Chandigarh, March 22:

 The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains committed to the welfare of all sections of society, especially senior citizens, widows, destitute women, children, and persons with disabilities. Since assuming office, the government has disbursed ₹16,847.83 crore in financial aid under various social security schemes.

Providing details, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that ₹11,310.33 crore has been distributed under the Old Age Pension Scheme. In the financial year 2022-23, ₹3,651.08 crore was allocated to 21.26 lakh beneficiaries, followed by ₹3,950.68 crore in 2023-24 to 22.11 lakh beneficiaries, and ₹3,708.57 crore in 2024-25 to 22.64 lakh beneficiaries.

Dr Baljit Kaur further said that Punjab government has provided financial aid of ₹3,140.62 crore to widows and destitute women. In 2022-23, ₹1,013.07 crore benefited 5.84 lakh women, while in 2023-24, ₹1,084.92 crore was distributed to 6.11 lakh beneficiaries. In 2024-25, ₹1,042.63 crore was allocated to 6.47 lakh women under the scheme.

Additionally, the Punjab Government has provided ₹1,077.41 crore for the welfare of destitute children and ₹1,319.47 crore for persons with disabilities.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, “Our senior citizens are our pride, and the Punjab Government is continuously striving for their well-being. These initiatives aim to build a prosperous and progressive Punjab.”

She also directed officials to ensure the transparent and efficient implementation of social security schemes so that the rightful beneficiaries receive their due benefits without any hindrance. Strict action will be taken against any negligence or irregularities in the execution of these schemes.

Chennai, March 22:

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced that the state will vehemently oppose the unfair, faulty and undemocratic delimitation being done by the BJP led Union government to muzzle the voice of the opposition parties.

          “This shameful act of BJP to reduce the seats in the states where they can’t win is undemocratic and we won’t allow the saffron party to succeed in its nefarious designs to weaken the democracy”, said the Chief Minister while participating in a conference organized by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.

          The Chief Minister said that this arbitrary move of the Union government is just aimed at eliminating the opposition parties by reducing the seats where BJP is not able to win. He said that contrary to this BJP is trying its level best to enhance the seats in Hindi belt where it gets most of the seats. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is ironic that in the name of population density the seats are being reduced in South Indian seats.

The Chief Minister said that as a fact of matter the southern seats are being punished for zealously implementing population control programs. He said that it will not be a surprise if the BJP enhances the tally of seats in Uttar Pradesh from 80 to more than 140 after the delimitation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the idea is to bifurcate or even trifurcate the seats which are the stronghold of the saffron party and to carve out more winning seats from it.

          Citing an example, the Chief Minister said that the Lok Sabha seat earlier represented by him was Sangrur which comprised three districts Sangrur, Barnala and Malerkotla. He said that supposing if this seat was monopoly of BJP then as per their current designs they would have trifurcated this seat in three and carved out Sangrur, Barnala and Malerkotla as separate Lok Sabha seats. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is how the BJP intends to increase the Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850 or more to consolidate its position.

The Chief Minister said that the BJP wants to eliminate the belts where they are weak and enhance the seats where they are strong. However, he said that this is intolerable, unwarranted and undesirable adding that it will be opposed tooth and nail. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that power mad BJP is trying to weaken the democracy in the country but this will never be allowed at any cost.

The Chief Minister said that the BJP wants to humiliate Punjab, which has made enormous sacrifices in the national freedom struggle, through this delimitation. He said that currently the state has 13 Lok Sabha seats through which the share of Punjab in the temple of democracy is 2.39%. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that BJP intends to increase Lok Sabha seats in the state to 18 but it will reduce the percentage of state’s share to 2.11%.

The Chief Minister said that this will not be accepted as the share of the state which has 90% sacrifices for freedom of the country should not be reduced. He said that rather than the share should be increased or kept the same by enhancing the seats to 21. Meanwhile, Bhagwant Singh Mann assured fulsome support and cooperation to all the like minded parties for opposing this draconian move in form of delimitation adding he invited all the parties to hold next conference in any city of Punjab.

Chandigarh, March 22, 2025: In a significant move to safeguard public health and ensure food safety, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on the instructions of Punjab Government, has initiated a joint inspection and surveillance drive in the Kharar area of Mohali district.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said the operation, led by the Bureau Unit Mohali and the Food Safety Wing Mohali under the supervision of the District Health Officer, Mohali, aimed at to enforce strict compliance with food safety regulations. 

During the surprise inspections, the joint team visited food manufacturing units, food vending stalls, restaurants, and hotels in Kharar. A total of five premises were inspected, resulting in the issuance of one unhygienic challan and the collection of five food samples. These samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Kharar for detailed analysis, he added.

He further added that the team emphasized the importance of adhering to food safety norms and maintaining hygiene standards to protect consumer health. Officials warned that strict action would be taken against establishments found violating food safety regulations. 

The spokesperson added that the VB has planned further inspections and enforcement actions across the state to curb malpractices and promote safe food practices. This initiative underscores the Punjab Government’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of food safety and public health, he said.

Chandigarh/ Dinanagar/Gurdaspur, March 22-

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is continuously improving the infrastructure of health institutions in the state under the Health Revolution. Due to these efforts, the Punjab government will spend Rs 2.10 crore to renovate CHC Singhowal (Dinanagar). The foundation stone of the repair, renovation and upgradation project of CHC Singhowal was laid today by MLA and Aam Aadmi Party State Working President Mr. Aman Sher Singh Sherry Kalsi, Chairman Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Raman Bahl, MLA Dera Baba Nanak Mr. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa and Mr. Shamsher Singh Dinanagar.

Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of the repair, renovation and upgradation project of CHC Singhowal (Dinanagar), MLA Mr. Aman Sher Singh Sherry Kalsi said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is making major improvements in the health sector. He said that the state government has started Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state and provided free and quality health services to the people near their homes. Referring to the ‘War Against Drugs’ launched by the Punjab government, MLA Mr. Sherry Kalsi said that the state government is committed to the complete eradication of drugs and the people should also support this campaign to win it. He said that now drug traffickers have no place in Punjab and drug traffickers should be ready to face the consequences of their actions. He said that the Mann government will definitely fulfill the dream of ‘Rangle Punjab’ and prosperous Punjab by eradicating drugs.

On this occasion, the Chairman of Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Raman Behl said that the Bhagwant Mann government has started the repair, renovation and upgradation project of CHC Singhowal, fulfilling the decades-old demand of the residents of Dinanagar, on which Rs. 2.10 crore will be spent. He said that under this project, CHC Rs 91.31 lakh will be spent on the renovation of Singhowal building, while Rs 9.25 lakh will be spent on public health, Rs 26.39 lakh on medical gas pipeline, Rs 70 lakh on fire fighting and Rs 15.70 lakh on electrical works. He said that this entire project will be completed in the next 6 months. He said that with the upgradation of this CSC, Dinanagar city and 200 nearby villages will get benefits in the field of health services.

Chairman Mr. Raman Bahl said that Punjab Health Systems Corporation is continuously working to improve the infrastructure in government hospitals and health institutions. He thanked Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh for this Singhowal project.

On this occasion, Dera Baba Nanak MLA S. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa also appreciated the health revolution of the Punjab government and said that this has given great relief to the common man. He said that patients are being treated free of cost in Aam Aadmi clinics and hospitals and other health institutions are being renovated. He said that the Mann government has fulfilled its promise to the people by making major improvements in the health sector.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party District Urban President Mr. Shamsher Singh Dinanagar thanked the Punjab government for repairing, renovating and upgrading Singhowal CHC. He said that CHC Singhowal provides health services to the people of Dinanagar city and surrounding areas but no attention was paid to it by the previous governments. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party government has finally heard the call of this CHC, which was neglected by the governments of traditional parties. He said that today the foundation stone of the repair, renovation and upgradation project of CHC Singhowal has been laid and in the next 6 months this CHC will be completely transformed. He said that the people of the area have got a great relief after the Mann government took over this health institution.

On this occasion, SDM Dinanagar Mr. Jaspinder Singh Bhullar, IAS, Civil Surgeon Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Sarpanch Gurnam Singh Singhhowal, Sucha Singh Multani, Gurjeev Singh Sarpanch Babbri, Ranjit Singh Block President, Talwinder Singh, Sukhwant Raj, SMO Dr. Sushil, Medical Officer Dr. Mohit, Dr. Inderjit Rana and other dignitaries of the area were present.

Chandigarh, March 22

          Attributing remarkable milestone in the state’s excise revenue growth to the success of the Excise Policies implemented since the Aam Admi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government assumed office in 2022, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday announced that state’s excise revenue has seen an unprecedented cumulative growth over the past three years, rising from ₹6254 crores to over ₹10200 crores. He said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, the excise revenue would surpass the five-digit mark, with the target of ₹10145 crores for the financial year 2024-25 likely to be exceeded.

          Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema lauded the Excise department’s achievements, stating that the success of the tendering process has set the stage for a fourth consecutive year of remarkable growth for the Punjab Excise Department. He said that the Excise Department has received overwhelming response in its ongoing e-tender process for the allotment of retail liquor licenses for the fiscal year 2025-26. He revealed that the department had set a reserve price of ₹9017 crores for 207 Retail Liquor Groups. As of March 20, 179 of these groups, accounting for 87% of the total, have been successfully allotted, fetching a discovered price of ₹8681 crores along with an additional ₹871 crores as premium against reserved price of Rs 7810 crore.

          The Finance Minister expressed confidence in achieving the ambitious target of ₹11020 crores for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26. He said that the tremendous response to the e-tendering process suggests that the department is likely to surpass this target, potentially reaching approximately ₹11800 crores, which would represent a 16% increase over the previous year’s excise revenue.

          Minister Cheema also took the opportunity to criticize the previous governments led by the SAD-BJP alliance and the Congress for their failure to boost excise revenue. He said that during the Congress regime from 2002 to 2007, excise revenue declined by 6.9%, falling from ₹1462 crores in 2002 to ₹1363 crores in 2007. He further highlighted that during the decade-long SAD-BJP rule, the term “mafia” became synonymous with governance, and excise revenue dropped from ₹4796 crores in 2015-16 to ₹4400 crores in 2016-17 due to an Excise Policy designed to benefit cronies. He further added that the Congress regime from 2017 to 2022 followed a similar trajectory, with excise revenue stagnating for first three years of regime and reached at just ₹6200 crores by FY 2021-22. He also recalled the tragic hooch incident during the Congress tenure, which claimed the lives of 128 economically disadvantaged individuals.

          Concluding the press conference by reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and progressive policies, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this growth in excise revenue is a testament to the success of the excise policies which have been instrumental in driving the state’s excise revenue to unprecedented heights. He said that the AAP led Punjab government is committed to increase the state revenue to ensure its financial stability besides using this revenue for the betterment of every section of society.

Chandigarh, March 21:

Reiterating the firm commitment of state government to wipe out scourge of drugs from the state, the Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday said that under the ongoing crusade against drugs in form of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, a special focus has been to break the economic chain in the entire nexus.

In his address during the eight session of 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Governor said that state Government has intensified its fight against drug trafficking and organized crime through strategic initiatives like extremely resolute and focussed launch of War against Drugs (Youdh Nasheyan Virudh) on February 25. He said that a high powered, Cabinet sub-committee under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has been constituted to make this campaign a grand success. Gulab Chand Kataria said that several properties of the drug traffickers have been demolished to send the message of firm conviction of the state to completely eliminate the problem of drugs from the state of Punjab.

The Governor said that the Special Task Force (STF) which has been restructured and strengthened as the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) , was established to enforce drug laws, rehabilitate victims and prevent substance abuse. He said that to educate people, 33,079 public awareness meetings were held statewide, and 19,523 Village Defence Committees (VDCs) were formed in just four months. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the Special Intelligence and Technical Unit has also been set up to analyze drug-related data, communications, and financial transactions, significantly boosting ANTF’s effectiveness.

The Governor said that the Anti Gangster Task Force and field units have made remarkable progress in combating organized crime, arresting 1,588 criminals, neutralizing 13 gangsters, busting 571 criminal modules, and recovering 1,477 weapons and 327 vehicles used in crimes. He said that for the safety and security of the people of Punjab, the state Government has taken every possible administrative and legal measures to maintain law and order in the State. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the state Government has made significant strides in counter-intelligence, cybercrime prevention, and modernization adding that from January 1 to November 28, 2024, the Punjab Police has busted nine terror modules, leading to 59 arrests and the recovery of weapons.

The Governor said that Punjab State Cyber Crime Division continues to combat cyber threats which include establishing 28 cyber police stations in Punjab, 24×7 social media monitoring, and initiatives like the Cyber Mittar chatbot. Highlighting another achievement, he said that the state Government has launched several groundbreaking schemes in the important sectors of Health and Education. Gulab Chand Kataria said that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are operational in the State and a total 2.98 crore patients have availed the health services in these clinics and more than 90 lakh diagnostic lab tests have been conducted so far.

The Governor said that Medicines worth Rs. 600 crores at the prevailing market rates and diagnostics tests worth Rs. 100 crores have been provided to the patients at these clinics. He said that these clinics have contributed in reducing the out of pocket expenditure on health care of the people of State by a whopping amount of Rs. 1296 crore. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the state Government is committed to provide free medicines to all the patients in Government Hospitals and Rs. 200 crore are expected to be spent over purchasing of medicines and consumables in the next financial year 2025-26.

The Governor said that the state Government is committed to provide X-rays and Ultrasound facility in all the District, Sub-Divisional Hospitals and Community Health Centres and Ultrasound facility at very reasonable rates. He said that 554 private X-ray and Ultrasound centres have also been empanelled to provide these services to the patients at the same reasonable prices. Gulab Chand Kataria said that  additional cost on this account is being borne by the State Government and in the next 12 months, approximate benefit to be provided to the patients of Punjab will be Rs. 53 Crores on account of these services.

The Governor said that a comprehensive plan has been made for the improvement of buildings of all the District Hospitals over the next three years. He said that Rs. 150 crores have been spent over civil works and installing fire fighting systems in 16 Government Hospitals during the year 2024-25. Gulab Chand Kataria said that to save the life and limb of accidental victims, the state government has launched Farishtey Scheme on January 25, 2024 to lower down the mortality and morbidity rate due to injuries occurring during roadside accidents.

The Governor said that till date 487 (178 public and 309 private) hospitals have been empanelled under this scheme adding that since the inception of the scheme, till February, 2025 a total of 404 beneficiaries have been registered on portal and have taken treatment under this scheme in empanelled hospitals, with pre-authorization amount of Rs. 42.55 lakhs. He said that currently the state has 12 government and private Medical Colleges with the total 1700 MBBS seats in the state adding that the state Government is in process of establishing five new medical colleges at Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Sangrur, SBS Nagar and Malerkotla. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the Government has launched the ‘‘CM di Yogashala’’ project to encourage regular yoga practices, promoting physical and mental wellbeing, reducing stress, and improving the overall health of its citizens.

The Governor said that Currently, 3,200 yoga classes are conducted daily across various cities in all districts of Punjab, benefiting approximately 1,00,000 participants each day. He said that Under “Punjab Sikhya Kranti” the state government is committed to provide well managed, safe and secured campuses in Government schools. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the state government has appointed 2042 campus Managers and 1378 security Guards through PESCO.

The Governor said that in addition to this, the state government has started a subsidized transport facility with 230 buses operating in Schools of Eminence and Girls schools. He said that the state government is committed to provide Hi-tech Education in Government schools by establishing 1970 ICT labs, 7702 smart class rooms and 100 Mbps speed internet connection in 19120 schools. Gulab Chand Kataria said that in order to empower students with mindset skills and resources to dream big, the state Government has started a Business Blaster Scheme in senior secondary schools. Under this scheme 51,565 students forming 6700 teams were selected and given Rs 10.32 crores seed money to convert their business ideas into real life businesses.

The Governor said that in an endeavor to provide state of the art infrastructure in Government schools, the state government has spent Rs. 568.43 Crores over construction of Additional class rooms, Laboratories, libraries, toilets and other facilities. He said that the state government has ensured to provide canal water to farmers, particularly those situated at the tail ends of Canals. Gulab Chand Kataria said that as a part of this effort the state Government has executed 79 projects for Rehabilitation and lining of canals in the current FY 2024-25.

The Governor said that in addition to this a total of 77 canals abandoned or non-functional for the past 30 to 40 years have also been restored with a length of around 545 kms. Apart from this, he said that a total of about 16000 water courses which were lying abandoned from the last 30-40 years of around 4200 kms length have been restored. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the state Government has been able to utilize more than 12% of additional water during the last Kharif season in comparison to that of the last five years.

The Governor further said that the state government has successfully undertaken procurement operations for procurement of Wheat and Paddy under Central Pool. He said that 121.31 Lakh Tons of Wheat and 173.58 Lakh Tons of Paddy were purchased during Rabi and Kharif seasons respectively and a payment of Rs. 68,630 crores of Minimum Support Price was made directly in the farmers’ bank accounts. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the State has made a whopping contribution of 45% wheat to the Central pool during 2024-25.

The Governor said that the state Government has procured 14,400 e-PoS kits and Electronic Weighing scales and equipped each Fair Price Shop with a dedicated e-PoS kit and Electronic Weighing Scale to ensure transparency and efficiency in distribution of wheat under National Food Security Act. He said that Agriculture remains one of the most important parts of the economy of Punjab and during India’s food crisis, the state of Punjab and its hard working farmers played a leading role in bringing about the Green Revolution. Gulab Chand Kataria said that Punjabi farmers have continuously contributed to maintaining India’s food security for the past five decades.

The Governor said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab produces about 18% wheat and 11% rice and 4% cotton of total production. He said that Punjab State has contributed about 24% and 50.4% of paddy and wheat respectively to the central grain reserve. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the state Government has provided financial assistance at the rate of Rs. 1500/- per acre to the farmers for promotion of Direct Seeding of Rice.

The Governor said that during Kharif 2024, total 2.53 lakh acres area cultivated under DSR as compared to 1.70 lakh acres during kharif 2023 which is 48.8% more than the last year. He said that in order to enable farmers to export Basmati of international standard, the Punjab government has banned 10 agricultural pesticides used on Basmati. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the Department of Agriculture has started a pilot project at block Chougawan, District Amritsar to produce pesticide residue free basmati.

The Governor said that to promote Crop Diversification and increase the area under maize, the state Government has provided subsidy to hybrid varieties of maize seeds certified and recommended by PAU, Ludhiana @ Rs. 100 per kg of total amount Rs. 2.30 crore. Apart from this, he said that maize exhibitions have also been set up in an area of 3500 hectares in the state adding that the maize seed and other inputs like fertilizers, pesticides and others will be given as assistance to the farmers at the rate of Rs. 6000/- per hectare. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the Punjab government had constituted a 11 member committee to prepare an agricultural policy based on the environment, culture and crops of Punjab, which will help sustainable agriculture, protect natural resources and increase the income of farmers adding that the draft Agriculture policy has been circulated to all the stakeholders, Farmers/Labour.

The Governor said that being sensitive to the cause of farmers, the state Government has been proactive in clearing the past dues as well as ensuring timely payment to the sugar cane growers, to promote crop diversification in Punjab. Reiterating commitment for reliable and affordable power across all sectors in Punjab, he said that the state government is dedicated to enhancing power infrastructure and implementing schemes that benefit every citizen. Gulab Chand Kataria said that Punjab has met its all time highest ever peak demand of 16,058 Megawatts on 29.06.2024 adding that state Government has ensured more than eight hours power supply to agriculture consumers during paddy season without imposing any power cut on Domestic, Commercial, Industrial and other consumers, which led to bumper Paddy crop.

The Governor said that the Government has implemented a free electricity scheme of 300 units monthly to domestic consumers since July 2022, which has benefited around 70 Lacs i.e. 90% of households, receiving zero bills in a billing cycle. Continuing with the endeavour of providing government jobs on merit to deserving candidates, he said that the state Government has ensured fairness in recruitment while also ensuring efficiency. Gulab Chand Kataria said that more than 51,000 candidates have been issued appointment letters under regular recruitment by various departments of Government of Punjab since 2022.

The Governor said that a trend is now being observed of reverse brain drain wherein many able youth of Punjab who were earlier opting to go abroad are now joining the service of Government of Punjab. He also highlighted several other initiatives taken by the state government in the field of Industry, Sports, infrastructure development, transport, law and order, anti-corruption, NOC for plots and others. Gulab Chand Kataria said that state government believes in healthy co-operation and moving together to take Punjab to new heights in its quest for justice to everyone and achieving a knowledge society which will be a model for all adding he expressed hope that all will walk together step-by-step to re-establish ‘Prosperous Punjab.

Chandigarh, March 21:

          In a significant step towards further strengthening the state’s education system, Punjab Government today elevated 415 teachers as Headmasters.

          Disclosing this here today, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that 398 master/ mistress and 17 Block Primary Education Officers (BPEOs) have been promoted as Headmaster/Headmistress. These newly promoted Headmasters will undergo a one-year probation period. The promotion orders have been issued on the basis of the seniority list issued by the School Education department on 29-05-2024 and 05-08-2024 for the master cadre. 

          Extending heartiest congratulations to the teachers, S. Harjot Singh Bains urged them to work harder to fostering more robust and efficient learning environment for students. He said that these promotions would inject fresh energy and motivation into the education sector. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is fully committed to ensuring welfare of all the state government employees.

          Recognising the dedication and hard work of these teachers, the department has decided to empower them to lead with greater responsibility. It will lead to improved student outcomes, he added.