Chandigarh 16 January 2026:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that the decision of the Central Government to cancel the MBBS accreditation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Jammu and Kashmir is not only an injustice to the future of the students, but also a dangerous example of linking education with religion and politics. Admissions to this medical college were made in a completely legal and transparent manner as per the merit of a central examination NEET, which had also been accepted by the National Medical Commission itself.

Speaker stressed that it is not fair and justice to cancel the MBBS accreditation only on the basis that students belong to a particular religion after conducting the inspection of the institution. If the institution had such major flaws, then on what grounds the accreditation was granted just four months ago? It is the responsibility of the National Medical Commission to answer this.

Speaker highlighted that agitation for the closure of educational institution and celebration over the cancellation of accreditation is a sign of social decline. The purpose of education is to dispel the darkness of ignorance, not to deepen hatred and division.  Closing a professional institution like a medical college without giving it a chance for reform is neither good nor in line with the constitutional spirit.

Speaker earnestly demanded that this decision be reviewed immediately, ensuring that the interests of students are protected and that education is kept away from religious or political agendas.

Chandigarh 16 January 2026:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that Basmati rice exporters are in distress and their shipments worth ₹2,000+ crore stuck and payments stalled due to growing uncertainty in Iran. Mandi prices have also been crashed amid Iran trade disruption.

He requested the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi that his urgent intervention is needed to protect farmers, millers & exporters interest. This delay is hurting Punjab’s economy and basmati rice exporters are also facing difficulty.

CHANDIGARH, 16th January 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday underscored the need to strengthen trade relations with Canada, particularly British Columbia, to expand cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for businesses and people on both sides.

During a meeting with the Premier of British Columbia David Eby, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Canada has always been a strong partner for India and Punjab, and we deeply value this relationship. We appreciate the strong trade and investment ties between Canada and Punjab and look forward to strengthening this foundation further.” He added, “Punjab is fully prepared and enthusiastic to collaborate with Canadian businesses in sectors of mutual importance.”

Highlighting Punjab’s economic strengths, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab is a leader in agro-processing, textiles, engineering goods, IT services, and renewable energy. With robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce proficient in the English language, Punjab offers an ideal destination for Canadian investors.”

He further noted, “Punjab ranks among the leading states in the country in Ease of Doing Business, and through Invest Punjab, we provide a single-window clearance system along with comprehensive investor support.”

The Chief Minister pointed out that British Columbia’s expertise aligns closely with Punjab’s development priorities. “British Columbia’s strengths in sustainable farming, food security, and greenhouse technologies align perfectly with Punjab’s agricultural modernization goals. We foresee significant opportunities in precision farming, post-harvest systems, and value-added food processing,” he said.

On education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Education and skill development is another promising area where partnerships with Canadian universities in research and vocational training can have a transformative impact.”

Emphasising sector-wise opportunities, the Chief Minister said, “In healthcare and life sciences, there are immense opportunities for Canadian firms in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telemedicine.” He added, “Renewable energy is a shared priority, and Punjab welcomes joint ventures in solar parks and bio-energy projects.”

Referring to technology, he said, “In IT and digital transformation, Punjab has strong potential for collaboration in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and agri-tech projects.”

On manufacturing and trade, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Manufacturing and engineering is another high-potential area. Canada’s expertise in agricultural machinery and precision engineering can integrate well with Punjab’s industrial clusters.”

He added, “Punjab’s agricultural exports such as wheat, rice, kinnow, litchi, and processed food products are in high demand in the Canadian market, strongly supported by the large Indian diaspora living there.” He also proposed collaboration in textiles, saying, “Canadian companies can join hands with Punjab to develop high-quality textiles and apparel that complement their fashion and retail sectors.”

Stressing the role of the diaspora, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjabi diaspora in Canada serves as a strong bridge for commercial and cultural exchange. The Punjab Government aims to deepen these ties further through cultural and educational programs.”

Inviting Canada to participate as a Partner Country at the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026, he said, “PPIS 2026 will include special business delegations, sectoral sessions, and high-level roundtable conferences, further strengthening trade and cultural exchange.”

The Chief Minister also invited leading Canadian universities to explore establishing campuses in Mohali. “As an education and skill development hub for Punjab and neighbouring states, Mohali offers significant advantages for Canadian institutions,” he said. He added, “Our objective is to attract Canadian technology and service companies to establish IT and ITeS operations and Global Capability Centers in Mohali.”

Assuring full support, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We will provide tailor-made investment facilitation to Canadian investors. I extend a warm invitation to Canadian delegations to participate in the Punjab Investor Summit to be held from March 13 to 15, 2026 at Plaksha University, Mohali.” Expressing optimism, he said, “This partnership will herald a new era of bilateral cooperation and give impetus to the overall development of both Punjab and British Columbia.”

Meanwhile, the Premier of British Columbia thanked the Chief Minister for the warm hospitality. He said, “The hospitality extended by Punjab has made my visit truly memorable.” Emphasising people-to-people ties, he added, “Punjab always resides in the hearts of Punjabis living in British Columbia, and this relationship between our people should be further strengthened.” Expressing enthusiasm for closer engagement, the Premier said, “We are keen to strengthen business ties with Punjab and will work to explore opportunities for mutual exchange in areas such as skill development, energy, and other sectors.”

Chandigarh, 16 January 2026:

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora informed that Punjab has once again achieved a significant milestone in strengthening its startup and innovation ecosystem, with the Government of India recognising the State as a “Top Performer” for the second consecutive time in the States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking – 5th Edition, released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

The Certificate of Appreciation was conferred upon the Government of Punjab, Department of Industries & Commerce, on the occasion of National Startup Day, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the august presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

He added that this repeated recognition reflects Punjab’s sustained and focused efforts towards building a robust, inclusive, and innovation-driven startup ecosystem. The State’s performance underscores the impact of progressive startup policies, strong institutional mechanisms, incubation and acceleration support, improved access to finance, mentorship initiatives, and ease-of-doing-business reforms implemented by the Government of Punjab.

Expressing happiness over the achievement, Shri Sanjeev Arora, Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Punjab, stated: “This consecutive recognition by the Government of India as a ‘Top Performer’ is a strong validation of Punjab’s unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Under the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Punjab has created a supportive ecosystem for startups, particularly for youth and first-generation entrepreneurs. The Government will continue to strengthen policy support, incubation infrastructure, and market access to make Punjab a preferred destination for startups and investors.”

The State’s performance was evaluated on key parameters including startup policy implementation, institutional support systems, incubation infrastructure, funding mechanisms, capacity building, mentorship, and market linkages, he added.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, the Minister Sanjeev Arora emphasised that Punjab will continue to focus on innovation-led economic growth, employment generation, and technology-driven development, ensuring that startups remain at the core of the State’s economic transformation.

CHANDIGARH / SAS NAGAR, 16th January 2026:

Punjab Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr Baljit Kaur on Friday launched Phase II of the flagship campaign “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” from Kalkat Bhawan (Kisan Vikas Chamber) in Mohali, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, care and social security for senior citizens across the state. The campaign is being implemented on a district-wise basis to deliver health, welfare and social security services directly to elderly citizens.

Addressing the gathering, Social Security Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, “Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring a dignified, secure and respectful life for our senior citizens. For Phase II of the ‘Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan’ campaign, an amount of ₹786 lakh has been earmarked to conduct district-level camps so that essential services can be provided at the doorstep of the elderly.”

Referring to the response received during the first phase, the  Minister said, “During Phase I, which was launched in 2023, as many as 20,210 senior citizens were registered. This strong participation reflects both the need for such initiatives and the trust people have placed in the government’s welfare programmes.” She informed that the remaining districts of Punjab will be covered under Phase II from February 2 to February 18.

Elaborating on the services being offered, Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said, “These camps are designed to provide comprehensive care to senior citizens. Facilities include eye check-ups and cataract examinations, ENT and orthopaedic consultations, screening for non-communicable diseases and dementia, as well as homoeopathic and ayurvedic treatment. On-the-spot enrolment for social security pensions, issuance of Senior Citizen Cards and ALIMCO cards are also being facilitated.”

She added that assistance and awareness regarding the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, along with information on other legal rights, are integral components of the camps.

The Social Security Minister further said, “Essential assistive devices such as near-vision spectacles, hearing aids, walking aids, cervical collars, belts and wheelchairs are being distributed on the spot to senior citizens who need them. In addition, a toll-free helpline number 14567 is already operational to provide assistance to elderly citizens across Punjab.”

The camps provided immediate relief through health and eye check-ups, assistance in accessing pensions and other monetary benefits, and legal literacy sessions. During the state-level camp in Mohali, Dr Baljit Kaur handed over ALIMCO kits and sanction letters for old age pensions to beneficiaries present on the occasion. Representatives of NGOs and Senior Citizen Associations were also felicitated by the Minister in recognition of their extraordinary services to senior citizens.

Sharing details of financial support being extended by the government, Dr Baljit Kaur said, “At present, around 23.33 lakh beneficiaries are receiving old age pensions every month in Punjab. For the current financial year 2025-26, a budgetary provision of ₹4,100 crore has been made for pension schemes, reflecting the government’s priority towards social security.”

Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab, Vikas Partap informed that old age pensions have been paid up to December 2025. He said that old age homes have been established at Tapa in Barnala district and at Mansa to provide shelter to senior citizens in need, while several NGO-run old age homes are being supported through financial assistance from the government.

MLA Derabassi Kuljit Singh Randhawa also addressed the function and appreciated the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government for taking proactive and sustained steps towards the welfare and well-being of senior citizens.

Director, Social Security, Women and Child Welfare, Vimmie Bhullar formally welcomed the dignitaries and briefed the audience about the objectives and implementation of Phase II of the “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” campaign.

Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, Joint Secretary Social Security Anand Sagar, ADC (G) Sonam Chaudhary and SDM Damandeep Kaur were also present on the occasion.

The event also featured cultural performances, including a Nukkad Natak titled “Sade Bazurag, Sada Maan” by Utsav Kala Manch and Malwai Gidha by retirees of government departments from Malwa Art and Cultural Society, Mohali, which reinforced the message of respect, care and dignity for senior citizens.

CHANDIGARH, January 16:

 In a powerful appeal to the young population of the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday called for a united and youth-led fight against tobacco, describing the state’s youth as the ultimate architects of a healthier future.

 Chairing a Youth Conclave titled “Building a Tobacco-Free Generation through Promotion, Adoption and Implementation of New Initiatives” at Panjab University here, the Health Minister exhorted students and young leaders to become role models and carry the momentum of tobacco control from campuses to communities and digital spaces. “Punjab’s strength lies in its youth. When young minds reject tobacco, the future of the state automatically becomes healthier, stronger and more productive,” he asserted.

 The conclave, organized by the Generation Saviour Association (GSA) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health, Panjab University, Vital Strategies, SIPHER, and RCTC, PGIMER, brought together students, experts, and civil society leaders.

 Dr Balbir Singh highlighted that tobacco not only affects human body but severely affects human mind also, making a person mentally sick , which leads to a plethora of mental health problems including suicide tendency. “Tobacco use leads to other harmful addictions of drugs as well as to crime, therefore we all should come forward to nip the evil in the bud and save our society.” he added.

 The Minister underlined Punjab’s pioneering achievements in tobacco control, noting that the state has the lowest prevalence of tobacco use in the country as per the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). He credited this success to stringent enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), early action against e-cigarettes, a permanent ban on hookah bars, and the establishment of free tobacco cessation centres in all districts.

 “These numbers reflect policy success, but the real victory will be when tobacco use becomes socially unacceptable. That change can only be driven by informed and empowered youth,” Dr Balbir Singh remarked. He also released a comprehensive 10-state study titled “Youth Perception in India Towards Creating a Tobacco-Free Generation” to underscore the importance of youth-centric strategies.

 Dr Balbir Singh concluded with a clarion call for a united front, urging every citizen, especially the youth, to pledge for a tobacco-free lifestyle. “Let us all resolve to build a tobacco-free Punjab. Our collective resolve today will determine the health and prosperity of our generations tomorrow,” he said.

 The event saw the participation of experts including Dr. Sonu Goel, Head, RCTC-PGIMER; Dr. Rakesh Gupta, President, SIPHER; Dr. Rana J. Singh, Regional Director, Vital Strategies; Dr. Mira Aghi; Ms. Opinder Preet Kaur Gill, Director GSA; Mr. Vivek Awasthi, Executive Director, UPVHA; and Mr. Saptarishi Basu Roy, MANT.

CHANDIGARH, January 16:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 321st day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 294 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 71 drug smugglers after registration of 54 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 44,701 in 321 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 1.3 kg heroin, 500 grams opium, 208 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 16,510 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 66 gazetted officers have conducted 294 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 297 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 27 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh January 16:

The elections for the Punjab Legislative Assembly Press Gallery Committee were held today in the presence Secretary Punjab Vidhan Sabha Shri Ram Lok Khatana in which Parminder Singh Jattpuri was elected as President, Deepak Sharma as Vice President, and Naveen Sethi as General Secretary of the Press Gallery Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

An official spokesperson of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha informed that 24 members participated in this election process. Parminder Singh Jattpuri got 15 votes, while Napinder Brar got 9 votes for President seat. Similarly, Deepak Sharma received 16 votes while his opponent Rohit Bansal Pakka received 7 votes for the Vice President seat.  For the General Secretary seat, Naveen Sethi got 16 votes, while Gurupdesh Bhullar got 7 votes.

Chandigarh, 16 January 2026:

Adopting Zero tolerance approach against corruption, Vigilance Bureau had arrested red handed Parveen Kumar Clerk and his co-accused  Satish Kumar Junior Engineer posted at Improvement Trust Ropar  in a corruption case. After the conclusion of the trial, they were today convicted  by competent court and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20000/- to both of them .

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Vigilance Bureau said that accused Junior Engineer and Clerk had demanded a bribe of Rs. 15000/- from the complainant in lieu of getting the sale deed registered of his property.

He further said that the complainant paid the bribe in instalments and had approached Vigilance Bureau before the payment of the final instalment of bribe money.

Acting on his complaint, VB laid a trap and raid was conducted at the office of Improvement Trust Ropar and bribe money of Rs.7500/- was recovered from the possession of co-accused Parveen Kumar in the presence of Government

officials/witnesses and co-accused Parveen Kumar was apprehended at the

spot.

Chandigarh:

AAP National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda on Friday termed the changes in old-age pension rules in Haryana as an act of cruelty by the CM Nayab Singh-led government. He alleged that by altering the old-age pension rules, the BJP government is preparing to snatch food from the plates of senior citizens. If these changes are implemented, thousands of poor farmers and elderly people in Haryana will be deprived of pensions.

Anurag Dhanda said that if an elderly person owns more than four acres of agricultural land or sells crops through the “Meri Fasal–Mera Byora” portal, the government is preparing to cut their pension. He added that the Haryana government has become so insensitive that it has started considering a farmer prosperous merely for selling crops worth ₹1.80 lakh. CM Nayab Singh is unable to distinguish between poverty and prosperity. He has forgotten that selling crops does not mean net profit, as it includes the farmer’s labour, ploughing, and the cost of seeds and fertilizers. On one hand, the BJP makes a false promise of giving ₹5,100 to farmers, and on the other, it has stooped so low as to snatch even the old-age pensions of poor farmers.

Anurag Dhanda said that in several cases, reports have emerged that the income of other family members is also being added to the elderly person’s income, even when they are living separately. Poor senior citizens in Haryana are worried due to this decision and have been forced to make rounds of government offices. He said it is extremely shameful that instead of serving them, CM Saini is forcing senior citizens at this age to undergo unnecessary harassment and mental torture.

Anurag Dhanda stated that old-age pension is not a government charity but a constitutional and social right of senior citizens. The BJP government is trying to take away this right in the name of portals and technical rules, which the Aam Aadmi Party will not tolerate under any circumstances. The Aam Aadmi Party stands firmly with the poor and senior citizens of Haryana.

He said that around 2.3 million senior citizens in Haryana depend on old-age pensions. If the government truly wants to show respect, it should stop placing the burden of portal-related errors on the elderly; otherwise, it will be clearly understood that the BJP government is following a policy of snatching the livelihood of senior citizens and farmers.

He demanded that all proposed changes related to old-age pension rules be withdrawn immediately and that the rule of treating total crop sales as income be scrapped. Not a single eligible senior citizen’s pension should be stopped; instead, the government should make the pension system simpler and more humane.