CHANDIGARH, 17th March 2026:

In a defining milestone in Punjab’s education journey, the Bhagwant Mann Government has launched Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0, a transformative new phase of school education reform with a total investment of ₹3,500 crore over the next six years. The initiative aims to deepen structural reforms in government schools and align Punjab’s education ecosystem with global standards.

As part of this mission, the Punjab Government has also entered into a collaboration with the World Bank to support implementation of the programme. The partnership reflects international recognition of the measurable progress Punjab has already achieved in public education reforms.

The ₹3,500 crore mission includes ₹2,500 crore through World Bank loan assistance and ₹1,000 crore from the Punjab Government, making it one of the largest education reform investments in the history of the State.

Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 builds upon the remarkable progress achieved under the first phase of Punjab Sikhya Kranti, which has transformed government schools across the State and propelled Punjab to the top of national education rankings.

In the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 conducted by the Government of India, Punjab ranked Number One in classroom learning outcomes, surpassing Kerala and emerging as the national leader. This achievement reflects the deep structural reforms undertaken through Punjab Sikhiya Kranti, which strengthened classroom instruction, upgraded infrastructure and enhanced school governance across nearly 20,000 government schools.

Over the past two years, the State has also operationalised structured career guidance systems, expanded access to science and commerce streams, strengthened teacher training ecosystems and modernised school infrastructure across thousands of institutions, ensuring that reforms move beyond announcements to measurable outcomes.

These systemic reforms have laid a strong and credible foundation. Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 now seeks to institutionalise these gains and prepare Punjab’s education system to compete with the best in the world.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the success of Punjab Sikhiya Kranti has already rewritten the education narrative of the State. “Punjab has shown that government schools can lead the nation. Ranking number one in PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 is proof of that transformation. With Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0, we are now preparing our education system to compete with the best in the world. The collaboration with the World Bank reflects the credibility and transparency with which Punjab has carried out education reforms. This is the next leap forward in our commitment to every child,” said the Chief Minister.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab Sikhya Kranti has already delivered measurable results and the next phase will expand the scale and depth of reforms. “Punjab Sikhya Kranti transformed our government schools and placed Punjab at the top of national education rankings. Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 will now accelerate our journey from national leadership to global excellence. Every child in Punjab deserves opportunities that match international standards, and this mission will help us achieve that vision,” said the Education Minister.

Detailing the next phase of reform, the Punjab Government stated that the ₹3,500 crore mission will deepen and sustain the gains of Punjab Sikhya Kranti through focused and outcome driven interventions. The initiative will prioritise strengthening foundational learning by ensuring every child achieves foundational skills through structured assessments, improved pedagogy and targeted academic support.

It will expand pathways to higher education and careers by increasing access to science and commerce streams, upgrading vocational education and introducing structured career counselling systems to guide students toward higher education and meaningful employment. A comprehensive Career Guidance Portal will be introduced to digitally enable personalised counselling, aptitude assessment and informed career and stream choices for students across the State.

The reform agenda will empower teachers and school leaders by strengthening teacher training institutions, modernising professional development programmes and implementing a comprehensive school leadership framework. It will ensure transparent and accountable school management by enhancing data driven decision making and empowering School Management Committees to strengthen community participation and accountability.

The mission will also create future ready infrastructure and systems by upgrading facilities to ensure safe, sustainable and digitally enabled learning environments aligned with long term resilience and global standards.

Punjab Sikhya Kranti laid the foundation. Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 now carries that transformation forward, preparing Punjab’s education system to compete at the global level.

Chandigarh, March 17:

Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today preside over a review meeting   regarding the progress of roads being constructed in the state by the Public Works Department.

During this meeting, he instructed the officers that the targets set by the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann regarding the construction of roads in the state should be achieved at all costs.

He said that after the completion of the tender process for the construction of roads, the road construction work has started in full swing and the department is renovating and strengthening more than 60 km of roads daily.   He said that the hot mix plants in the state have started working at their full capacity, due to which more than 100 km of road construction work will be done in the state every day.

He said that the Punjab government has set a target of constructing about 20,500 km of roads in the state by June 30, 2026.

He said that due to the ongoing war in the Gulf countries, there is some shortage of bitumen, but the officials of the department have made full preparations to deal with this problem. He gave instructions to coordinate with the bitumen supplier companies at the highest level in this regard.

S. Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. instructed the officials of the department to ensure that the financial targets and work related matters are achieved at all costs, so that the common people can get a good road network.

Chandigarh, March 17: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has stated that the BJP has not refrained from committing the crime of vote theft, this time in the Rajya Sabha elections, following the Assembly elections.
“The BJP has vindicated the allegations leveled by our leader, Rahul Gandhi by misusing its power and authority in this election. The fact that the BJP fielded a second candidate—the party’s Vice President—despite lacking the requisite numerical strength demonstrates that this party holds no faith in democracy or the public mandate. It seeks to secure victory solely through manipulative tactics,” he said.
Addressing a press conference, Hooda remarked that the BJP employed every conceivable stratagem to stifle democracy. “The government machinery was grossly misused. Four valid votes cast by Congress legislators were arbitrarily invalidated, despite having been accepted multiple times by the Returning Officer,” he said.
MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra stated that, in an effort to ensure a BJP victory, the Returning Officer acted completely as an agent of the BJP. “Nevertheless, both the BJP and the Returning Officer suffered a humiliating defeat in the face of the solidarity displayed by the loyal Congress legislators. Ultimately, the Congress candidate secured a seat in the Rajya Sabha,” he said.
Hooda announced the names of the five Congress legislators who engaged in cross-voting against the party have been forwarded to the High Command. These individuals should voluntarily resign from their posts as MLAs; otherwise, the party will initiate disciplinary action against them within the next few hours. Such individuals will be taught a fitting lesson not only by the party but also by the constituents of their respective constituencies,” he said.
Furthermore, Hooda addressed the false propaganda circulating on social media regarding the vote cast by Badli MLA Kuldeep Vats, stating, “I personally witnessed Kuldeep Vats ji’s vote, he cast his ballot in favor of the Congress candidate,” he said.
He also strongly condemned the attitude adopted by the government within the precincts of the Legislative Assembly. He noted that Congress legislators sought to initiate a discussion regarding the Rajya Sabha elections on the floor of the House; however, they were “named” and expelled from the Assembly—an act he characterized as completely undemocratic.
“The fact that the BJP is shying away from a debate makes it evident that it has something to hide and that it resorted to unethical and undemocratic tactics to win this election,” he added.
On this occasion, Hooda extended his heartfelt congratulations to the party candidate, Karamvir Baudh, on his victory in the Rajya Sabha election. He stated this victory belongs not merely to the candidate, but to the Dalits, backward classes, and marginalized sections of the state. “By sending a party worker from an ordinary family to the Rajya Sabha, the Congress has once again demonstrated that it is a party that believes in the participation of all sections of society,” he stated.

Chandigarh: The Horticulture wing of the institute brought laurels to PGI by winning top position by getting 34 prizes and overall trophy in Vasant Utsav 2026 flower competition organized by PMDA at Town Park, Sector 5, Panchkula from 13.03.2026 to 15.03.2026. The wing got 18 first prizes, 12 second prizes and 4 third prizes in Pot section and cut flower section. The wing won the overall trophy for the 5th consecutive year, which is also a record performance in the show by any competitor.

Chandigarh:

In a significant milestone for hearing healthcare in North India, one of the first SMART Nucleus NEXA CI1032 Slim Peri modiolar Cochlear Implant in South Asia and FIRST one in Tricity has been successfully performed by leading cochlear implant surgeon Dr. Jaimanti Bakshi, HoD, Department of ENT and Head and Neck surgery and her team of surgeons, along with Associate Professor Dr. Dharam Vir and Dr. Noorain Alam from Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Department

This achievement marks a major advancement in cochlear implant accessibility and technology adoption in the region and signals a new era in hearing restoration.

Early Identification and Intervention: A Critical Need

Hearing loss in children often goes unnoticed in the early months of life, yet this is the most crucial period for speech and brain development. Early identification allows timely treatment that can prevent delays in speech, language, learning, and social skills. Specialists emphasize that early intervention is not merely beneficial — it is the need of the hour. When auditory stimulation is provided at the right developmental window, outcomes in listening and spoken language improve dramatically, giving children the opportunity to integrate fully into mainstream education and society.

What Is a Cochlear Implant and How It Works

A cochlear implant is an advanced electronic hearing device designed for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who gain limited benefit from hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, a cochlear implant bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve using electrical signals. These signals are interpreted by the brain as sound, enabling recipients to perceive speech and environmental sounds.

Global Innovation: The Nucleus NEXA System

Launched globally last year by Cochlear Limited, the Nucleus NEXA cochlear implant represents a new generation of hearing technology with proven reliability and forward-looking design.

The NEXA system is recognized as the world’s first and only SMART cochlear implant platform featuring:

Upgradeable firmware capability powered by the advanced NEXOS chipset

Built-in implant memory that stores MAPs and essential hearing settings enabling SMART Sync which helps our recipients to get On Air quickly in case of replaced or upgraded sound processor.

Dynamic power management for efficient energy use and optimized performance

These innovations ensure that recipients benefit from technology designed to evolve with their hearing needs over time.

Why the Family Chose NEXA

The family opted for the NEXA system after understanding its future-ready design, intelligent features, and reliability. The ability of the implant to store hearing settings internally, support firmware upgrades, and provide consistent sound performance offered reassurance that the child would have access to advanced hearing support for years to come.

Trust in Expertise: Why PGIMER

The family’s decision was also guided by the experience and reputation of the treating team. Dr. Jaimanti Bakshi’s surgical expertise, combined with the multidisciplinary cochlear implant program at PGIMER, provides patients with comprehensive care from evaluation through surgery.

Chandigarh:

A wave of laughter, music and pure entertainment swept across Chandigarh as Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 4 brought its signature wit and mischief to campus for a high-energy takeover. With 5000 fans filling up Chandigarh University’s main ground, the atmosphere quickly turned electric as humour, playful banter and spontaneous moments unfolded on stage, transforming the afternoon into a full-blown celebration of comedy.

Students turned the stage into their own mini The Great Indian Kapil Show, bringing the fun of the series alive by recreating some of its most iconic characters. The celebration began with a dramatic drop-down banner reveal, along with a specially choreographed formation, creating a surprise tribute for the cast. They then took over the stage with lively performances inspired by the show, recreating memorable characters and moments drawing loud taalis from the packed ground.

The energy soon turned festive as music took over the stage. Students broke into a performance on “Slowly Slowly,” with Sunil Grover joining in with his signature flair and live vocals, instantly turning the moment into a massive sing-along. Kiku Sharda and Krushna Abhishek kept the momentum going with lively moves to “Jhoome Jo Pathaan”/“What Jhumka,” while Kapil Sharma surprised the audience by performing on song “slowly slowly”, sending the entire venue into whistles, cheers and thunderous applause. The campus celebration quickly turned into a full- blown show moment, packed with humour, music and pure masti.

Chandigarh truly soaked in the spirit of the show, with waves of laughter and joy echoing across the campus. As Sidhu paaji would say “Seetiyaan taaliyaan goonj uthi har taraf, Jahan Kapil ki mehfil saje, wahan khushiyon ka mela lage har taraf”.
With this electrifying celebration of the success of Season 4, the Chandigarh takeover marked a joyful tribute to the love the show continues to receive, celebrating Netflix India’s longest- running series and the laughter it has sparked across local and global audiences. The evening delivered one final burst of comedy and camaraderie before The Great Indian Kapil Show returns soon with Season 5, only on Netflix.

Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, March 15

The Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026 witnessed a huge response from investors during the highly anticipated IT and ITeS session. Based on the theme ‘Punjab Offer: Promoting GCCs with speed, clarity, and after care’, the event highlighted the state’s growing appeal as a premier destination for technological investment and digital innovation.

Addressing the jam-packed session, Vice Chairperson of the Punjab Development Commission (PDC), Seema Bansal, said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, is resolutely aiming to develop SAS Nagar (Mohali) as a Tier 1 town in the IT sector. She articulated that the state government is intensely focusing on the foundational pillars of Governance, Academia, and Infrastructure to achieve this vision.

Furthermore, she said that a number of manufacturing industries in the state have already successfully started integrating AI technologies into their production processes.

Highlighting the comprehensive support framework, Additional Chief Secretary, Information Technology, Dhirendra Kumar Tiwari, detailed the robust incentives being provided by the Punjab Government to boost the IT industry under the Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026. He outlined key fiscal benefits for IT and ITeS units, including a 75 percent net SGST reimbursement for 10 to 15 years and an employment generation subsidy of Rs. 5000 per employee per month for five years. “Investors can also avail themselves of a capital subsidy of up to 20 percent of Fixed Capital Investment, capped at Rs. 10 Crore, alongside a 100 percent exemption on electricity duty for 10 to 15 years”, he added.  

For Global Capability Centres, ACS Tiwari infor.ed that the state is offering an enhanced employment generation subsidy of Rs 7500 per employee per month for five years for the first 10 units. He also highlighted a rental subsidy of Rs 7 per square foot for standard IT units and Rs 10 per square foot for GCCs, applicable for a minimum of 100 seats over five years. “Data centres are further incentivized with a 100 percent exemption on stamp duty and dual power grid availability provided on demand”, said Tiwari. 

Complementing these financial benefits, D. K. Tiwari emphasised non-fiscal advantages such as time-bound clearances within 5 to 45 working days, exemption from the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA) 1995 for all IT parks, relaxed setbacks, and unlimited Floor Area Ratio allowed on roads with a Right of Way of 45 meters.

Meanwhile, a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr. Bimal Deep Singh, Client Solution Head – Large Deals at Infosys; Manipal Dhariwal, CEO of Netsmartz; Rajwinder Singh Boparai, Senior Regional President, US Logistics Private Limited; and Baljit Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Dev Global University (GNDGU) based in Flower Mound, Texas, shared their insights on the immense opportunities for Punjab. They unanimously agreed that Mohali is uniquely positioned to excel in the IT sector due to the availability of quality human resources from within the state and neighboring regions, the highly conducive environment of the Tricity area, and significantly lower operational costs compared to other major cities. The experts also noted the strong desire among IT-expert Punjabis to return to their native land, further enriching the local talent pool. The panelists shared their expert opinions on the various GCC models currently available in the market and explored the expansive scope and future potential of Artificial Intelligence in the region. The session, moderated by Chandan Singh, Director at KPMG, successfully concluded with an interactive open house discussion and the facilitation of the panelists.

SAS NAGAR, 15 March 2026:

The Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026 offered investors far more than discussions on industry and business. Delegates from across India and abroad experienced the warmth of Punjab’s hospitality, its vibrant cultural traditions, and the rich flavours of Punjabi cuisine, turning the summit into an immersive showcase of the state’s spirit alongside its economic opportunities.

From the very beginning of the summit, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had assured that guests would experience the warmth, generosity and cultural vibrancy that Punjab is known for. Over the course of the event, that promise came alive as delegates praised the meticulous arrangements made by the Punjab Government and enthusiastically participated in the cultural celebrations organised alongside the investment sessions.

A special cultural evening organised at the Mohali Golf Range became one of the highlights of the summit. Renowned Punjabi singers Ranjit Bawa and Harjit Harman captivated the audience, transforming the evening into a celebration of Punjab’s music and traditions.

Ranjit Bawa electrified the gathering with popular tracks including “Heavyweight Bhangra,” “Family Di Member,” “Sher,” “Mukabla,” and “Chhote-Chhote Gharan,” drawing investors and delegates to the dance floor and filling the venue with energy and enthusiasm.

Harjit Harman began his performance with devotional songs before moving to some of his widely loved numbers such as “Jithon Marzi Wangan Chadhwa Layeein…,” “Mitran Da Naa Chalda…,” “Punjab Guru’an Di Kripa Naal Vassda…,” and “24 Carat Gold…,” evoking the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Punjab.

The evening also featured a vibrant presentation of traditional Punjabi folk dance, with the Jugni Cultural Group performing Luddi and Bhangra. Their energetic performance received thunderous applause from the audience, offering visiting delegates a glimpse into Punjab’s living folk traditions.

Welcoming the investors and delegates, Punjab’s Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora said that the Punjab Government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had ensured that the summit highlighted not only the state’s investment potential but also its glorious heritage and cultural richness. “Through this summit, we have showcased both the immense opportunities for economic growth in Punjab and the vibrant culture that defines our state. We want every investor to feel the warmth of Punjab and leave with a lasting impression of its people, traditions and possibilities,” said Sanjeev Arora.

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian was also present at the event. Delegates from across the country and abroad appreciated the hospitality extended by the Punjab Government, praising the well-organised arrangements, cultural programmes and authentic Punjabi cuisine that made the summit a memorable experience for all.

CHANDIGARH, March 15:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 54th day, Punjab Police on Sunday conducted 529 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

          As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 54, Police teams arrested 196 individuals and recovered four weapons from their possession, taking the total arrests to 14,722 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 70 persons, whereas, 107 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested three proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

          People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 379th day with 80 drug smugglers arrested on Sunday and recovered 9 kg heroin, 700 grams opium, 5 kg poppy husk, 2457 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 10,400 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 53,712 in just 379 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 33 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, March 15:

In a bid to make Punjab a major hub for film production, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has rolled out “Punjab Film Promotion Policy 2026”, with lucrative and flexible incentive structure designed to attract and facilitate investments. This came to the fore during the panel discussion on the Media and Entertainment session at Progressive Punjab Investor’s Summit 2026 held at Plaksha University, SAS Nagar (Mohali).

While addressing the gathering, Punjab Media In-charge Mr. Baltej Pannu stated, “We welcome every filmmaker, every investor, every creative mind. Whatever you need, however you need it, the CM Mann led state government is here for you.” He asserted that the era of middlemen projecting a negative image of the state is over, while assuring filmmakers and media stakeholders of a single-window clearance system and complete government facilitation for shoots in the state.

He termed the Punjab as a “dream project” of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, acknowledging the collective effort to turn it into reality. He stressed that Punjab’s spirit of ‘Punjabiyat’ never died.

Mr. Pannu shared that the government is streamlining permissions for film shoots. Citing a recent case where a production unit faced an issue, he said a single call to the concerned officer ensured the immediate resolution of the issue.  “Any crew member stepping onto Punjabi soil is like our own family. We will facilitate in every manner to make them feel home,” he assured.

He also revealed plans to appoint a Nodal Officer for hassle-free shooting permissions. Highlighting Punjab’s infrastructure, Pannu pointed to two international and four domestic airports, making the state easily accessible for the global Punjabi diaspora. He noted that NRIs are increasingly choosing Punjab for pre-wedding shoots, medical tourism and business.

Addressing the rise of OTT platforms and AI, Mr. Pannu urged the media to adapt to changing times. “Punjab is filled with positivity. If you look for positive people, you will find them in the state”, he said, recalling the spirit of Guru Nanak’s followers who turned 20 rupees into a legacy of service.

Meanwhile, Invest Punjab CEO Mr. Amit Dhaka said that the state offers a 25% capital subsidy for films, documentaries and web series on cost of production incurred in Punjab, up to ₹3 crore per film and web series, and subsidy for Punjabi language films is 30% of cost of the production, up to Rs.3.5 crore per film. He further informed that the policy also includes 20% capital subsidy for setting up film city, film studio, VFX studio and Training Institute.

“Punjab’s cultural footprint is massive, despite having only 1.5% of India’s land area and 2% of its population,” Dhaka said.

With a single-window online permission system and incentives, the state aims to attract filmmakers and investors. The state’s media and entertainment industry is expected to get a boost, with Punjabi content occupying 40% of digital and OTT platforms. The government is working on developing a Film City in Mohali and promoting skill development in film production.

Outlining the government’s ambitious vision to harness the state’s immense cultural capital through the newly formulated Punjab Film Promotion Policy 2026, he said that Punjabi cinema is one of the largest film industries in India and the Punjabi music industry, with over 400 labels, enjoys a global market share that rivals any regional language. He observed that 40% of the space on digital and OTT platforms is now occupied by Punjabi content, a testament to the state’s creative dominance.

Recognising that the first step to growth is ease of doing business, Mr. Dhaka detailed the government’s overhaul of the permissions system. “Initially, when we met with producers, they were not optimistic as they were facing problems with shooting permissions.” To address this, the government integrated a single-window shooting permission service into the Invest Punjab Portal—a system now considered one of the best in the country, with other states coming to study its model. “The state’s role is to facilitate, not to create hindrances,” he affirmed, while urging industry professionals to partner with the government in creating a digital catalogue of shooting locations across Punjab.

While addressing the gathering of media & entertainment industry professionals, the Secretary, Information and Public Relations Mr. Ramvir asserted that the spirit of Punjabi society has always been reflected through its media, while highlighting the crucial role of the state’s press and film industry in shaping cultural narratives. He traced the evolution of Punjabi journalism from 19th-century print and the Akali newspapers of 1920 to the modern digital age. He noted that media houses historically documented key social and religious movements.

“The ‘Chardi Kala’ spirit of Punjab is the reason behind the strong presence of Punjabi language in Indian cinema and other art forms,” he stated, while adding that the Punjabi film industry is currently experiencing a boom, connecting deeply with the global Punjabi diaspora. He emphasised the government’s proactive role in fostering this growth, pointing to a new policy aimed at infrastructure development. He urged stakeholders to adapt to new technologies and digital media, which saw rapid acceleration post-COVID.

While inviting investments in the state’s entertainment sector, Mr. Ramvir assured full support from the department to help the industry thrive and project Punjabi culture to the world.

CEO Speed Records Mr. Dinesh Auluck, MD OTT Chaupal Mr. Sandeep Bansal and MD Punjab Film City Mr. Iqbal Cheema expressed gratitude to CM Mann led Punjab Government for rolling out the Film Promotion Policy. They expressed happiness that the policy would create a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem—a one-stop destination that doesn’t just offer studios, but a complete range of facilities, besides, ensuring that once someone arrives, they never have to leave for any requirement. The state will become a global hub for filmmaking and creative enterprise. Mr. Sandeep Bansal said that the Punjab’s OTT platform is expected to grow to over ₹2000 crores industry in next 4-5 years.