Chandigarh, February 6 – Haryana is strengthening its public healthcare system with a clear focus on people-centric services that are closer to homes, easier to access, and better equipped to address both physical and mental health needs. Reviewing the progress of the Health Department, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra said the State is working towards improving everyday healthcare delivery across both urban and rural areas.

Dr. Misra stressed that priority is being given to the timely completion of health infrastructure projects, expansion of critical care facilities, and strengthening of digital health systems. She said coordinated efforts at the State and district levels are being ensured so that healthcare remains affordable, accessible, and of good quality for every family.

Highlighting the State’s growing focus on mental health, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra today said that a comprehensive mental health scheme would be planned and rolled out at the block level to address the rising challenges in this area. This was disclosed after she reviewed the working of senior officers of the Health Department.

Emphasizing that infrastructure expansion must go hand in hand with human resource development, Dr. Misra directed the strengthening of training programmes for doctors and nurses, with special focus on intensive care unit (ICU) operations and critical care management. She said this capacity-building approach would ensure that healthcare personnel are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to effectively handle complex medical situations and emergencies. 

The review meeting highlighted Haryana’s sustained commitment to the health sector, with budgetary allocations rising significantly from Rs. 2,646 crore in 2014–15 to Rs. 9,941.97 crore in 2025–26 — a nearly four-fold increase in just over a decade. This substantial investment has enabled comprehensive strengthening of health infrastructure and services across the State.

Currently, Haryana has 3,672 health institutions with a combined bed capacity of 14,656. Development momentum continues, with 74 projects under construction through the State Budget and 390 projects being executed under National Health Missions, ensuring continuous expansion and modernisation of healthcare facilities.

The meeting was informed of notable improvements across key health indicators. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 1.9, reflecting improved family planning awareness and reproductive health services. Institutional deliveries have reached 98.8 per cent, contributing to safer childbirth and reduced maternal mortality.

Both infant mortality and under-five mortality rates have shown a sustained decline, bringing Haryana closer to developed-country benchmarks. The State has surpassed national targets under Anemia Mukt Bharat, achieved near-universal immunisation coverage, and maintained strong performance in disease control programmes, including tuberculosis elimination and vector-borne disease management.

Haryana has emerged as a frontrunner in digital health adoption, with 1.77 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs created, enabling citizens to maintain digital health records and access services seamlessly across facilities. Over 423 health facilities are now live on the NextGen e-Hospital platform, facilitating paperless operations, reduced waiting times, and improved patient experience.

Quality benchmarks have also shown significant improvement, with 1,474 facilities certified under National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), ensuring standardised and protocol-driven care across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. This emphasis on quality certification reflects the State’s commitment not only to expanding healthcare access but also to ensuring excellence in service delivery.

Chandigarh, 6 February 2026*

Aam Aadmi Party’s National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda strongly condemned the baseless statements made by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh while standing on Punjab’s soil. He said that the statements were not only far from facts but were a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and divert attention from the failures and scams of the BJP government in Haryana. The Chief Minister’s attitude on sensitive issues such as floods, farmers’ compensation and assistance to labourers is extremely irresponsible. A government that has failed to deliver justice to farmers and workers in its own state has no moral right to preach to others. Dhanda further said that today in Punjab, CM Nayab Singh admitted that the BJP government shut down Mohalla Clinics in Delhi after coming to power. This clearly shows that BJP does not provide public facilities; it shuts them down.

He said the biggest example is the approximately ₹1,500 crore work-slip scam in Haryana’s Labour Department, which exposed a historic betrayal of poor workers. In the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, more than 5.46 lakh out of nearly 6 lakh work slips were found fake — over 90% irregularities. Out of 2.21 lakh registrations, only 14,240 were genuine. Benefits such as maternity assistance, education aid and scholarships were withdrawn in the names of fake workers, with an average of ₹2–2.5 lakh per person, while real workers are still running from office to office. This scam is not the mistake of a small employee but the result of an organized corrupt system backed by political protection.

Dhanda said that from 2014 to 2024, Manohar Lal Khattar was the Chief Minister of Haryana and after March 2024, Nayab Singh Saini became CM, but despite the change in leadership, the character of the BJP government did not change. From Khattar to Saini, scams remained a part of governance. In the past 11 years, more than 20 major scams have surfaced in Haryana, with losses worth thousands of crores confirmed by CAG reports, court observations, ED and vigilance investigations, and FIRs.

He said the biggest example is looting in the mining sector. In Nuh district, illegal mining caused a loss of more than ₹2,000 crore to the government, where over 800 million tonnes of minerals were extracted from the Aravalli hills. In Bhiwani’s Dadam area, investigations confirmed a loss of about ₹1,200 crore, and seven workers died in the 2022 landslide. According to CAG reports, illegal mining and royalty theft in the Aravalli region caused losses of over ₹5,000 crore, while the NGT imposed a fine of ₹66 crore. In Yamunanagar, more than 860 FIRs were registered for illegal mining in 2025, yet the mafia remained fearless.

He said there was also a massive scam in paddy procurement in the name of farmers. In 2025, FIRs in Karnal and other districts revealed that 24,431 quintals of paddy worth about ₹6.31 crore disappeared from records in a single mill. By using fake gate passes and showing cheap paddy from other states at MSP, total losses were estimated at over ₹4,000 crore. Farmers kept struggling for payments while mafias and mill owners remained safe.

Dhanda said the biggest injustice to Haryana’s youth came through recruitment scams. Between 2014 and 2024, more than 20 recruitment scams surfaced in HTET, HSSC, HPSC and police recruitment. Over 29 FIRs were registered and several exams had to be cancelled. In 2025, a fake recruitment website scam targeting youth also surfaced, proving that the corrupt network is still active.

He said these scams directly affected Haryana’s economic condition. Since 2014, the state’s debt has risen to about ₹4 lakh crore by 2024-25. The question is: where did this money go? Neither government schools improved, nor hospitals, nor farmers’ income increased, nor youth got permanent employment. Clearly, this debt was spent not on development but on corruption and loot.

Dhanda said that in this background, CM Nayab Singh Saini giving lectures in Punjab on flood compensation and central assistance is hypocritical. When thousands of acres of crops were destroyed in Haryana, hundreds of villages were affected and farmers did not receive full and timely compensation, the Chief Minister remained silent. Even today, many farmers do not know whether they will receive compensation. In contrast, the AAP government in Punjab ensured up to ₹20,000 per acre compensation for crop loss, ₹4 lakh assistance to families of the deceased, and direct payments through a transparent online system.

He said statements like “People of Punjab have made up their mind” reflect arrogance and disconnect from reality. People are intelligent and know who worked during crises and who only gave speeches. CM Saini’s hollow statements cannot change the truth.

AAP demands an impartial investigation into labour, mining, paddy procurement, recruitment and all major scams since 2014 under CBI or High Court monitoring, regardless of the position of the accused. A strict and transparent mining policy should be implemented to protect the Aravallis and rivers, and a white paper should be issued on the ₹4 lakh crore debt. AAP stands with farmers, workers and youth. This is not a fight for power but a fight to free Haryana from corruption and loot. The BJP government must answer when this mountain of scams and debt accumulated over 11 years will finally collapse.

Chandigarh: “Ayushman Bharat is nothing short of a healthcare revolution in India. This scheme has prevented millions from falling into poverty due to medical expenses, and PGIMER is proud to be at the forefront of translating this vision into reality,” stated Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, while addressing media persons at PGIMER today to highlight the Institute’s pivotal role in delivering complex, high-end treatments under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

Addressing the media, Prof. Lal emphasised that PGIMER has emerged as a torchbearer in the effective implementation of government health schemes for the benefit of the most vulnerable sections of society. He observed that Ayushman Bharat is not merely a financial protection mechanism but a comprehensive systemic reform that is fundamentally reshaping healthcare delivery in India. PGIMER’s experience, he noted, clearly demonstrates that advanced, high-end and complex medical care can be delivered equitably, ethically and efficiently within the public health system.

Prof. Lal further noted that PGIMER records one of the highest volumes of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries in the country. A substantial proportion of renal transplants, spine surgeries, joint replacements and other complex procedures at the Institute are now being performed under the scheme, with clinical outcomes comparable to those of leading global institutions. He stressed that the indigenous and Ayushman-approved implants used at PGIMER adhere to stringent international quality benchmarks, reinforcing the principle that affordability does not imply compromised standards of care.

“PGIMER is not a hospital for simple cases. We receive referrals from across India—patients who have often exhausted all available options elsewhere. Our responsibility is to deliver the best possible care, irrespective of a patient’s ability to pay,” Prof. Lal stated.

Senior faculty members present during the media interaction included Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent and Head, Department of Hospital Administration; Prof. Vijay Goni, Head, Department of Orthopaedics; Dr. Vishal Kumar, Professor, Department of Orthopaedics; and Dr. Navin Pandey, Additional Professor, Department of Hospital Administration, PGIMER.

Under AB-PMJAY, PGIMER, Chandigarh has treated a cumulative 1,75,676 beneficiaries since 2019, firmly establishing itself as one of the country’s leading public-sector tertiary care institutions implementing the scheme. Year-wise utilisation reflects sustained growth, with 9,201 beneficiaries treated in 2019–20, 10,442 in 2020–21, 17,019 in 2021–22, 33,142 in 2022–23, 32,223 in 2023-24, 39,227 in 2024–25, and 34,422 beneficiaries treated in 2025–26 (till date).

Specialty-wise distribution highlights PGIMER’s strong focus on advanced and resource-intensive care, with Medical Oncology accounting for 53,940 beneficiaries, followed by General Medicine (42,870), Cardiology (15,050), Neurosurgery (13,500), Orthopaedics (11,220) and Kidney Transplantation (211). These figures underscore PGIMER’s central role in delivering life-saving and complex procedures under a publicly funded health assurance framework.

State-wise analysis further reaffirms PGIMER’s status as a national referral centre. Punjab accounts for 46% of total beneficiaries, followed by Haryana (20%), Himachal Pradesh (9%), Uttar Pradesh (7%), Jammu & Kashmir (6%), Chandigarh (4%), while other states together contribute 8% of the Ayushman Bharat patient load. This wide geographic distribution reflects both accessibility and sustained public trust in PGIMER’s tertiary and quaternary care services.

The Director highlighted that some departments at PGIMER are now reporting 65–80% of their major procedures being conducted under Ayushman Bharat. He added that a recently completed institutional study—among the first globally to analyse real-world outcomes—has demonstrated that patients treated under the scheme at PGIMER achieve outcomes comparable to international standards, despite zero out-of-pocket expenditure.

Prof. Lal further stated that Ayushman Bharat 2.0 has significantly strengthened PGIMER’s service delivery ecosystem through end-to-end digitisation, biometric verification at admission and seamless bedside delivery of medicines. He highlighted that the introduction of a robust online indenting and inventory management system has been a critical reform in enhancing transparency and accountability. “This digital oversight has been crucial in protecting patient interests, optimising public resources and ensuring that the full benefit of Ayushman Bharat reaches the intended beneficiaries without compromise,” the Director stated.

Highlighting operational reforms, Prof. Lal pointed out that PGIMER operates regular operation theatres from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., in addition to 24×7 emergency OT services, leading to a significant reduction in surgical waiting periods. He noted that PGIMER is among the first institutions in the country to successfully implement extended OT timings using the same manpower through improved planning and sustained commitment, thereby enabling timely surgical care for thousands of patients under government health schemes.

The Director also detailed PGIMER’s extensive network with highest number of AMRIT Pharmacies, which ensure uninterrupted availability of quality medicines, implants and consumables at highly subsidised rates across the campus.

PGIMER has also aggressively addressed long-standing bottlenecks to further strengthen transparency and quality. Pending payments to pharmacy outlets—once amounting to tens of crores of rupees—have now been reduced to less than ₹2 crore, ensuring uninterrupted stocking, ethical practices and proper storage. Dedicated monitoring mechanisms and periodic reviews have further reinforced institutional accountability.

Emphasising the ethical foundation of the Institute, Prof. Lal remarked that PGIMER exemplifies how government-funded healthcare schemes can succeed when driven by institutional commitment and professional integrity. “We are soldiers in white coats. Our duty is not to question who the patient is, but to ensure that every needy patient receives the best possible care. At PGIMER, government schemes are not just policies on paper—they are lived realities for patients,” Director PGIMER aptly concluded. 

Chandigarh, February 6:

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab, Ms. Anindita Mitra today held an informative and interactive session with 34 students of Mass Communication from Panjab University. The interaction provided a platform for open dialogue, with students actively engaging on issues related to voter awareness, electoral participation and contemporary communication practices.

The session was marked by enthusiasm and curiosity, as students shared broad ideas on how modern communication tools and outreach methods can be leveraged to enhance public awareness about elections, particularly among young and first-time voters. Discussions also touched upon the evolving role of media and digital platforms in reaching diverse audiences.

Ms. Anindita Mitra highlighted the pivotal role of mass media in a democratic setup, emphasizing its responsibility in disseminating accurate information, shaping public discourse and enabling citizens to make informed choices. She noted that students of mass communication, as future media professionals, would have a significant role in promoting ethical journalism and responsible communication during the electoral process.

The Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab encouraged the students to apply their academic learning and creative skills in fostering informed public engagement and upholding the values of fairness, transparency and credibility in media practices.

Students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact directly with the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab describing the session as insightful and motivating. The interaction underscored the value of continued engagement between electoral authorities and academic institutions in sensitizing youth to civic processes.

CHANDIGARH, 6th February, 2026:

Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday highlighted the strong success of the One Time Settlement of Outstanding Dues, 2025 (OTS-2025), stating that the scheme has already enabled the recovery of ₹110 crore while delivering significant financial relief to the trading community across the state.

In a press communique, Punjab Finance and Excise & Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The Taxation Department has received 7,654 applications since the inception of OTS-2025 on October 1, 2025, resulting in the granting of unprecedented waivers amounting to ₹38,477 crore.” He underlined that the overwhelming response to the scheme clearly reflects “the success of the CM Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government’s policy of prioritising voluntary compliance over prolonged litigation.”

Highlighting the government’s responsiveness to industry feedback, the Finance Minister said that the last date for availing the scheme had been extended from December 31, 2025, to March 31, 2026. “This extension has been granted in view of the positive momentum of the scheme and in response to representations from industry associations,” he said, adding that “the additional time provides eligible taxpayers sufficient opportunity to evaluate their liabilities and opt for settlement in a transparent and simplified manner.”

Reiterating the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to ease of doing business and the creation of a trader-friendly tax environment, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said, “OTS-2025 offers a complete 100 percent waiver of interest and penalty across all categories, which significantly eases the financial burden on businesses.”

He further explained that the scheme also provides substantial slab-wise waivers on the primary tax, stating, “There is a 50 percent waiver for demands up to ₹1 crore, a 25 percent waiver for demands between ₹1 crore and ₹25 crore, and a 10 percent waiver for demands exceeding ₹25 crore.” He added that “similar graded relief is available for demands under Section 14-B of the Punjab General Sales Tax Act, 1948, and Section 51 of the Punjab VAT Act, 2005.”

Appealing to traders and taxpayers to avail the benefit of the scheme, the Finance Minister said, “I urge all eligible taxpayers to make full use of this one-time opportunity to regularise their past dues and contribute to the State’s revenue in a cooperative spirit.” At the same time, he clarified that “while the government remains committed to facilitation, cases where the scheme is not availed may attract action as per law to ensure fairness and discipline within the system.”

He further stated that, apart from government food grain agencies, all taxpayers are eligible to apply under the scheme by submitting Form OTS-01 at the office of the jurisdictional Assistant Commissioner of State Taxes (ACST).

KHURALGARH, 6th February 2026:

The Sant Samaj on Friday lauded the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for making elaborate and unprecedented arrangements to commemorate the 649th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, expressing deep appreciation for celebrating the sacred occasion with reverence and dignity.

Addressing the gathering during the state-level function organised at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, Sant Nirmal Das Ji Jaure Wale said, “The Guru Ravidass Ji Sadhu Samparda Society extends its congratulations to the state government, particularly to CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, for making extensive arrangements for the Parkash Purb.

He said, “On behalf of the entire Sant Samaj, I express special thanks to the Chief Minister for outlining comprehensive events at a broad level dedicated to the Prakash Purb.” He recalled that Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji spent more than four years in devotion at Khuralgarh, sanctifying this sacred land, and said it was a matter of immense pride that the Punjab government is celebrating the 649th Prakash Purb at the same land with full reverence.

Sant Pradeep Das Ji of Dera Ballan termed the occasion historic and said that on the auspicious occasion of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji’s Prakash Purb, the Chief Minister, along with the entire Cabinet and Members of Parliament, had arrived at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib to offer their devotion and respect. “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab government has provided 10 acres of land near Dera Ballan to establish the Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Bani Adhyayan Kendra, for which we are grateful to the government,” he said.

He also lauded the state government for these initiatives, stating that such steps would go a long way in perpetuating the glorious legacy of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, in his address, said that under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has outlined a year-long series of events to mark the upcoming 650th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, which formally commenced on Friday. He said, “As part of these events, the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji will be propagated in every nook and corner of the state.”

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Chief Minister has constituted a Cabinet sub-committee for these programmes, headed by him, and added that he would discharge this responsibility with full dedication.

Earlier, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond welcomed the gathering and said that the state government remains committed to preserving and passing on the glorious heritage of Punjab to future generations.

Punjab Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Jai Kishan Rori thanked the Chief Minister for launching the year-long events marking the 649th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji from the sacred land of Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, which forms part of his Assembly constituency.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister and the entire Cabinet joined the Sangat to perform Ardas after the Bhog of Sri Akhand Paath Sahib. The Chief Minister and members of the Cabinet also paid obeisance at the Tap Asthan of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib.

KHURALGARH, 6th February 2026:

Marking a decisive institutional commitment to the legacy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, the Punjab government on Friday formally launched year-long celebrations for the 650th Guru Purb, laying out a clear sequence of religious, cultural and academic initiatives that will run across the state until February 20, 2027. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the commemorations with the announcement of sustained congregations, Sant Sammelans, katha-kirtan programmes, conventions and university-level seminars, while simultaneously unveiling major infrastructure commitments including the expansion of a Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh and the establishment of a Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Research Centre near Dera Ballan at Jalandhar.

Stressing that financial constraints would not be allowed to dilute the scale or spirit of the observances, the Chief Minister assured that all directions of the Sant Samaj would be fully implemented, situating the year-long religious programme within the broader governance framework of the AAP government that prioritises education reform, expanded public healthcare with cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh, and policy decisions guided by public welfare.

Addressing the state-level function organised to commemorate the 649th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated the Sangat and said, “It is our collective duty to spread the message of Guru Ji across the globe. Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji envisioned an egalitarian society free from all forms of discrimination.”

Describing himself as a humble participant in the sacred congregation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that “the state government will leave no stone unturned to celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji in an unsurpassed manner.”

Recalling recent initiatives, the Chief Minister said, “The state government has recently commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji through a series of events. Likewise, year-long programmes have been chalked out to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji in an unprecedented manner.” He added that he felt blessed to be connected to this sacred land, noting that “Guru Ji delivered a powerful message of equality from here and spent more than four years at this place.”

Highlighting steps taken to institutionalise the legacy of the revered Guru, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “To perpetuate the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, the state government has established Chairs at Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University to undertake research.”

He further said, “As guided by the Sant Samaj, the state government will organise a wide range of events to mark the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji. All of us are fortunate to have received this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate Guru Ji’s Parkash Purb.”

Reiterating his government’s commitment to social justice, the Chief Minister said, “We will work tirelessly to ameliorate the woes of the weaker and underprivileged sections of society, in complete consonance with the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.” He added that “the state government is duty bound to ensure the well-being of the poorest of the poor, for which several path-breaking initiatives are being undertaken,” and said that “with the blessings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, our government has been voted to power with a thumping majority.”

Elaborating on Guru Ji’s philosophy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji gave the message of welfare of entire humanity and equality of all sections of society, thereby laying the foundation of a truly egalitarian social order.” He added, “Guru Ji envisioned an ideal society where no one suffers in any form, and our government is fully committed to carving out such a society based on the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.”

The Chief Minister further said, “The life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji continue to guide humanity towards building an egalitarian society. Guru Ji was a great spiritual ambassador and a messiah of the poor and underprivileged, who taught us to lead a virtuous and noble life.” He added that “this Parkash Purb is an occasion for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the creation of a society where every human being lives with self-respect and dignity, without any discrimination.”

Referring to Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideology, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In line with the vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar, our government is empowering the weaker sections of society through quality education.” He added that “the Schools of Eminence established by the state government will realise Babasaheb’s dreams by grooming poor but bright students for a prosperous future.”

The Chief Minister also urged the devotees to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of Punjab, saying that “with the blessings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, the state government will soon carve out a new, vibrant and progressive Punjab.”

Highlighting healthcare reforms, the Chief Minister said, “The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is being implemented across Punjab as the state’s largest health reform programme.” He added, “Every family is now entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh. Earlier, this limit was Rs 5 lakh, which has now been doubled.” Bhagwant Singh Mann said that “around 65 lakh families will benefit from this ambitious scheme, which is aimed at the welfare of every section of society.”

Giving a clarion call to the people, the Chief Minister said, “We must follow the path shown by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji to eradicate the various social evils prevailing in society.” He added, “The bani of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji is a lighthouse for entire humanity. Guru Ji showed the world the true path of humanity, and this bani can play a pivotal role in emancipating society from the challenges it faces today.”

Referring to major infrastructure initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government has already constructed a world-class memorial at Khuralgarh at a cost of nearly ₹148 crore as a humble tribute to Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.”

He added that “the memorial includes tourist facilities, multi-level parking, Minar-e-Begumpura, Sangat Hall, a state-of-the-art auditorium and other amenities.” Reiterating Guru Ji’s universal message, he said that “Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji stood for the welfare of entire humanity and equality of all sections of society.”

The Chief Minister further revealed, “The state government has purchased 12 acres of land in villages Faridpur and Nau Gaza in Jalandhar at a cost of ₹10 crore for setting up the Sri Guru Ravidass Adhyan Centre near Dera Ballan.” He said, “This state-of-the-art centre will emerge as a major research hub dedicated to the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji and will serve as a beacon of learning, devotion and propagation of Guru Ji’s bani.”

Addressing the gathering, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia said, “I feel fortunate to have the privilege of visiting the sacred land of Khuralgarh, which bears the footprints of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.”

He added, “From this land, Guru Ji gave the message of human equality, and today the Punjab government and the Aam Aadmi Party are following this very path by ensuring equal rights for all sections of society.”

Manish Sisodia said that “in Punjab today, while upholding the principle of equality, the government is providing education, healthcare and other facilities to every individual,” adding that “not just Punjab, but the entire country needs such a vision where every person is treated equally.”

Several Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, representatives of the Sant Samaj and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

CHANDIGARH, February 6:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 18th day, Punjab Police on Friday conducted 601 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

          As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 18, Police teams arrested 208 individuals and recovered four weapons along with 10 live cartridges from their possession, taking the total arrests to 5,110 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 121 persons, whereas, 284 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested seven proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

          People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 342nd day with 97 drug smugglers arrested on Friday and recovered 1.6 kg heroin, 510 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 4 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 47,954 in just 342 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 24 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, February 6:

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Friday visited Jalandhar and held a high-level meeting with senior police officers to review the ongoing investigation into the murder of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) functionary Satwinderpal Singh alias Lucky Oberoi. He also visited the scene of the crime for a firsthand assessment.

          Addressing the media at the scene of crime, the DGP reiterated the Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s firm resolve to maintain law and order, asserting that the perpetrators of this crime will be nabbed and ensured exemplary punishment as per the law. He was accompanied by Commissioner of Police (CP) Jalandhar Dhanpreet Kaur.

          “CM Saab has been personally monitoring the case and is being updated frequently on the developments,” he said.

          As per the information, Satwinderpal Singh alias Lucky Oberoi was shot by unidentified assailants on a white Activa on Friday morning at the Gurudwara Singh Sabha Parking in Model Town, Jalandhar, while he was leaving after paying obeisance. The victim later succumbed to his injuries.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the investigation is being conducted in a professional and scientific manner. “We have reviewed the investigations conducted so far and are tracking all forward and backward movements of the suspects,” he said.

          He further informed that police teams have collected mobile tower dumps to advance the investigation through technical analysis. “All theories of crime are being thoroughly investigated,” the DGP added.

          Providing details on the current status, CP Dhanpreet Kaur said that preliminary investigations have found that both accused, wearing black hoodies, fled from the spot on their Activa scooter. Further investigations are going on, she added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 25 dated 6/2/2026 has been registered under sections 103(1), 3(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Division 6 in Jalandhar Commissionerate.