CHANDIGARH, March 27:

Punjab, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, has set a benchmark in large-scale public healthcare delivery under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, emerging as a leading model nationally with over 30.51 lakh families enrolled and ₹292 crore worth of free treatment approved within three months of its launch on January 8, 2026. Highlighting the scale and pace of implementation, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday said the scheme has rapidly translated into real financial relief and healthcare access for lakhs of families across Punjab.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh stated, “The scheme has so far registered 30,51,325 beneficiaries and issued 1,77,097 free authorisations for treatment. The total approved value of treatment stands at ₹292 crore, of which ₹267 crore has already been approved. We have settled 71,000 claims and disbursed ₹60 crore to empanelled hospitals.”

Calling the achievement historic, the Health Minister emphasised that Punjab has outperformed all other states on every key parameter. “This is a historic day for Punjab. By any parameter, registrations, families covered or patients treated, Punjab is number one,” he said.

Assuring hospitals on timely payments, Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the Bhagwant Mann Government has put in place a robust mechanism to clear dues. “All pending dues up to March 31 will be cleared by April 15. No hospital will have a single rupee pending from our side,” he asserted.

He further outlined the new payment framework coming into effect from April 1. “Claims up to ₹1 lakh will be settled within 15 days, while bills above ₹1 lakh will be cleared within a week of submission. In case of disputes or verification requirements, the process will be completed within a month,” he said.

Highlighting the real impact of the scheme, Minister Dr Balbir Singh said it has already transformed lives across age groups. “Beneficiaries range from a one-year-old infant to a 99-year-old grandmother who received cancer treatment. We have covered complex cardiac procedures, including over 100 heart-related diseases. In one case, a patient with a ruptured sinus was successfully treated at Patiala Medical College under the scheme,” he noted.

“When the government spends ₹292 crore on treatment, it means that money stays in the pockets of the common man,” Dr Balbir Singh added, stating that the State Health Agency, in coordination with United India Insurance, is ensuring seamless delivery of universal healthcare coverage across Punjab.

CHANDIGARH, March 27:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 66th day, Punjab Police on Friday conducted 531 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 66, Police teams arrested 167 individuals, taking the total arrests to 17,172 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 62 persons, whereas, 353 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested six 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 391st day with 137 drug smugglers arrested on Friday and recovered 2.9 kg heroin, 1.5 kg opium, 77 kg poppy husk, 11,412 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 22,980 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 55,682 in just 391 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 94 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, March 27

Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon on Friday complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a bold and timely decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel, thereby protecting citizens from the burden of rising fuel prices amid global turmoil.

In a statement, Tandon said that at a time when the world is under immense pressure due to escalating tensions in West Asia and a sharp surge in global crude oil prices, India has demonstrated its commitment to prioritising the welfare of its people.

He noted that while many countries have passed on the burden of rising fuel costs to consumers, the Modi government has chosen to absorb the impact to shield citizens from inflationary pressures.

“The decision to cut excise duty by ₹10 per litre on petrol and diesel is a clear reflection of the Prime Minister’s sensitivity towards the common man. It has brought significant relief to crores of citizens during a time of global uncertainty,” Tandon said.

Highlighting the broader context, he said the move comes when international crude prices have surged due to geopolitical tensions, posing a serious threat of fuel price hikes. Despite these challenges, the government has ensured that domestic consumers are insulated from the adverse impact.

Tandon further said that the Modi government had the option to pass on the increased costs to the public, as seen in several countries, but instead chose to bear the financial burden itself in the larger interest of the nation. He described the decision as a “pro-people and pro-poor step” that reinforces the government’s commitment to controlling inflation and ensuring economic stability.

“When the world is under stress, India is standing firm with its citizens. This decision once again proves that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the welfare of the people remains the top priority,” he added.

IEP Chandigarh

Chandigarh

The alleged scam of Rs 160 crore in the Panchkula Municipal Corporation has stirred political activity across the state. Haryana Congress President Rao Narender Singh launched a sharp attack on the state government and administrative machinery over the issue.
Rao Narender Singh said that corruption has reached its peak during the tenure of the current government. Before the echoes of one scam fade, another one surfaces. He alleged that this massive scam in the Panchkula Municipal Corporation fully exposes the reality of a corrupt government system. This is not merely a financial irregularity but an “open loot” of public money, carried out in a well-planned manner.
He further stated that this entire episode clearly indicates that accountability within government institutions has nearly collapsed. The scam appears to be a result of a well-orchestrated conspiracy involving officials enjoying political protection. Various charges are being collected from the public, but instead of being used for development works, the money is ending up in the pockets of corrupt politicians and officials. The general public is being continuously misled by this corrupt system.
Rao Narender Singh demanded a high-level and impartial investigation into the entire matter and strict action against those found guilty. He also expressed concern that if a fair investigation is conducted, the total amount involved in the scam could be even higher.
Issuing a warning, he said that until transparency is ensured in this matter, the Congress party will continue its struggle from the streets to the legislature.
Targeting the state government, he said that if the government is honest, it should immediately bring the truth of this matter before the public and take strict action against the responsible officials and concerned individuals.
In conclusion, he stated that the Congress party is fully committed to protecting public interests and will not tolerate corruption at any cost.

Chandigarh, March 26 – Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Sh. Manohar Lal, on Thursday, chaired the meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) in Karnal. He directed the officers to ensure transparency in the implementation of centre and state government welfare schemes and to ensure that their benefits reach the maximum number of people. The Minister reviewed 23 important schemes of 11 departments in the meeting and issued necessary directions to the officers.

He said that instead of merely presenting income and expenditure data in meetings, officers of all departments should work with better planning for effective implementation of schemes. If any problem arises, they should also give suggestions for its solution.

While reviewing the schemes of the Agriculture Department, Union Minister Sh.Manohar Lal directed the District Agriculture Officer (DDA) to ensure 100 percent registration of crops on the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” portal. Along with mixed crops, details of vacant agricultural land should also be registered by farmers.

He said that at least one ‘Kisan Mela’ should be organised every year in each constituency, and farmers should be made aware of modern agricultural techniques and new varieties of seeds. Feedback from such  mela should also be taken, and good suggestions should be adopted to benefit farmers through schemes.

The Minister said that more and more Vita booths should be set up in the district so that youth can get employment and people can access Vita products near their homes. During the meeting, Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal also honored the Sarpanches of those gram panchayats that secured first, second and third positions in Swachata rankings by presenting appreciation certificates and shields. 

Situation in the Country Regarding Petrol and Gas is under control – Manohar Lal 

Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal extended greetings to everyone on the occasion of Ram Navami and, responding to media queries regarding petrol and gas, said that the situation in the country is currently normal and there is no shortage of any kind. Some countries are facing war-like situations, but if any issue arises, the Government of India is fully prepared. 

He said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had called for building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, which means making the country self-reliant. 

Government Chief Whip and MLA from Indri Sh. Ramkumar Kashyap, MLA, Nilokheri Sh. Bhagwandas, MLA, Karnal Sh.Jagmohan Anand, MLA, Assandh Sh. Yoginder Rana, Mayor, Smt. Renu Bala Gupta, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Uttam Singh, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Narendra Bijarnia and officers from various departments were present.

Chandigarh: While rapper Badshah has been embroiled in controversy over his song “Tateeree” for allegedly hurting the dignity of women, “Burn It Down” by Ipsita , a lyricist and artist from Panchkula, Haryana, has emerged as a powerful example of women’s empowerment. Released on International Women’s Day, the song has been making waves across social media platforms. Within just two weeks, it has garnered 2.3 million views on YouTube and over 52,000 likes. The song delivers a strong critique of gender inequality and is currently trending on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

At a time when objectionable artistic content is increasingly being questioned, “Burn It Down” stands out as a meaningful effort that not only guides society but also reinforces the need for change. Through both music and cinematic storytelling, Ipsita directly challenges patriarchal systems. The song portrays how women’s lives are shaped and restricted by male-dominated structures from a young age. Its depiction of gender inequality is both powerful and thought-provoking.

Lyrics That Amplify Women’s Voices

Ipsita, who is currently residing in Sector 7, Chandigarh, explains that the song illustrates how cages, veils, and societal expectations imposed on women eventually lead to rebellion. It conveys a powerful message — “Now watch me burn it down.” Through her song, Ipsita pays tribute to women who have fought silent battles—those who remain unrecognized, who carry the weight of the world without fame or acknowledgment.

“Burn It Down” is dedicated not only to women who resist visible oppression but also to those struggling with invisible burdens—women whose labor, pain, and resilience often go unnoticed.

Powerful Statistics Highlighted in the Video

• Globally, 736 million women have experienced physical or sexual violence.
• Around 130 million girls worldwide are out of school.
• Women perform 75% of unpaid care and domestic work globally. Despite sustaining economies, this labor is rarely recognized or compensated.

Ipsita’s Academic and Professional Background

Ipsita is a singer-songwriter and actress whose work lies at the intersection of pop, performance, and social commentary. She graduated from Yale University with a scholarship in Economics and Psychology and received the V. Brown Irish Award for her contributions to performing arts. She also holds an MSc in Behavioral Science from the London School of Economics. Before pursuing music and film full-time, Ipsita worked in public health and behavioral change with organizations such as UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and the World Bank.