Category Archives: Chandigarh

Two – day National CMA Practitioners Convention-2026 takes off

Chandigarh, April 4, 2026: A two – day National CMA (Cost and Management Accountants) Practitioners Convention-2026 took off at Hotel Shivalikview, Sector 17, Chandigarh. Punjab Finance Minister, Shri Harpal Singh Cheema, inaugurated the same. In the Convention more than 200 CMAs from different parts of the country were present.

CMA Manoj Kumar Anand, Chairman Professional Development Committee welcomed to the Chief Guest and delegates to the convention and narrated the objective of the convention,

During the inaugural session, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Punjab addressed the audience and affirmed that Punjab Govt. is committed to good health of its people, education and  for the sustainable growth of the state. He appraised the participants that how Punjab doubled its GST collections, Excise Revenue and increase in non-tax revenue. He also mentioned that Punjab Government by using updated IT software’s obtained from IIT Hyderabad has plugged the evasion of revenue to extent. He said Punjab is in first three states to enforce measures to curb the evasion of GST. He pointed out that agencies are working on eight to ten Apps to check if there is any evasion of tax / leakage of tax revenue if any.  He further mentioned that the initiative taken by their Govt. in form of School of eminence has led numerous students qualifying in JEE and NEET exams and getting being admitted to the various professional courses across the country.

He also appraised the participants that in FDI, ranking of the Punjab has strengthened from 15th to 11th place in their tenure. He repeated it again that we will make Punjab as ‘Rangla Punjab’ once again. He thanked the institute and its office bearer for inviting him to the occasion.

CMA TCS Srinivasa Prasad, President of the Institute also addressed the gathering and appraised the Chief Guest how CMA profession through AI, Data Analytics tools and complex data sets, evidence based decision making can help the Punjab for sustainable growth of the Punjab. He assured the minister every possible professional support for the growth of the Punjab and bringing the Industry to invest in Punjab through National Network and liaisoning with Industry.

On the occasion, CMA Neeraj Dhananjay Joshi Vice President of the Institute appraised the Minster how CMA Profession can help Govt. to cut down budgets for various projects, cost in transportation section along with health and education. He also talked about cost reduction initiatives of the institute for Khadi Gram Udyog.

CMA Anil Sharma a Practicing Cost Accountant  also mentioned that CMA Profession can be instrumental to liaising with the industry and the government to invest in Punjab. He also talked about inviting CMA representatives to Punjab Invest Summits. He said CMA is a techno-commercial profession and know about every activity of industry.

At the end Secretary of the Institute Dr Nandy presented the formal vote of thanks.

Delay in HSRP implementation raising vehicle number duplication and crime concerns

Chandigarh: The continued non-implementation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles registered prior to April 1, 2019 is emerging as a serious issue, leading to duplication of number plates, misuse of vehicle identities and harassment of innocent citizens.

The absence of tamper-proof number plates has created opportunities for criminals to use cloned vehicle numbers and making it difficult for enforcement agencies to track vehicles involved in crimes.

International road safety expert Dr. Kamal Soi, Chairman, Raahat – The Safe Community Foundation and Society for Corruption Free India (SCFI) while addressing this issue during a press conference held at Chandigarh Press Club had expressed deep concern over the situation and termed it alarming for public safety and law enforcement.

Dr Soi is also a Member of the National Road Safety Council under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, where he contributes to road safety policy, transport reforms and accident prevention strategies across the country

He stated that today an innocent vehicle owner can receive a police notice or face legal trouble for a crime he never committed simply because his vehicle number has been duplicated and misused. He said this is not just administrative negligence but a serious injustice to law-abiding citizens.

Dr. Soi further pointed out that Punjab, being a sensitive border state, already faces serious challenges related to drug trafficking, terrorism and organized crime. Such a weak vehicle identification systems directly compromise national security and public safety.

He also highlighted the unchecked proliferation of unauthorized dealers and illegal vendors who are openly affixing fake or non-compliant number plates. Duplicate number plates and HSRP-like plates are easily available through online platforms and local markets, defeating the purpose of a secure registration system.

According to him, this lack of enforcement has resulted in rampant duplication of vehicle numbers, criminals operating with cloned identities, harassment and legal trouble for innocent vehicle owners and loss of credibility of the vehicle registration system.

In a corrective step, the Transport Department has now expanded HSRP affixation for pre-2019 vehicles through authorized automobile dealers across the state via the SIAM digital platform.

Dr Soi advised that an applicant should visit the official website www.siam.in to enter their vehicle details, choose an authorized dealer and than select a convenient date and time slot. The payment must be made online to ensure transparency and avoid any cash dealings. Once the appointment is confirmed, the HSRP can be affixed at the selected dealership. This system is secure, transparent and effectively eliminates the role of illegal operators.  

HSRP plates also incorporate retro-reflective technology that enhances visibility up to 200 meters at night, improving road safety.

Dr. Soi urged the Govt and enforcement agencies to take immediate and strict action, including crackdown on unauthorized dealers, monitoring online sale of duplicate plates, strict enforcement with penalties and time-bound implementation to achieve 100% HSRP coverage.

Rotary Intl Pres-Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola: “Rotary’s Strategic Priorities Include the Global Mission to End Polio.”

Zirakpur(Mohali): As a mark of collective commitment of Rotaractors and Rotarians, Rotary International President-Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola highlighted global priorities, stressing the need for fast-paced inclusive global development. Babalola was sharing his views with media persons along-with KP Nagesh, RI Director (2025–27), Bengaluru & District Governor-Elect (District 3080-India) Rtn. Dr. Rita Kalra on the occasion of the ‘Srijan 2026 – A New Beginning’, a landmark Presidents-Elect and Secretaries-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS/SELS)’ being held at Hotel Park Plaza, Zirakpur.

It is pertinent to state that Rotary International is a global service organization with over 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders in 45,000+ clubs worldwide. Founded in 1905, it focuses on humanitarian service, high ethical standards, and world peace.

Babalola said that Rotary as an organisation works for peace and called for an end of hostilities in West Asia. He said that the political leaders need to decide to end the war for the benefit of humanity. He said Rotary always helps people in war torn areas and works towards rehabilitating displaced communities. He added that Rotary enters after war ends and helps the people ravaged by violence.

Babalola, a Rotaractor since 1984 and a Rotarian since 1994, told media persons that Rotary’s strategic priorities included the global mission to end polio, expanding membership to 1.25 million members worldwide over the next five years and strengthening Global Grant partnerships focused on environment and sustainability, basic education and literacy, and disease prevention and treatment.

He added that the AI Functional Literacy for Youth project to equip young minds with digital and AI skills is being planned for tricity youngsters. He emphasized the need for innovation-driven service and stronger youth engagement.

Other regional initiatives, and forward-looking projects announced for the Chandigarh Tricity include women empowerment initiatives focusing on digital safety, vocational skilling and entrepreneurship; and the Happy Schools Initiative aimed at improving educational infrastructure.

Notably, the two-day flagship leadership event, organised by the Rotary International Districts 3080 and 3090, has brought together over 500 Rotary leaders from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

KP Nagesh, RI Director (2025–27), Bengaluru, said that significant health and environmental interventions were also showcased during the seminar including projects for the elimination of tuberculosis, cervical cancer awareness, mobile screening for non-communicable diseases, waste management drives and the development of Rotary nurseries to promote environmental stewardship.

The seminar, being organised under the leadership of District Governor-Elect Rtn. Dr. Rita Kalra (RI District 3080 India) and Rtn. Dr. Sanjay Kalra, along with Past District Governor (PDG) Arun Mongia, focused on equipping incoming Rotary leaders with the skills and vision required for the Rotary Year 2026–27.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rita Kalra said that the event is featuring breakout sessions, networking opportunities, fellowship interactions, and cultural evenings celebrating diversity and unity.

Dr Kalra, reflecting further, said that Srijan-2026 stands as a testament to Rotary’s commitment to leadership development, collaboration, and impactful service.

Distinguished Rotary leaders including Rotary International Director Elect (RIDE) Rtn. Gurjeet Sekhon, Past District Governor(PDG) Rtn. Shaju Peter, Regional Rotary Membership Coordinator (RRMC) Rtn. Dr. Dushyant Choudhary, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (RRFC) Rtn. Dr. Pramod Kumar, Regional Web Master Rtn. Narender Rao, and Club & District Support (CDS) Rtn. Daman Bawega, contributed to the sessions, enriching the experience for participants.

In another development, the Department of Posts, Chandigarh Division, under the guidance of the Sh Kumar Sanjeev IPoS Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Chandigarh Division, released a Special Cover at GPO Sector 17, Chandigarh on PELS and SELS of Rotary International District 3080. On this occasion, Shri Brij Bhushan Rana, Senior Postmaster, GPO Chandigarh, Shri Kishori Lal, Incharge Business Parcel Centre(BPC) Chandigarh, and Dr Rita Kalra, District Governor 2026-2027 Rotary International District 3080, were present and released the Special Cover. Notably, the Special Cover will be displayed and made available for sale on 3rd and 4th April 2026 during the Rotary International District 3080 event PELS and SELS organized at Hotel Park Plaza Zirakpur by Rotary International District 3080.

Dabur India Limited inducts the importance of Wonder Herb – Pudina

Chandigarh: Moving forward in its mission to propagate the benefits of Ayurvedic herbs, India’s largest Science-based Ayurveda company, Dabur India Ltd, launched a campaign to promote Pudina as a wonder herb. Pudina is packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that can work wonders for the human stomach especially during the scorching summers.

With the accelerating frequency of heatwaves & rising mercury levels, health issues have become recurrent during the summer season. Tackling these intensifying seasonal health concerns, Dabur is manifesting the use of Pudina for those who remain under the sun for the longest hours of the day and become prone to common summer diseases.

“The best management to modern day diseases are deep embedded in the manuscripts of Ayurveda. The historical background of Pudina goes back to 3,000 years and it has been christened as the Wonder Herb which is beneficial for human digestive system. The menthol present in Pudina stimulates the enzymes necessary for digestion, relaxes the muscles of the stomach, reducing the chances of indigestion and spasms. It is also known for its calming effect on stomach cramps and ability to triumph over acidity and flatulence.” Said Dr. Tanvi Arora.

Today a lot of antacids are available in market which contains harsh chemicals like aluminum/magnesium hydroxides which if taken on regular basis can have some harmful effect on health. Dabur Pudin Hara which is over 100 Yrs old brand from Dabur, is an ayurvedic solution with goodness of Pudina Satva to give fast and effective relief in all stomach problems like Gas, Indigestion, Stomach Pain and acidity. Pudin Hara is available in multiple formats like tablets/Liquid, Powder format as Pudin Hara Fizz –which is natural remedy for acidity vs harsh chemicals.

Speaking at the event, Sriram Padmanabhan, Director Marketing, Dabur India Ltd said: “Observing the evolving trends in lifestyles and work patterns the consumers today are continuously multi-tasking and therefore they require effective and natural solutions. Dabur, as the most trusted healthcare company, strengthens its goal of instigating traditional Ayurveda to combat daily health issues and Pudin Hara is one sure shot solution for multiple gastric disorders. Considering the numerous diseases prevalent during the summer season, Pudin Hara helps in managing stomach problem

Renowned Celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi launches 12th restaurant ‘Karigiri’ in Sector 26, Chandigarh

Chandigarh:

मशहूर सेलिब्रिटी शेफ हरपाल सिंह सोखी ने सेक्टर 26 चंडीगढ़ में अपना 12वां रेस्टोरेंट ‘कारीगिरी’ लॉन्च किया है। पंजाबी संस्कृति और खाने के गहरे रिश्ते को समझते हुए उन्होंने इस नए आउटलेट में कई अनोखे कॉन्सेप्ट शामिल किए हैं, जो इसे खास बनाते हैं। शेफ सोखी का मानना है कि पंजाब में खाने का एक अलग ही महत्व है। उन्होंने कहा, “लोग सुबह उठते ही खाने के बारे में सोचते हैं और एक भोजन के बाद अगले की तैयारी शुरू हो जाती है। यही पंजाब की पहचान है और यही वजह है कि यह क्षेत्र हमारे लिए हमेशा रोमांचक रहेगा।”

उन्होंने बताया कि चंडीगढ़ के इस नए रेस्टोरेंट की सबसे बड़ी खासियत इसका ‘आंगन कॉन्सेप्ट’ है। “पहली बार हमने रेस्टोरेंट के अंदर ही एक आंगन तैयार किया है, जिससे हमें एक खूबसूरत और पारंपरिक डिजाइन प्रस्तुत करने का मौका मिला,” उन्होंने कहा।

इंटीरियर के मामले में भी ‘कारीगिरी’ काफी अलग है। यहां एक खास ‘ब्रेड बार’ तैयार किया गया है, जिसमें 20 तरह की रोटियों और उनसे जुड़ी 20 कहानियां शामिल हैं। शेफ सोखी के अनुसार, “हम हमेशा अपनी रोटियों के लिए जाने जाते रहे हैं, लेकिन इस बार हमने इसे एक नए स्तर पर ले जाते हुए ब्रेड ( रोटियों)को कहानी के साथ पेश किया है।”

मेन्यू की बात करें तो इसमें पारंपरिक स्वाद के साथ नए प्रयोग भी देखने को मिलते हैं। खास तौर पर ‘बटर चिकन’ के तीन अलग-अलग वेरिएंट—क्लासिक, व्हाइट और हरे टमाटर वाला बटर चिकन—लोगों का ध्यान आकर्षित कर रहे हैं। उन्होंने बताया कि ‘ग्रीन बटर चिकन’ को मेन्यू में शामिल करने की प्रेरणा उन्हें तब मिली जब मशहूर फिल्म निर्माता-कोरियोग्राफर फराह खान उनके घर आईं और इस डिश को बेहद पसंद किया।

शेफ सोखी ने कहा कि उनका मेन्यू सिर्फ खाने तक सीमित नहीं है, बल्कि यह एक ‘स्टोरीटेलिंग मेन्यू’ है। “मेरी यात्राएं, टीवी शो, मां की रसोई, पिता के पसंदीदा व्यंजन, सास और पत्नी की रेसिपी—ये सभी मिलकर एक ऐसा अनुभव तैयार करते हैं, जिससे लोग भावनात्मक रूप से जुड़ते हैं,” उन्होंने बताया।

उन्होंने आगे कहा कि आज के दौर में लोग सिर्फ खाना नहीं, बल्कि एक पूरा अनुभव चाहते हैं—जहां वे स्वाद के साथ-साथ कहानियों, माहौल और संस्कृति को भी महसूस कर सकें।

रेस्टोरेंट के इंटीरियर को भी खास तौर पर पंजाबी विरासत से जोड़ा गया है। यहां कारीगरों, शिल्पकारों और लोक कलाकारों को समर्पित दीवारें बनाई गई हैं, जिनमें कुम्हार, बर्तन बनाने वाले, फुलकारी कढ़ाई करने वाले और कबड्डी जैसे पारंपरिक खेलों को दर्शाया गया है। यह सब मिलकर ‘कारीगिरी’ को सिर्फ एक रेस्टोरेंट नहीं, बल्कि एक सांस्कृतिक अनुभव बनाते हैं।

Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Board Reviews Achievements and Progress of Schemes for FY 2025-26

Chandigarh, April 2, 2026:

Chairman of the Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Board, Mr. Gagandeep Singh Kaku Ahluwalia, today reviewed the achievements and progress of various schemes of the Board for the financial year 2025-26 at the Board’s office in Chandigarh.

While sharing details about the progress under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mr. Ahluwalia said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Khadi and Village Industries sector has achieved significant milestones during the financial year 2025-26.

He stated that the Board’s schemes have not only strengthened the rural economy but also provided self-employment opportunities to unemployed youth across the state.

Providing further details, he informed that during the financial year 2025-26, the Board facilitated the establishment of 457 units under the PMEGP scheme, generating employment opportunities for 5,027 youth. A subsidy amounting to ₹32 crore 77 lakh 85 thousand was also provided to beneficiaries of these units.

Out of these, around 100 units were established with project costs ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, 204 units were set up with project costs between ₹10 lakh to ₹24 lakh, and 153 units were established with investments ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore.

The Chairman directed officials to make concerted efforts to achieve the targets set for the financial year 2026-27 and ensure effective implementation of all Board schemes. He emphasized that the outreach of these schemes must be expanded to every district and village so that maximum unemployed youth can benefit from self-employment opportunities.

On the occasion, Member Secretary Mr. Ramandeep Singh, along with Officials and Senior Consultants were present.

Chandigarh falls under Centre’s jurisdiction; Union Home Minister is responsible for attack outside BJP office: CM Mann

SANGRUR, 2 April 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday firmly held the Centre accountable for the attack outside the BJP office in Chandigarh, asserting that a Union Territory under central control cannot become a convenient ground for political blame-shifting. Making it clear that responsibility lies squarely with the Union Government, he stated that if attempts are being made to pin the incident on him, then the Centre should hand over Chandigarh to the Punjab Government instead of evading its own duty.

At the same time, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann drew a sharp contrast between governance models, highlighting how the AAP government is reducing the financial burden on people while the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh is imposing unjust entry taxes on the public, calling the move anti-people and vowing strong opposition at every level.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to farmers, the Chief Minister underscored that Punjab will continue to strongly take up the demands of Aarthiyas with the Union Government, ensuring seamless procurement and standing firmly with the farming community.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of dedicating a Community Health Center at village Cheema, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Though Chandigarh is administered by the Governor of Punjab, for everything that happens in the Union Territory right from farmers agitation, agitation in Panjab University (PU) or others, the BJP loves to blame me.”

The Chief Minister asserted, “The BJP should refrain from baseless and irrelevant statements on this issue as the area is under the jurisdiction of the Administrator of Union Territory. If Punjab demands Chandigarh it is being labelled as separatist but on the other hand the centre runs away from its duty to maintain law and order there.”

Opposing the Congress-led Himachal government’s decision to impose an entry tax, he said, “On one hand the AAP government is abolishing the tool tax and giving reprieve to the common man whereas on the other hand these people are levying undue taxes on people. This move is totally unwarranted and undesirable and will not be tolerated at any cost and will be opposed both tooth and nail.”

On farmers’ concerns, the Chief Minister stated, “I will flag the genuine demands of the Aarthiyas with the Union government as all their demands pertain to the Government of India (GOI). These issues have been repeatedly raised with the centre and will again be put up before the Union government. The AAP government is firmly committed to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement for benefitting the farmers.”

Mann inaugurates Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj Hospital in village Cheema; 50,000 people across 15 villages to benefit

SANGRUR, 2 April 2026:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

People of Punjab will wipe out Congress, BJP & Akalis in 2027 for decades of betrayal: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

FAZILKA, 2 April 2026:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Punjab Accelerates Urban Transformation with Record Revenues, Rs 1,300 Cr Road Works, and Major Civic Reforms

Chandigarh, 2 April 2026:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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