Chandigarh, December 23:

The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains firmly committed to making women in the state self-reliant and empowered. Taking a significant step in this direction, the Punjab Government has so far provided financial assistance amounting to over Rs 895 crore to widowed and dependent women. This was stated by the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during the current financial year, regular financial assistance is being extended to as many as 6,75,857 eligible beneficiary women across the state. This support has been playing a crucial role in providing economic stability to lakhs of families.

The Cabinet Minister emphasized that the scheme is not limited merely to financial assistance, but is a strong initiative aimed at ensuring social security, self-respect and economic empowerment of widowed and dependent women, enabling them to secure a better future for themselves and their families.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that to ensure uninterrupted financial assistance to widowed and dependent women, the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 1,170 crore under this scheme. The benefits are being delivered to eligible beneficiaries through a transparent and simplified process.

CHANDIGARH/FATEHGARH SAHIB, December 23:

          Ahead of Shaheedi Sabha, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Tuesday visited Fatehgarh Sahib and reviewed the security arrangements at the spot to ensure that the event would be conducted in a smooth and secure manner in the district.

          The three-day annual Shaheedi Sabha to pay homage to the martyrdom of Chotey Sahibzadas— Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the youngest sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh, will be held at Fatehgarh Sahib from December 25 to December 27, 2025.

          Notably, the entire area has been systematically divided into six sectors and a force of over 3400 police personnel, under the supervision of six SP rank officers and 24 DSP rank officers, have been deployed to ensure the safety, orderly movement, and comfort of the lakhs of devotees expected to visit from across the globe.

          Special DGP Arpit Shukla, accompanied by DIG Ropar Range Nanak Singh and SSP Fatehgarh Sahib Shubham Aggarwal, briefed all the SP and DSP rank officers and police force deployed to ensure foolproof security arrangements of the Shaheedi Sabha. He directed them to adopt the utmost humble approach towards the sangat and work with full dedication and determination to make this event successful.

          Reviewing all the security arrangements, he said that many new initiatives have been implemented by the Fatehgarh Sahib police to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of the Shaheedi Sabha this year so that the pilgrims would not face any kind of hassle in paying obeisance.

          The Special DGP said that a total of 22 parking slots have been earmarked and Shuttle bus service between the parking area and Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib will be available for the convenience of the devotees. For seamless traffic management and minimal inconvenience to the devotees, police has tied up with the Google for real-time geo-tagging of the parkings and sign boards have been installed to guide the devotees, he said.

          He said that six help desks, which include a police desk, medical aid and fire, have also been set to assist devotees. Apart from this, an integrated control room has also been established, he added.

          Special DGP Arpit Shukla said that six drones and 300 Closed Circuit Television (CCTv) Cameras are being used to monitor traffic and parking arrangements, besides, keeping vigil around anti-social elements.

          Meanwhile, in an initiative to enhance the road safety and prevent road accidents due to the fog, police teams will also paste reflector stickers on tractor-trolleys.

Chandigarh/Amritsar, December 23:

The Government ITI at Baba Bakala Sahib would be named after Shaheed Baba Jivan Singh Ji (Bhai Jaita Ji) by the Punjab Government. This was announced by the Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO at Baba Bakala Sahib who was present as Chief Guest on the occasion of the State level function in memory of Bhai Jaita Ji.

The Cabinet Minister while addressing the Sangat said that it is for the first time in the history of Punjab that a State Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has held the Punjab Vidhan Sabha session at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. It is a matter of great pride that the State Government has constructed a memorial of Bhai Jaita Ji at a cost of Rs. 21 Crore.

The Minister further revealed that Bhai Jaita Ji is the only Sikh whose two names were given by Guru Sahiban themselves. First name Bhai Jaita was given by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and after partaking of Amrit, the second name Jivan Singh was given by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. Throwing light on the life of Bhai Jaita Ji, S. ETO said that Bhai Jaita Ji when Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was martyred in 1675 Bhai Jaita Ji took the ‘Revered Sis’ to Sri Kiratpur Sahib. Then, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji embraced Bhai Jaita Ji and called him ‘Rangreta Guru Ka Beta.’

Divulging more, the Minister said that the Punjab Government is making the young generation aware about the immense sacrifices made by the Guru Sahiban. Hence, many functions were held dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji by the State Government.

Earlier, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO paid obeisance at Gurudwara Sahib of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

On the occasion, the constityency MLA Dalbir Singh Tong felicitated S. ETO with a portrait of Bhai Jaita Ji. While addressing the Sangat, Mr. Tong profusely thanked the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for commemorating Bhai Jaita Ji by holding a State level function at Baba Bakala Sahib. Describing the sacrifice made by Bhai Jaita Ji as unparalleled in the annals of history, Mr. Tong revealed that Bhai Jaita Ji mastered many languages such as Persian, Urdu and Sanskrit and was a great poet also.

Afterwards, MLA Dalbir Singh Tong too was honoured by the Deputy Commissioner.

Among others present on the occasion included the Chairman SC Land Corporation Ravinder Hans, Deputy Commissioner Dalvinderjit Singh, ADC Amandeep Kaur, SDM Amanpreet Singh, Chairman Ramgrhia Welfare Satnam Sokhi, Surinder Kaur, Sunaina Randhawa, Satnam Singh Matharu and Commandant Jaskaran Singh.

CHANDIGARH, December 23: –

Celebrating the success of Kharif Maize Pilot Project, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, today felicitated progressive maize growers, who switched from water guzzling paddy  crop to Maize cultivation.

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian handed over appreciation certificates to maize growers and encouraged them to sensitise other farmers to adopt this crop.

He said that the Kharif Maize Pilot Project, aimed at promoting crop diversification, curbing groundwater depletion, improving soil health and boosting farmer income, has shown positive results. The government is mulling the expansion of the program for the next season, encouraging more farmers to shift from water-intensive paddy to maize cultivation.

While nothing that maize cultivation offers a sustainable alternative, requiring far less water and fewer irrigation cycles than paddy, He shared that the expansion strategy is being drawn up in consultation with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and industry stakeholders, aiming to position Punjab as a national leader in maize production.

The Agriculture Minister said that this pilot targeted districts of Bathinda, Sangrur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Pathankot to scientifically demonstrate maize as a profitable and sustainable alternative of paddy. Over 3,708 progressive farmers participated in the pilot and successfully brought 11,326 acres under maize cultivation.

The initiative marks a strategic move to reverse a decades-long trend. Once a maize heartland with over 5.5 lakh hectares under cultivation in the 1970s, Punjab saw its maize area shrink to about one lakh hectares due to the rising dominance of water-intensive paddy, he added.

Hailing the progressive farmers as architects of change, S. Khudian said that. “Today, we are not just celebrating a successful harvest. We are sowing the seed of a new, sustainable Punjab. Our farmers have proven that with the right support, we can secure our precious water, soil and economic prosperity. Their courage is the foundation upon which we will rebuild a diversified agricultural economy.”

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that the Kharif Maize Pilot Project is supported by a robust five-pillar system. This includes on-ground handholding by 200 trained “Kisan Mitras” who provide continuous agronomic support, direct financial incentives of Rs 17,500 per hectare to offset transition costs and a mechanisation subsidy of 50% on advanced machinery like pneumatic planters. Additionally, PAU experts offer scientific backing with end-to-end technical guidance, while market assurance was provided via MARKFED  ensuring remunerative prices for farmers.

The Agriculture Minister also interacted with maize growers to listen their experience and difficulties they faced. Sansar Singh and Gurpal Singh, maize farmers from Pathankot district, shared their success story. They achieved record yields of 25-26 quintals per acre and sold their crop at Rs2,700 per quintal, exceeding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,400/quintal.

Secretary Agriculture Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind said, “The pilot has given us a proven blueprint. Our goal is now to empower thousands more farmers with this opportunity, ensuring Punjab’s agriculture is productive, prosperous, and preserved for future generations.”

Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir, Vice Chancellor PAU Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, PDC member Mr. Showkat Roy, Director Agriculture Mr. Jaswant Singh and other senior officials of the Agriculture department, Punjab Agro, Markfed and Punseed were also present in the meeting.

CHANDIGARH, 23rd December 2025:

 In order to provide quality treatment and diagnostic facilities to the people in the Medical Colleges, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has ordered immediate release of funds worth ₹68.98 crore to give a facelift to premier Medical Colleges of the state. Chairing a review meeting of the Medical Education and Research Department here today, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Augmenting the facilities in these Medical colleges of the state was the need of the hour to ensure quality treatment and diagnostic facilities to the people. To equip these Medical colleges with hi-end and world class machinery is imperative so that they can serve the patients in a better manner.” The Chief Minister asked the Medical Education department to immediately issue ₹68.98 crore to the four medical colleges in the state to upgrade the facilities. He further said that ₹26.53 crore should be promptly issued to Government Medical College Amritsar, ₹28.51 crore to Government Medical College Patiala, ₹9.43 crore to Dr BR Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences SAS Nagar (Mohali) and ₹4.51 crore to PGI Satellite Centre, Ferozepur. “These funds should be duly utilised for development works in the Medical Colleges along with procuring latest machinery and equipment in the larger public interest,” noted the Chief Minister. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the firm commitment of his government to emerge the state as a hub of ‘Medical Education’ across the globe adding that this will give further boost to treatment and diagnostic facilities. The Chief Minister batted that these works in the medical colleges should be completed in a time bound and prompt manner so that better health facilities are made available to the people at affordable rates. “Punjab has a glorious legacy of producing world class Doctors across the globe and even today a large number of students pursue the medical education to become qualified doctors. The Punjab government is duty bound to provide quality medical education in these medical colleges so that students pursuing medical education are immensely benefited,” he asserted. The Chief Minister said that the sole aim of giving facelift to these medical colleges is to ensure that people are able to get quality health services in these colleges and hospitals. “This will go a long way in ensuring the well being of the common people by ensuring quality medical facilities in these premier colleges. The Punjab government is committed to this noble cause and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause,” he affirmed. On the occasion Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary Alok Shekhar, Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat and others were also present.

CHANDIGARH, December 23:

          In a significant step to bolster women’s healthcare as per the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday announced the statewide expansion of proven technology-based interventions at government health facilities to reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in the state.

          Addressing a state-level workshop on ‘Tech Interventions for Maternal Mortality Reduction’ organised under Mission Tandrust Punjab, supported by Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, the health minister said the state would adopt every proven technological solution to curb maternal deaths, particularly those caused by post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). Punjab currently records an MMR of 95 per one lakh live births, compared to the national average of 88.

          “I urge all medical officers to adopt best clinical practices so that Punjab can achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing MMR to 70,” said Dr Balbir Singh, while emphasising healthcare professionals and program officers to work together. He further stressed that nutritional guidance for pregnant women as well their health monitoring should be prioritised at an early stage.

          The workshop was organised by the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST) in collaboration with AIIMS Bathinda and the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, at Chandigarh. Er Pritpal Singh, Executive Director (PSCST) highlighted that pilot implementation of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments (NASG) and Uterine Balloon Tamponade (UBT) at delivery points of 12 districts of Punjab in Phase I and II has helped save more than 300 mothers suffering from critical PPH conditions, underscoring the need for scaling up these interventions across the state.

          Director Health Services (Family Welfare) Punjab, Dr Aditi Salaria stressed early identification of danger signs, standardised referral protocols and timely intervention. She emphasized healthcare professionals especially gynaecologists and ANMs to take this initiative further in focused manner.

          The Project Leaders, Dr Lajya Devi Goyal, Dean Research (AIIMS Bathinda) and Dr Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, Joint Director (PSCST) shared insights on district-level implementation, availability of life-saving devices at delivery points and hands-on training of healthcare workers, which led to a marked reduction in maternal complications.

          During the workshop, Dr Parneet Kaur, Professor (GMC Patiala) and Dr Parveen Rajora, Professor (GMC Faridkot) shared their experiences on clinical outcomes and field-level experiences in their respective districts. Further, the experts provided hands-on training on NASG and UBT to the health professionals present in the Workshop.

          Other dignitaries include Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Civil Surgeon (Patiala) and Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Assistant Director (DHF&W). The workshop witnessed participation of doctors, gynaecologists, nurses and health officials from all 23 districts of Punjab.

Chandigarh, December 22 — Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government has been working continuously to provide state-of-the-art healthcare facilities for its citizens. As part of this effort, a fully equipped hospital is being developed at the district level across the state. So far, 10 such hospitals have been dedicated to the public, offering advanced facilities including CT scan, ultrasound, MRI, and modern laboratories. Work is currently underway on 22 more hospitals.

The Chief Minister shared this while responding to a question raised by MLA, Sh. Maman Khan during question hour in the winter session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Monday.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that earlier governments neither showed concern for the health of the people nor made efforts to improve the healthcare infrastructure. There was no serious thought given to upgrading medical services, forcing citizens to depend largely on the private sector, where they often faced exploitation. Before 2014, the state used to get only about four specialist doctors annually, whereas today this number has risen to nearly 200. Similarly, MBBS seats, which stood at just 700 in 2014, have now increased to more than 2,500 due to the focused efforts of the present government.

He further stated that government hospitals are now providing free medicines and comprehensive diagnostic facilities to patients. To further strengthen healthcare services, several initiatives have been taken, including upgrading 30-bed hospitals to 50 beds, 50-bed hospitals to 100 beds, 100-bed hospitals to 200 beds, and 200-bed hospitals to 400 beds. The number of medical colleges in the state has also increased. Along with treatment, special emphasis is being laid on cleanliness and hygiene in hospitals.

Chandigarh, December 22— Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini said that the people of the state formed the government with an overwhelming mandate. In such a situation, despite this clear public confidence, the opposition’s attempt to create a perception of ‘Vote Chor’  amounts to outright misinformation and also undermines the people’s verdict.

He said that when the Assembly election results were declared on October 8, 2024, the opposition had no complaints and everything appeared normal. However, as time passed, the opposition suddenly began raising allegations of vote theft. Not only that, efforts were made to take this narrative beyond Haryana and spread it across different parts of the country.

The Chief Minister said that Congress leader,  Rahul Gandhi, has specifically named Haryana while making allegations of vote theft. Such serious allegations, he said, deserve a responsible and fact-based discussion within the House, as the people of Haryana want to know the truth.

The Chief Minister clarified that the proposed discussion is neither against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) nor about the Election Commission of India. However, if the opposition believes there has been any irregularity, it should be discussed openly. If the opposition has any concrete suggestions for improvement, those can also be presented.

The Chief Minister further stated that the proposal brought by MLA, Sh.  Ram Kumar Kashyap should be taken up for discussion in the House so that the people of Haryana receive complete and transparent information on the issue. Since the opposition has been repeatedly raising this unfounded matter, a detailed discussion would help clarify facts for everyone.

Chandigarh, December 22- Haryana Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that today the Haryana Vidhan Sabha has passed the Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to reduce the compliance burden on smaller establishments through reforms for promoting economic growth while ensuring continued protection for workers. He said that this Bill is beneficial for both workers and shopkeepers, and it is in the interest of workers as well as traders.

Sh. Vij presented the Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha today, and the Bill was passed.

He said that increase in threshold limit from zero employees to 20 or more employees in any establishment for registration and other regulatory provisions of the Bill in order to reduce compliance burden for smaller businesses, encourage job creation and eliminate the fear of non-compliance. Establishments with less than 20 workers will no longer need a registration certificate under the bill but they will only need to provide an intimation of their business. Earlier, every shopkeeper was required to register. He pointed out that even today, in states like Karnataka, shopkeepers are required to register even if they do not have a single worker.

He said that before finalizing this Bill, he studied data from states across India. In Haryana, registration has been mandated for establishments with 20 or more workers. Similarly, in Maharashtra, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, registration is compulsory for establishments having 20 or more workers. Likewise, the daily working hours are 10 hours in Haryana, as well as in Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. Regarding overtime, the maximum of 156 hours is permitted in Haryana,(which highest in the country) whereas it is 144 hours in Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha; 125 hours in Uttar Pradesh; 72 hours in Tamil Nadu; and 50 hours in Karnataka. Similarly, the interval of rest is six hours in Haryana, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.

Labour Minister said that increase in the daily hours of work from the existing nine hours to ten hours, inclusive of rest intervals, subject to a maximum of forty-eight hours in any week. This measure aims to create greater economic activity, enhance employment opportunities and give establishments the flexibility to handle emergencies, peak demand or staff shortages without disruption.

Similarly, Sh. Vij said that increase in the overtime period within quarter from 50 hours to 156 hours so that establishments will be allowed to engage workers in overtime for an increased period per quarter to address exceptional work pressure. This change will increase workers’ earning potential and formalize overtime practices, ensuring that all additional hours are properly recorded and compensated, which will help in preventing exploitation of workers. However the overtime working will not be mandatory for the workers.

Sh. Vij said that increase in formalization in job market by making the appointment letters & identity card mandatory. This change will create verified employment records, skill mapping, better welfare delivery, increased transparency, higher retention and ease of living. Decriminalization and instead of punishment of imprisonment as contravention of Bill, only fine is being kept which has been increased up to twenty five thousand rupees, so that the enforcement of the Bill is not diluted. This will ensure that a harmonious balance is maintained between the rights of the workers and as well of Establishments. He added that anyone who violates the law will be punished, and repeated violations will also be considered seriously in determining penalties.

He said that the original Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments Act was enacted in 1958, and since then, many circumstances have changed. Through this Bill, cumbersome provisions have been removed. He stated that only after conducting a thorough study did he obtain approval for this Bill from the Chief Minister as well, so that the provisions are brought in line with those of other states. He also said that provisions have been made for online registration of shops within one day under a system of self-certified documents.