necessary facilities and timely support.

He added that Gurugram, as the state’s economic capital, has seen rapid improvements in connectivity over the past decade. With its proximity to Delhi, the city has become a natural investment choice. Projects such as a large park on the lines of London’s Hyde Park, two convention centres similar to the India Habitat Centre, along with major road networks like the Dwarka Expressway and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, make Gurugram even more attractive.

The Minister said that the world’s largest Jungle Safari is being developed in Gurugram, which will further boost its infrastructure and investment potential. Together, these factors are positioning Gurugram as one of the most attractive destinations for investors, both nationally and globally, he added.

*Balanced Mix of Fiscal and Non-Fiscal Incentives: Dr. Amit Agrawal*

Addressing stakeholders,  Commissioner and Secretary,  Industries and Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Agrawal said that Haryana has prepared a new policy to promote GCCs and build a strong, investment-friendly ecosystem. The policy contains a balanced mix of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to provide maximum convenience and support to investors. Dedicated relationship managers and special teams will assist investors throughout the process, he said.

He further highlighted that along with Gurugram, Tier-2 cities such as Panchkula, Karnal, and Hisar already offer modern infrastructure, high quality of life, and excellent connectivity. The policy aims to make Haryana an easy, convenient, and attractive destination for GCC investments.

*Stakeholder Suggestions to be Prioritized: Dr. Yash Garg*

Director General, Industries and Commerce Department, Dr. Yash Garg said that the draft GCC Policy will give top priority to stakeholder suggestions. The policy aims to provide a more convenient, investor-friendly environment so that Haryana, particularly Gurugram, can be further strengthened as a hub for GCCs he added.

The Chief Coordinator Industries, Sh. Sunil Sharma, Chief Technology Officer, Sh. Nitin Bansal and representatives from various industrial associations across the state attended the consultation meeting.

Chandigarh, 24 September :

 Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women & Child Development and MLA from Malout, Dr. Baljit Kaur, distributed 15 auto e-rickshaws among needy individuals of her constituency under the state government’s self-employment initiative.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to economically empowering poor and divyang persons. These auto e-rickshaws will provide beneficiaries with a dignified source of livelihood and enable them to lead a self-reliant life.

She added that these are not just vehicles, but a new beginning for the beneficiaries. The e-rickshaws will empower them and bring smiles to their faces, instilling the confidence to stand on their own feet. Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government envisions a society where no family remains helpless and every individual chooses the path of self-reliance. This initiative is a significant step towards realizing the dream of a “Self-Reliant Punjab.”

On this occasion, the beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, assuring that they will make the most of this opportunity.

Chandigarh, September 24:

The robust procurement mechanism of the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today came in for huge appreciation from the Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology Minister, Kerala Mr. G.R. Anil who was apprised about in detail about the procurement process and the measures undertaken by the Punjab Government to ensure its robustness.

Apprising the visiting dignitary with regard to the procurement process here at Anaj Bhawan, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Punjab, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that despite being 1.5 percent of the landmass of the country, Punjab contributes about 40-45 percent of Wheat and 20-25 percent paddy to the Central Pool.

Divulging more, Mr. Kataruchak said Kataruchak the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has over 8 lakh farmers, 25000 Arhtiyas, 5000 millers and 500 Labour & Transport contractors registered on the Anaaj Kharid portal. Besides, the J form on the portal contains the names, details, quantity of crop brought to the mandis, land details along with the crop sowing details, added Mr. Kataruchak.

Bringing other salient features of the procurement system to the attention of Mr. G.R. Anil, Mr. Kataruchak revealed that the once the crop of a farmer is procured it is ensured that the same is lifted within 72 hours and the farmer gets payment credited in his bank account in 48 hours. Apart from this, the online gate pass as well as the Vehicle Tracking System is also fully operational in the State of Punjab in order to ensure transparency in the procurement process.

There are more than 14000 Fair Price Shops (FPS) in Punjab which distribute free wheat to the needy beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System in accordance with the mission of ensuring food security under the National Food Security Act, 2013. Every FPS has been provided with e-PoS machines so as to maintain transparency in the wheat distribution. Also, the crops of the farmers are ensured to be procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) which in the present paddy season is Rs. 2389 Per Quintal, added Mr. Kataruchak.

Mr. G.R. Anil said that Punjab is rightly known as the Food Basket of the country and especially praised the resilience of the people even amid the heavy floods ravaging the State.

The Kerala Minister was also honoured by Mr. Kataruchak on the occasion which saw the Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Punjab, Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Directors Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar & Ajayveer Singh Sarao and GM Finance Sarvesh Kumar in attendance.

CHANDIGARH, September 24:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 207th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 299 locations on Wednesday leading to the arrest of 52 drug smugglers after registration of 36 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 30,771 in 207 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 321 grams heroin, 13 kg poppy husk, 320 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 73,100 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 36 gazetted officers have conducted 299 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 321 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 34 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH, September 24:

          In a groundbreaking step to bolster the healthcare system and recognise the tireless service of medical professionals, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has introduced a first-of-its-kind Policy to Honour Doctors for outstanding services, announced Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh here on Wednesday.

          This institutionalised, transparent, and merit-based system will be implemented by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will personally confer the awards at a state-level function, reflecting the state’s commitment to valuing the contribution of doctors who are the backbone of Punjab’s health services.

          Highlighting the initiative during a press conference, Dr Balbir Singh said that the Government of Punjab will honour 60 doctors every year under a newly introduced policy to boost the morale and commitment of medical professionals towards their humanitarian service.

          He said that the awards will span four categories, including the State Level Best Doctor Award, District Level Excellence Award, Special Recognition for Innovation or Public Health Leadership, and Special Recognition for Public Service in the Private Sector. Each awardee will receive a Certificate of Honour presented by the Chief Minister or Health Minister, Punjab, along with a permanent listing on the State Health Honour Board, which will be maintained digitally and displayed prominently in government hospitals, he added.

          Dr Balbir Singh said, “Doctors are the custodians of public health and have stood as pillars of strength for the people of Punjab during every crisis—from COVID-19 to floods. This policy reflects our government’s resolve to celebrate their service and encourage them to keep leading with dedication and compassion.”

          Today, around 6,000 doctors are serving across Aam Aadmi Clinics, Rural and Urban Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Sub Divisional and District Hospitals, Government Medical Colleges, and outreach programmes, ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every corner of Punjab, including the remote populations.

          The Health Minister that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has recruited a total of 934 doctors since 2022— nearly 25% of the state’s current strength of 3,831 Medical Officers and Specialists deputed at Rural and Urban Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Sub Divisional and District Hospitals. He confirmed that the strengthening of medical services is ongoing, with an additional more doctors are expected to join the state’s health force within the next one to two months.

          The Minister said that Punjab’s doctors play a pivotal role in healthcare delivery, ranging from managing OPDs, IPDs, surgeries, and emergencies to leading preventive programmes such as immunisation, maternal and child health, and disease control. In addition, doctors also actively contribute to medical research, training, and innovations that continue to strengthen and transform the state’s healthcare system, he added.

 Dr Balbir Singh further informed that on the same pattern, ASHA workers, nurses and other staff in the health department working at frontline, will also be felicitated.

          Meanwhile, this initiative underscores Punjab Government’s commitment to honouring the tireless contribution of doctors, motivating them to continue excelling, and building a strong, responsive, and compassionate healthcare system for the people of Punjab.

Chandigarh, September 24

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the ‘Punjab One Time Settlement Scheme for Recovery of Outstanding Dues, 2025’ will be effective from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and this scheme aims to resolve approximately 20,039 pending cases involving outstanding dues of nearly Rs 11,968.88 crore across various pre-GST acts, providing substantial relief to the state’s trade and industry

Announcing this One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS), the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this initiative, approved by the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in today’s cabinet meeting, marks the third such scheme offered by the AAP-led Punjab Government, and it will be the final opportunity for taxpayers to settle their outstanding dues. He said that after January 1, 2026, recovery proceedings will commence for those who fail to opt for this scheme. “The pending cases span multiple pre-GST acts, including the Punjab VAT Act, the Central Sales Tax Act, and others, We have structured this scheme to offer substantial waivers on interest and penalties, making it an attractive proposition for all eligible taxpayers”, said Cheema.

Highlighting the key features of the scheme, the Finance Minister said that the scheme offers a tiered waiver structure based on the demand amount. “For outstanding demands up to Rs 1 crore, taxpayers will receive a 100% waiver on interest and penalty, along with a 50% waiver on the tax amount. For demands between Rs 1 crore and Rs 25 crore, there will be a 100% waiver on interest and penalty, and a 25% waiver on the tax amount. In cases with demands exceeding Rs 25 crore, we are providing a 100% waiver on interest and penalty with a 10% waiver on the tax amount”, he added.

Emphasising the expected outcome of the initiative, the Finance Minister said “If all eligible taxpayers avail this scheme, we anticipate a recovery of approximately Rs 3,344.50 crore for the state while waiving over Rs 8,441.56 crore in old dues.” He said that  this scheme is applicable to all taxpayers whose assessment orders were framed by September 30th, 2025, and it will not apply to government food agencies. He urged all eligible businesses to take advantage of this initiative before the deadline of December 31st, 2025.

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the AAP led Punjab Government is committed to clearing the backlog of legacy tax cases to foster a more business-friendly environment in Punjab. He said that this new One Time Settlement scheme is a progressive step that will not only reduce the compliance burden on taxpayers but also streamline the state’s tax administration.

Chandigarh, September 24:

Raising voice of the distress of the state’s cotton farmers, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian sought the Centre Government’s immediate intervention to commence the cotton crop’s procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India’s (CCI) in the state at Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 7,710 per quintal as announced by GoI. The CCI’s absence from state mandis, despite the “white gold’s” arrival, has left the farmers vulnerable to distress sales to private players at prices below the MSP.

While addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, on Wednesday evening, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian painted a grim picture of broken promises for the state’s cotton growers. Despite a 20% increase in area under cotton cultivation, due to the Punjab Government’s proactive initiatives under crop diversification drive, farmers are now facing despair due to the CCI’s conspicuous absence.

Expressing deep concern over the Centre’s failure to fulfil its promise of MSP for cotton farmers, the Agriculture Minister questioned that the crop is here. The farmers are here. But where is the CCI?

Highlighting the state’s efforts to boost cotton cultivation, he informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s 33% subsidy on hybrid cotton seeds and other proactive measures resulted in a significant 20% increase in cotton cultivation, from around 99000 hectares in 2024 to 1.19 lakh hectares this year. S. khudian emphasised that farmers, who invested their savings and labour based on the MSP announced by Centre Government, are now being forced into distress sales to meet urgent financial needs.

“We did our part. Our farmers did their part with unparalleled faith. Now, the Centre must do its part. We demand the CCI should immediately commence procurement without any further delay. Every quintal sold below MSP is undermine farmers’ faith in the Centre’s system. The time for action is now”, stated S. Khudian.