Chandigarh, March 15:

The third and the last day of the Progressive Punjab Investor Summit (PPIS) – 2026 saw detailed deliberations being held in a session on Ply and Furniture industry in the State.

The Secretary, Forests and Wildlife Preservation, Science & Technology Priyank Bharti in his opening remarks dwelled upon the Agro forestry being the source of raw material for the furniture and ply sector. He termed it as the economically viable and ecologically sustainable. He also advocated the promotion of timber based agro-forestry and divulged that the agro forestry is proposed to be exempted from the Tree Protection Bill, which is in the pipeline.

During the panel discussion, MD, Virgo Panels Naresh Tiwari, Head Manufacturing, R & D, Century Plyboards Sunil Shekhawat, Director Savitri Woods Mukesh Goyal and the President Punjab Plywood Manufacturers Association Inderjit Singh Sohal laid emphasis on a number of issues such as Safety of industrial labour in the rural areas, century plywood being the eco friendly product, Farming on empty land by going in for the plantation of Eucalyptus and Poplar describing these as recyclable.

SAS NAGAR (MOHALI), 15th March 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday assured industry leaders of full government support and incentives while addressing entrepreneurs on the concluding day of the three day Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit in SAS Nagar (Mohali). Highlighting the strong participation of global and national investors, the Chief Minister emphasised that the summit has created the right environment for industrial growth and will accelerate the state’s economic progress. He announced that the government will hold a review session after six months to assess the progress of the investment proposals and projects finalised during the summit.

Interacting with the business tycoons on the concluding day of the landmark Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Words are short to describe the dedication of those who have come here to attend this summit and become active partners in the economic progress of the state. Leading industrial tycoons from across the globe have converged at this historic and landmark summit. The best coaches are those who prepare their teams for every sort of hostile environment and challenge, and the state government has worked on the same pattern.”

Emphasising the spirit of the people of the state, the Chief Minister continued, “Punjabis are always leaders and we can do anything for the country and its people as we give top priority to the nation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new emergent field but the human brain is far more important than it, which is good for human resources development. It is heartening to see that businessmen are fast emerging as a key voice in policy making decisions.”

Referring to the deliberations held during the summit, he added, “Around 30 brainstorming sessions were conducted during the three days of the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit, which will go a long way in accelerating the economic growth of the state. Besides putting the state on a high growth trajectory, this summit will also help in creating new job opportunities for youth. This is imperative for checking brain drain from the state and ushering in a new era of progress and prosperity.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that in a democracy the Universal Adult Franchise is very important and we are very fortunate that all of us have got this right. Everyone should exercise their right to vote so that their voice is counted. It is necessary to ensure that the democratic right of every person is acknowledged for the welfare of all.

Speaking about the impact of the AAP in politics, he said, “Manifestos of other political parties have changed ever since the advent of the Aam Aadmi Party AAP, which has brought the common man to the centre stage. Earlier the agenda for the wellbeing of the common man was nowhere and hatred and divisiveness ruled the roost. If political parties get votes in the name of caste, religion or other divisions, then why would anyone vote in the name of schools, education, health or anything else?”

“Healthy competition is a must in a country and monopolistic tendencies should be discouraged by all means because monopoly is not in the interest of any society. The world is full of examples where people from humble backgrounds have conquered the world through their hard work and dedication. Students must take inspiration from such examples to prove their mettle across the globe, and the Punjab government will facilitate them in this noble cause,” he asserted.

Using the metaphor of a bouquet, the Chief Minister added, “A bouquet contains a variety of flowers and it fascinates people because of this diversity. Similarly, besides being the nation’s food bowl, Punjab also has the distinction of being the sword arm of the country. Its people are known across the world for their courage, resilience and spirit of enterprise. Every inch of this sacred land carries the footprints of great Gurus, saints, peers and martyrs who have shown us the path to oppose tyranny, injustice and oppression.”

Recalling the legacy of the state and its martyrs, he continued, “Punjab inherits a rich cultural legacy and is known across the world for its warm hospitality. The traits of Punjabis are recognised globally. Martyrs laid down their lives for the country and we are all indebted to them. It is unfortunate that there are several forces in this country who have plundered the wealth of the nation and have backstabbed the martyrs. These leaders are in a hurry to amass huge wealth through illegal means and they will not be forgiven by the countrymen.”

Referring to the governance challenges inherited by the AAP government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We inherited a legacy of debt, complaints and poor governance from our predecessors, but we are working to revive the state. The discussions held here have come directly from the heart and are based on mutual trust and a shared zeal to make Punjab a front runner state in the industrial sector. The earlier practice of forceful Memorandums of Understanding MoUs through arm twisting of industrialists has now ended and the focus is on ensuring massive industrialisation in the state.”

Highlighting participation by investors, he added, “Those who have participated in this summit have come on their own to become partners in the socio economic growth of the state. This will propel progress and prosperity in Punjab and create new job opportunities for the youth, while also giving a boost to industry. Our government is committed to making Punjab a vibrant, progressive and prosperous state.”

Emphasising the government’s focus on employment and industry, the Chief Minister stated that this task will soon be accomplished with the active support and cooperation of the industry. From the very first day my motive has been to create more and more jobs for the youth so that they can be weaned away from the drug menace by channelling their energy in a positive direction. I urge industrialists to act as messengers of the state and convey the key features of Punjab such as ease of doing business and the most conducive business environment to their colleagues in other states. Our motive is to ensure maximum investment in the state and make Punjab the industrial hub of the country.

Appreciating the organisers and participants, he added, “I congratulate Invest Punjab for successfully organising this event. The officers who worked tirelessly on the ground to make this event a huge success deserve great appreciation. I also express my gratitude to the captains of industry who have come here in large numbers to invest in the state. Punjab offers one of the most conducive environments for industrial growth. The state is a hub of the manufacturing sector and leads the country in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, Information Technology IT and others.”

Highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of the state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjabis are born to be number one because hard work and dedication run in their blood. Due to this spirit Punjabis have always excelled in every sphere and entrepreneurs from the state have carved a niche for themselves across the globe. The day is not far when Punjab will be on a high growth trajectory of industrial development.”

Thanking industry leaders for their participation, he stated, “I thank the business tycoons for being part of the growth story of the state. Our government is committed to realising the vision of transforming Punjab into a major industrial and export hub in the world. We want holistic economic and financial success for Punjab. I firmly believe that the key pillars of our growth are good governance, digitisation, decisiveness, transparency and sensitivity. Combined with our rich heritage, tradition and culture, these strengths create a conducive environment for people from across the globe to grow here exponentially. Punjab takes pride in playing a crucial role in India’s contribution towards strengthening the global value and supply chain through its manufacturing and infrastructure.”

On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Sanjeev Arora, Harbhajan Singh ETO and Barinder Goyal, along with Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and others, also addressed the gathering.

Mohali (SAS Nagar), March 15:

Hailing the industrial friendly initiatives taken by Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the investors gave overwhelming response to the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit held here for three days at Plaksha University.

Addressing the valedictory session Chairman Nahar Group of Companies Kamal Oswal said the three-day long Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026 had underlined that the Punjab is once again ready for industry, investment and growth. He said that the summit has demonstrated that Punjab is emerging as attractive investment and industry destination with announcements of significant investments from county’s leading industrial houses. He said that investment proposals announced during summit would create tremendous job avenues and industrial growth in Punjab.

He said that there was a time when Punjab’s industrial growth had slowed and industry was looking outside the state but under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann a new confidence was brought back to the state this rebuilding investor friendly environment. He said that Investors are once again looking towards Punjab and the state would surely regain its rightful place in the industrialised states across the country. Kamal Oswal also announced Rs 1,500 crore investments in modernisation of existing units, textiles, renewable energy besides setting up a Data Centre in Mohali.

Arisudana Industries MD Gagan Khanna expressed gratitude towards Punjab Government for its constant and encouraging cooperation for industry. He said Punjab would soon witness rapid rise in industrial growth to become No.1 industrial state in the country.

Tynor’s MD PJ Singh described the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit a platform to showcase the investment opportunities. He also thanked the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for his relentless efforts to build new image from a state in despair to the most progressive state in the country. He said that the unmatched committed of state government was highly appreciated as it was always there to resolve the issues and concerns of the industry.

He also announced that in view of the positivity approach of Punjab Government for industry to invest Rs 1000 crore in next three years with a dream to be no.1 company in 100 countries. He pointed out that this was one of the best and satisfying summit  in the recent past.

In his address Plaksha University’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Rudra Pratap that it is matter of great pride to witness galaxy of business tycoons and other dignitaries at Plaksha. He said that with an investment of Rs 950 crores already committed to building a world-class university focused on reimagining education, innovation in fields. He also announced plans for additional Rs 5000 crores in the university to nurture human productivity and intellectual capital, transforming Punjab into a hub for cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship..

Sanatan Polycot’s Joint Managing Director Ajay Datani said that the three-day exceptional event demonstrated the meticulous planning and commitment of Punjab Government to further strengthen the Industry in the state. He said that Punjab is emerging as one of the most promising destinations for industrial investment as it is not only attracting investments but also efficiently implementing, sustaining and nurturing industries creating values for the state, the nation and the global economy.

Sharing his views on the occasion from Shingora Textiles Amit Jain lauded the leadership and commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to the economic growth had brought a renewed sense of energy and optimism in the industry and ecosystem of Punjab. He said that the Invest Punjab was making difference for investors looking towards Punjab as a destination of growth. He said the Summit put a stamp on the next phase of industrial growth in Punjab.

D.E. Heus Animal Nutrition India Pvt Ltd. Rutger Oudejans, who is Dutch National and living in Punjab these days, said that the company was working on single mission to support farmers and strengthen agriculture. He said that the company produce 16 million meter  tonnes of feed across the globe through 120 feed mills in 23 countries. He said that Punjab represents the heart of dairy and a significant place in agriculture innovation by playing a major role in white revolution.

He said that the Punjab had state-of-the-art infrastructure and connectivity that wards neighbouring states besides Punjabis are progressive and learner’s that’s why the company is in Punjab. He said that the summit would go a long way in promoting industrial growth in time to come.

Amit Thapar from Ganga Acrowools Limited said that four years ago, industry was facing challenges like delayed CLU  and naksha approvals. He said that the comapny had decided to invest Rs. 750 crore as earlier they was planning to invest Rs. 250 crore.

Yanmar India’s MD Varun Khanna hailed the Punjab government for organizing an outstanding event that exhibited the state’s renewed momentum. He praised the government’s progressive approach, which has transformed the industrial environment in Punjab. Earlier, the state was known for its dynamic spirit, but a perception had taken hold that something had gone wrong, affecting investor interest.

Now, that energy has returned, mindsets have shifted positively, and the industry ecosystem and platform are firmly back in place. With the runway for industrial growth fully prepared in Punjab. confidence among businesses has been restored, along with a sense of safety and security. The warm, generous hospitality that Punjab is renowned for has reemerged, created a truly positive and welcoming environment.

Vibra Coustic’s President and Head of Operations Jagminder Singh Bawa pointed out that the company has been in Punjab for the last 27 years. ‘’It is highly appreciable that Punjab Government  had provided the company the desired chunk of land with all requisite CLUs and other approvals thus the company has become a large exporter of automotive parts exporter with its reach in more than 20 countries from Morinda. We are trying to make Mohali a hub of automotive industry’’ he added.

Bawa pointed out that the extensive support of government to industry realising the operations well within time. He said that within a just 18 months the company constructed a shed spanning over four lakh square feet after getting consent to establish and operate within a week only. He said that the team Invest Punjab is extended extensive support in setting up of industry in the state.

Vervio India’s MD Ashish Kumar emphasised that the company laid the foundation in purely paddy straw based unit in Punjab which is the largest plant in the country with a capacity of 33 tonnes production of compressed biogas. He said that the biggest stakeholders of the company are farmers of Punjab and  fuel stockers and successfully running the operations from the very beginning with the support of Punjab Government and Invest Punjab. The company laid is committed to setting up additional projects lminimum ten more industrial scale plants in the Punjab with an estimated outlay of Rs. 3000 crore. He said that the company would establish a Consortium of a three large stakeholders, which would be announced in next month in association with Vervio, Japanese and Indian stakeholders.

SAS NAGAR, 15 March 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday stated that the country is facing an oil and LPG crisis due to the failure of the foreign policy of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. He also raised serious concerns over the excessive centralisation of power in the hands of a few leaders at the Union government, warning that such a trend is dangerous for democracy.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the unchecked cross-border drug supply, asked the Union Home Minister to explain the failure of central agencies, and cautioned that the Centre’s treaty with the United States could severely jeopardise the interests of farmers. He also remarked that despite frequent foreign tours by the Prime Minister, the country is facing worsening diplomatic ties and growing economic distress.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit,CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Due to the failure of the foreign policy of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, the country is facing the oil and LPG crisis.”

He remarked that United States President Donald Trump, whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi describes as a close friend, should have consulted him before waging a full-fledged war against Iran. “However, the Union government remained unfazed about the scenario emerging out of this war, due to which the people of the country are today facing this crisis,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the present circumstances reflect a serious lapse in the country’s foreign policy framework. “This is a clear failure of the foreign policy of the country, and it seems that there is no such policy at the current point of time,” he said.

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s frequent overseas visits, the Chief Minister said that such travel has distanced the leadership from the realities faced by people in the country. “The Prime Minister is mostly on foreign tours, due to which he is not aware of the problems faced by the countrymen,” he stated, adding that the situation currently prevailing in the country has never been witnessed before. “In a month the Prime Minister spends 15 days on foreign shores, but his relations with other countries are far away from being cordial,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added.

The Chief Minister said, “The country should have foreseen the LPG and oil crisis and adequate arrangements should have been done well in time to avoid any inconvenience to the general public,” he stated.

Addressing concerns about supply shortages, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann clarified, stating: “Rumours are being spread about the shortage of LPG cylinders due to the war in the Gulf, but directions have been issued to the Deputy Commissioners across Punjab to ensure that there is no shortage of essential goods,” he said.

He added that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to exploit the situation. “If any person tries to mislead people by hoarding essential goods, then severest of severe exemplary action will be taken against them,” the Chief Minister affirmed.

He also noted that the matter had been taken up with the Union government. “I have also raised this issue with the Union government to ease the situation so that common people do not face any problem,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added.

Commenting on the functioning of the Union government, the Chief Minister said that excessive centralisation of authority is harmful for democratic governance. “Excessive centralisation of powers in the hands of two or three is a dangerous trend which needs to be avoided,” he stated.

 CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further remarked that decision-making in the Union Cabinet has become concentrated in a few hands. “Barring two ‘big’figures, there is no Minister in the entire Union Cabinet, and even small decisions are taken by the duo which is running the country in a dictatorial manner,” he said. “This sorry state of affairs has pushed the countrymen into a quagmire of problems,” he added.

Taking strong exception to the remarks made by the Union Home Minister during his visit to Punjab on Saturday, the Chief Minister said that the statements were misleading. “It is surprising that during his visit to Punjab on Saturday, Amit Shah spoke a bundle of lies to mislead the people and defame Punjab on the drug issue,” he said. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann challenged the Union Home Minister to explain the failures of the central agencies under his control. “He must explain why the BSF and other central agencies under him have failed to check the supply of drugs from across the border,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also pointed to major drug seizures elsewhere in the country. “More than 3000 kg of drugs have been recovered from Mundra port in the native state of the Union Home Minister, but he maintains stoic silence over it,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added.

He further stated that the remarks made by the Union Home Minister were intended to divert attention from the Centre’s inaction. “The baseless statements made on Saturday were a cover-up exercise to hide his failures, as the Centre has done nothing concrete to check the drug menace across the country,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also addressed the issue of farmers, stating that the Centre’s policies are adversely affecting their interests. “The Union Home Minister shed crocodile tears over the farmers’ issue, whereas in reality the Centre government is jeopardizing the interests of farmers by signing the treaty with the United States,” he said. He cautioned that the agreement could have serious implications. “This treaty is more dangerous to farmers and their interests, and the food growers will have to face serious repercussions due to it,” the Chief Minister added.

Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government is actively engaging with leading film production houses to develop a major film infrastructure project in the state. “The Punjab Government is holding parleys with T-Series, Netflix, Yash Raj Films and others for setting up a state-of-the-art film city in Punjab,” he stated. Emphasising the cultural influence of Punjabis in the film industry, he noted, “Bollywood has always been dominated by Punjabis, and a Punjabi song in a Hindi movie is considered a guarantee for its success.”

The Chief Minister added that the Punjab Government is committed to promoting the film industry in the state. “The Punjab Government will make every effort to give a major push to post-production and shooting of Hindi movies in Punjab, and concerted efforts are already being made in this direction,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann concluded.

Chandigarh:

Continuing its sustained efforts to keep the city’s public spaces free from encroachments, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh conducted an extensive anti-encroachment drive in different parts of the city during morning and evening operations. During the drive, enforcement teams issued 65 challans to violators and impounded 13 vehicles for illegal parking and encroachment of public spaces.

In a morning drive near Radha Swami Bhawan in Sector 27, the enforcement team removed 42 illegally placed rehri-pharis that were obstructing pedestrian movement and encroaching upon public areas. The action was carried out to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain cleanliness and order in the market area.

Later in the evening drive at the Car Bazaar in Manimajra, Sector 13, the team took strict action against vehicles parked without valid stickers and in violation of municipal norms. During the operation, 15 cars were impounded and 15 challans were issued to violators.

Such drives will continue regularly across the city to ensure strict compliance with civic regulations. Citizens and vendors have been urged to follow the rules and avoid encroaching upon public spaces to maintain Chandigarh’s planned urban character and ensure convenience for residents and visitors alike.

Chandigarh:

Aam Aadmi Party National Media In-Charge Anurag Dhanda stated today that the BJP is set to receive a major blow in the upcoming assembly elections across five states. He remarked that the citizens of the country are deeply disillusioned by the BJP government’s anti-people policies and will deliver a decisive response at the polls. Dhanda announced that while AAP will directly challenge the BJP by contesting elections in Assam and Kerala, it will support Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal to ensure the BJP’s defeat. He emphasized that every AAP worker will fight firmly against the BJP’s flawed policies.

Anurag Dhanda further highlighted that due to the BJP government’s mismanagement, the entire country is currently grappling with a severe LPG crisis. Long queues have formed outside gas agencies in several states, causing immense hardship for common citizens. Women, the elderly, and working professionals are being forced to wait for hours in line.

Anurag Dhanda said that the situation has deteriorated to the point where people are forced to abandon their livelihoods just to secure a gas cylinder. In many places, citizens are having to carry cylinders home on their own shoulders. According to Dhanda, this situation clearly demonstrates that the BJP government has completely failed in its administrative duties and remains insensitive to the struggles of ordinary citizens.

The BJP government has prioritized the politics of making people stand in queues over providing facilities. First, it was bank queues during demonetization, then queues for rations, and now the public must wait hours for gas cylinders. Life for the common man has become increasingly difficult under BJP rule,” Dhanda stated.

Anurag Dhanda concluded by asserting that the Aam Aadmi Party stands firmly with the people and will continue to fight against the BJP’s anti-people policies. He expressed confidence that in the upcoming elections, voters will teach the BJP a lesson and strengthen the politics of public interest.

Chandigarh:

SAMARTHAN 2026, a CME–cum–workshop organised by ROTTO North, PGIMER Chandigarh, brought together over 200 delegates from across the country along with international experts and concluded with a strong call for collaborative action to strengthen organ donation and transplantation programmes across Northern India and ensure that more patients awaiting life-saving transplants receive the precious gift of life.

A major highlight of the conclave was a special felicitation ceremony recognising 18 individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to promoting organ donation and supporting transplant programmes. The honourees represented a diverse spectrum of stakeholders—including clinical professionals, hospital support staff, social activists, government officials, youth ambassadors, and digital advocates—whose dedicated efforts have significantly strengthened the organ donation movement and helped advance the cause of life-saving organ donation and transplantation.

The Valedictory Session of SAMARTHAN 2026 was graced by Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health Services, Chandigarh Administration, as the Chief Guest, and Ms. Jyotinder Kaur Bajwa, IRS, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, Chandigarh, as the Guest of Honour.

Commending the honourees for their remarkable contributions, Dr. Suman Singh said, “The individuals honoured today embody the true spirit of compassion and service that sustains the organ donation movement. Their dedication—ranging from hospital support staff and healthcare professionals to community advocates and digital influencers—demonstrates that saving lives through organ donation is truly a collective effort. Recognising such contributions not only honours their work but also inspires many more citizens to come forward and become part of this life-saving mission.”

Among the hospital support staff from PGIMER who were honoured were  Heera Singh, Junior Lab Technician, Department of Immunopathology; Jaswinder Kaur, Nursing Officer, ATC ICU;  Satnam Kaur, Senior Nursing Officer, Department of Renal Transplant Surgery;  Sanjeev Kumar from the Security Department; and  Jaspal and Manish, Hospital Attendants from ATC, PGIMER, whose dedicated services have played an important role in supporting transplant-related care and hospital coordination.

From civil society and community organisations, those recognised included Dr. Neelam, Social Activist from Raksha Foundation; Ashish Kumar, Superintendent, Punjab Civil Secretariat;  Manmohan Ji from Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra;  Gurpreet Singh from Nischay Foundation;  Prashant, Community Volunteer; and  Damanjit Kaur, Director of Sukh Foundation, for their sustained advocacy and community engagement in promoting organ donation awareness.

Recognising the growing importance of youth participation and digital advocacy,  Japita Rekhi, Student Ambassador, ROTTO North;  Gurchet Singh, Organ Donation Awareness Coordinator, Chandigarh University; and  Yogesh Garg, Social Media Influencer, were also felicitated for their proactive role in spreading awareness and encouraging wider public participation in organ donation initiatives.

Earlier in the day, SAMARTHAN 2026 hosted a series of technical sessions and expert deliberations aimed at strengthening the organ donation ecosystem across Northern India.

The workshop, themed “Strengthening Organ Donation through Collaboration, Best Practices and Shared Learning,” was held at Hotel Mountview, Chandigarh, and brought together healthcare administrators, transplant coordinators, policy experts, clinicians, NGOs, and community advocates actively engaged in the field of organ donation and transplantation.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, who attended as the Chief Guest. Distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion included  Anil Kumar, Director, National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), and Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The conclave served as an important platform to address regional disparities in organ donation and deliberate on a coordinated roadmap for strengthening organ retrieval and transplantation systems across the northern states of India.

Participants highlighted that while India has made steady progress under the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Programme (NOTP), sustained collaboration among hospitals, administrators, civil society organisations, and law-enforcement agencies remains essential to bridge operational gaps and significantly enhance public awareness.

A key component of the programme was a series of technical sessions analysing the current organ donation scenario in Northern India and identifying barriers to improving donor conversion rates. Experts from leading transplant centres shared insights on organ donation trends, brain-death identification, donor family counselling, and the complex logistical coordination required during organ retrieval and transplantation.

International perspectives were shared by experts from Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom, while case studies and operational experiences were presented by leading institutions including Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow; All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur; and Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana.

The sessions also facilitated detailed discussions on strengthening transplant coordination systems, enhancing hospital infrastructure, expanding training programmes for transplant coordinators, and intensifying public awareness initiatives. Delegates further participated in collaborative group exercises to develop actionable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) focusing on administrative strengthening, infrastructure development, legal and ethical compliance, and documentation mechanisms necessary for building sustainable organ donation programmes in Northern India.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent and Head, Department of Hospital Administration, PGIMER, and Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, emphasised the importance of coordinated action to strengthen organ donation programmes across the region.

“SAMARTHAN 2026 represents a collective commitment to strengthening the organ donation ecosystem across Northern India. By bringing together healthcare professionals, administrators, law-enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, and community advocates, we aim to move beyond dialogue and translate these discussions into practical solutions that improve donor identification, streamline coordination, and ultimately save more lives through transplantation,” said Prof. Vipin Koushal.

He further emphasised that strengthening hospital networks, improving public awareness, and building efficient inter-state coordination mechanisms will be crucial to increasing organ donation rates and ensuring equitable access to transplantation services in the region.

The event witnessed participation of over 200 delegates from hospitals across Northern India, including representatives from several far-flung states, reaffirming the collective commitment of stakeholders to expand organ donation awareness, strengthen transplant coordination systems, and ensure that more patients awaiting transplants receive a new chance at life through organ donation.

Chandigarh:

In a positive example of how mediation helps resolve sensitive family disputes, a matrimonial case between husband and wife was amicably settled in the Court of Ms. Rekha, Principal Judge, Family Court, Panchkula. The couple, who were married in 2013 according to Hindu rites, were blessed with two daughters. Over time, misunderstandings and communication gaps led to marital discord, prompting the parties to approach the Family Court by filing a petition under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Considering the sensitive nature of the dispute and the welfare of the children, the Court referred the matter to mediation. Through sincere efforts and constructive dialogue during the mediation process, the parties were able to resolve their differences and reach an amicable settlement in National Lok Adalat. This case highlights the important role of Family Courts and mediation in promoting understanding, preserving dignity, and ensuring solutions that safeguard the interests of families and children.

                Today, Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) successfully organized its first National Lok Adalat of the Year on 14th March, 2026, under the guidance of Justice Deepak Sibal, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, HALSA. The Lok Adalat was held across all 22 Districts and 38 Sub-Divisions of Haryana. Justice Deepak Sibal personally monitored the functioning of National Lok Adalat across the State and encouraged the Benches to demonstrate their highest level of commitment and efficiency to ensure maximum disposal of cases in the National Lok Adalat, thereby advancing the objective of accessible and affordable justice for all.

                        Under the instructions of Justice Deepak Sibal, Executive Chairman, HALSA, on the day of the National Lok Adalat, Jagdeep Singh, District & Sessions Judge-cum-Member Secretary, Haryana State Legal Services Authority closely monitored the functioning of the Lok Adalats convened across the State of Haryana through video conferencing. He personally inspected the Lok Adalat Benches at District Courts, Panchkula and interacted with the litigants and reviewed the proceedings of Lok Adalat Benches. 

                        Today’s Lok Adalat, including pre-Lok Adalat sittings, witnessed the disposal of 5,72,911 cases, demonstrating the strong commitment of HALSA and the judiciary in ensuring accessible and speedy justice. The disposal in first National Lok Adalat of the year significantly brought down core pendency of cases in the courts of Haryana.  An amount of Rs. 1,72,63,19,466/- stood disbursed during the National Lok Adalat. 

                        Total 177 benches were constituted at various courts to take up both pre-litigation and pending cases, encompassing a wide spectrum of matters such ascivil disputes, matrimonial cases, motor accident claims, bank recovery suits, cheque bounce matters, traffic challans, compoundable criminal offences, and cases before Permanent Lok Adalats (Public Utility Services).

MOHALI (SAS NAGAR), 13th March 2026:

The Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026 began on a strong note in Mohali on Friday, with investment commitments worth over ₹10,000 crore on the opening day and major industry leaders announcing expansion plans in the state. Addressing investors and industry leaders, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the Punjab government would provide every facility needed for industries to compete with China, asserting that a business-friendly environment had already helped attract ₹1.50 lakh crore in investments in four years.

The AAP Supremo highlighted how the Bhagwant Mann government has introduced a 45-day single-window clearance system and is building a business-friendly ecosystem focused on human capital, industrial growth and large-scale job creation for youth. Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the summit marked the beginning of a new phase of economic growth, employment and industrial expansion, as the state positions itself as a major investment destination with faster approvals, pro-industry policies and a focus on education, healthcare and skilled manpower.

Addressing the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “In a major boost to the industrial development of the state, the Punjab government has roped in leading industries to invest in Punjab. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that on the very first day of the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026, the state has secured investments worth more than ₹10,000 crore. Major industry leaders such as HMEL, Tata Steel, JSW, Trident Group, Hero Industries and several others have announced plans to expand and set up their ventures in the state.”

He continued, “Punjabis are known for their entrepreneurial abilities, innovation and problem solving spirit. You will rarely find a Punjabi begging because our people believe in hard work and are doers who can perform even in the most difficult conditions. Punjabis can work for 20 hours a day with unmatched dedication, commitment and resilience. This quality is unparalleled across the world.”

Highlighting the global identity of Punjabis, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjabis are a martial community, courageous and enterprising, and they have excelled in every field across the world. Whenever any tragedy strikes anywhere in the world, Punjabi ‘langar’ is often the first to reach those in need, following the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji of service and humanity. Punjab is also blessed with rich culture, fertile land and strong unity. Everything can grow on the fertile land of Punjab, but the seed of hatred can never take root here. Following the message of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the great Sikh Gurus, every Punjabi prays for the well being and progress of all. Since 2022, when our government assumed office, Punjab has witnessed remarkable progress across sectors such as power, health, real estate, infrastructure and education.”

Highlighting education reforms, he added, “Today the youth of Punjab are excelling in competitive examinations such as UPSC, JEE, NEET and IIT entrance tests because the state government has significantly strengthened the education sector. Thirty school principals from Punjab are currently in Singapore undergoing advanced training so that their expertise can further benefit students across the state. Punjab currently has operational airports in Mohali, Halwara, Amritsar, Bathinda, Pathankot and Adampur. At the same time, road infrastructure in the state is also developing rapidly. I invite industries to come, invest and work in Punjab so that together we can build a progressive and prosperous state.”

Citing examples of local success stories, he said, “Punjab based enterprises such as Sonalika, Preet Tractors, Duke, Monte Carlo and many others are shining examples of local entrepreneurship. The doors of Punjab are open to all investors and we welcome them with a red carpet. Our policies are flexible and designed to meet the needs of industry. I urge all of you to invest here, create jobs for Punjabis and help Punjab write a new success story. The state government is aligning skill education and training with the needs of industry so that a strong pool of skilled manpower is created in Punjab. Whatever the industry requires, the government will ensure that the youth receive the necessary training. This will create employment opportunities and accelerate economic growth in the state.”

Welcoming business leaders, Bhagwant Mann further said, “I welcome all business tycoons to the land of Gurus and Pirs. We are honoured to have such eminent personalities among us today. Punjab is one of the most favourable investment destinations in the country and we will leave no stone unturned to facilitate investors. Our vision is to build a strong partnership between the government and industry to make Punjab a leading industrial hub.”

Appealing to entrepreneurs, the Punjab CM stated, “Entrepreneurs are a source of inspiration for everyone and represent the opportunities that the youth of Punjab and India aspire to achieve. Whether we work in the public, private or non profit sectors, each one of us has a responsibility to fulfil if we are to realise our hopes and aspirations for our country, society and families. This summit is not merely about signing MOUs but about sharing knowledge, brainstorming and learning from each other.”

Speaking about the future vision, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann shared that ghe state government has chosen a path that will make the future of Punjab bright by accelerating economic growth. I have seen that the young generation of Punjab wants to achieve something big in life. They are natural leaders who cannot live in isolation. I firmly believe that God has given me this opportunity to lead Punjab so that we can bring meaningful change in the lives of our people.”

Highlighting innovation and technology, he continued, “Punjab is now at the threshold of transitioning toward a new culture of innovation and technology driven enterprise. The youth of the state are coming up with new ideas and innovations and it is our responsibility to support them. We are leaving no stone unturned for this noble cause. World class infrastructure, excellent connectivity, premier educational institutions and supportive government policies together make Punjab one of the most preferred investment destinations globally.”

Thanking industry leaders, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I thank all the business leaders for becoming part of Punjab’s growth story. Our government is committed to transforming Punjab into a major industrial and export hub in the world. Punjab is among the top performing states in the Ease of Doing Business ranking conducted by the Government of India. Invest Punjab, the unified regulator of the Government of Punjab, has been recognised by the Government of India as one of the top performing investment promotion agencies.”

Explaining the governance approach, he added, “Our government seeks holistic economic and financial success for Punjab. I firmly believe that the pillars of our growth are good governance, digitisation, decisiveness, transparency and sensitivity. Combined with Punjab’s rich heritage and culture, these factors create a conducive environment for investors from across the globe to grow exponentially here. Punjab plays a crucial role in strengthening global value chains and supply chains through its manufacturing and infrastructure capabilities. I welcome all captains of industry to invest in Punjab, invest in the best. The world is going through challenging times, but we must recognise that each of us has the ability to contribute positively and that is the objective of this summit.”

Concluding his remarks, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The future is a shared responsibility for all of us. Punjab is perhaps the only place in the world whose people have a presence across the globe because Punjabis excel wherever they go. Punjabis possess an indomitable spirit to work hard and succeed. Wherever they go they make a mark. Punjab means business and I invite industry leaders to join hands with the government to build a prosperous future together.”

Meanwhile, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “Punjab is the land of gurus and pir paigambars who gave such messages that for centuries have inspired not only Punjab, not only the country, but the entire world. Punjab is the land of hardworking people. Whenever the country faced a crisis of food, the hardworking farmers of Punjab ensured that the nation received food through their labour and filled the stomachs of the country.”

He said, “Punjab is also the land of patriots. In the freedom struggle, Punjabis made the highest sacrifices, and even today you will find the largest number of Punjabis serving in our armed forces. Punjab is also the land of entrepreneurs and businessmen. Entrepreneurship runs in the blood here. There is a joke that if one day humans begin living on the moon, the first establishment there will be a ‘Punjabi dhaba’.”

Reflecting on Punjab’s economic history, Arvind Kejriwal continued, “There was a time in the 1980s when Punjab ranked number one in the country in terms of per capita income. Economically, Punjab was the most developed and progressive state in the entire country. But over the last 40 years,  Punjab gradually slipped down to the 18th position. When we took charge of the government in 2022, there was a very gloomy atmosphere and industries were leaving Punjab. Industries were moving to Madhya Pradesh, some to Himachal Pradesh, and some to Uttar Pradesh. The economic condition of Punjab was extremely poor and the state was burdened with huge debt. It was in that situation that we took charge of Punjab.”

Explaining the approach taken by his party, the AAP Chief said, “I do not consider the Aam Aadmi Party to be just a party, or a political start up, and in industry language it is a ‘unicorn’. The progress that the Aam Aadmi Party has made in the last few years is remarkable. It has been barely 10 to 12 years, and within this short span Aam Aadmi Party has become a national party. Aam Aadmi Party is a party of youth and educated people. In our party you will find IIT engineers, IIM managers, chartered accountants, people educated at Oxford, lawyers, journalists. Therefore whenever a problem arises, we try to analyse it scientifically.”

“When we took charge of the government in Punjab and saw darkness everywhere, we tried to understand how many countries that were once behind India have progressed so much today. Take South Korea, Japan, Germany, Singapore, or China. Japan and Germany were completely devastated after the Second World War, yet today they are among the most developed countries. When Singapore became independent, it had almost nothing and its condition was extremely poor. At that time Singapore was far behind us, yet today Singapore has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. South Korea was in terrible condition after the Korean War, but today it is one of the most developed countries. China was far behind India a few decades ago, but today China has become the number one country in the world,” he added.

Highlighting the lessons drawn from these examples, Arvind Kejriwal said that two broad things emerged from studying these countries and we drew inspiration from them. First, they sat down with their industrialists and discussed what needed to be done to achieve large scale industrial development. They asked what industries need, what people need, and what those doing business require. If you want exponential growth in industrial development, not just 4 percent or 5 percent growth, then what needs to be done. The second thing they did was invest in their human capital. Keeping these two points in mind, we followed the same path.

Explaining the consultations held with industry, he continued, “Over the last two to three years, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and I travelled across Punjab and organised numerous meetings with industrialists, traders, and businesspeople, and listened to them about what they need. If we sit in our air conditioned rooms or if officers sit and think that we know everything, that is not true. We do not have expertise on how the textile industry works, or the hospitality industry or the challenges faced by real estate. What difficulties industries face and what they require can only be understood by listening to them.”

The AAP Supremo shared that after all these meetings one major conclusion emerged. People were unhappy with the government and troubled by government interference. There was only one demand that the government should stop interfering and allow them to do their work and run their businesses. Businesspeople were constantly entangled with government departments, approvals, penalties, threats, and inspections. All businesspersons and entrepreneurs were trapped in this system. Taking inspiration from these discussions, we started several reforms.

He said, “The first step we took was launching the Fast Track Punjab portal in June last year. If you want to set up a new industry or expand an existing one, you will receive approval within a flat 45 days through a single window system. You simply apply online. There is no need to meet anyone and no need to go anywhere. If approval is not granted within 45 days, then on the 46th day the software automatically grants all approvals. You receive deemed approval from all departments automatically and you do not have to go anywhere.”

“Everywhere people claim there is a single window, but in reality it never exists. However Punjab is different. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann personally monitors it. Cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora personally monitors every proposal. No proposal can go beyond 45 days. Approval is guaranteed within 45 days whether it is a large industry or a small one. I hope that in the coming years we will bring this timeline down to even 10 or 15 days,” he asserted.

Contrasting the new system with the earlier one, Arvind Kejriwal added, “There was a time before our government when unless you paid offerings to some minister or officer, approvals were not granted. It would take months and sometimes years. If you wanted to set up an industry, you needed recommendations and bribes, and even after that the work did not happen. Now that is no longer the case. You simply apply and by the 45th day you will receive approval.”

Explaining relief measures for small businesses, he further added, “Another major step has been taken for MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). If your investment is up to ₹15 crore, then you do not need any approval at all. You do not even have to wait for 45 days. You simply apply and within 5 days you will receive the letter. We take self certification, as an affidavit from the entrepreneur. I believe that such a facility that provides deemed approvals does not exist anywhere else in the country.”

Arvind Kejriwal said that after this, we started investing in human capital. Because if you do not have educated people, if you do not have healthy people, then who will run the industries and how will the industries function. When we studied other countries we found that Japan, Germany and Singapore invested the most in health and education. I have read Lee Kuan Yew’s book and all these countries invested heavily in these sectors. We did the same first in Delhi and now we have started investing in Punjab. Today I feel extremely happy to say that the Central Government conducted a study of all the states. When we took charge, Punjab ranked 18th in the country in the field of education. Last year Punjab became number one in the entire country in education. In just three years we reached the number one position in education.

Sharing outcomes of education reforms, he continued, “Today the children of Punjab’s government schools, who earlier did not even know what JEE is or what NEET is and were not aware of these exams, have begun achieving remarkable results. Last year, 300 students from government schools cleared JEE and 800 students from government schools cleared NEET. Today teachers from our government schools are being sent to Finland, Singapore and Canada for training. A very positive atmosphere has developed where children also feel that they are receiving a good education.

Speaking about healthcare reforms, Arvind Kejriwal said, “Earlier if someone from a poor family fell ill, it often led to tragedy. One major reason behind farmer suicides was illness in the family, as when someone fell sick they had to take loans, and when they could not repay those loans they ended up committing suicide. Now if someone falls ill they do not have to take such drastic steps. Government hospitals have been significantly improved. Under the new ₹10 lakh scheme, even the biggest hospitals, provide free treatment up to ₹10 lakh to poor farmers and poor labourers, irrespective of the illness. Such universal healthcare and universal security cover is rarely seen anywhere else.”

Connecting reforms to investment inflows, he emphasised, “The results of all these efforts have started showing. In the last four years Punjab has received investments worth ₹1.5 lakh crore. I am not talking about MOUs. I am talking about ₹1.5 lakh crore worth of investments that have already begun. Land has been purchased and projects have started on the ground. These investments will generate 5.5 lakh jobs for our youth.”

Arvind Kejriwal said that our country is a great nation and a very ancient civilisation. God has given everything to this country. When God created the earth, the most prosperous and beautiful land he created was ‘Bharatvarsh’. We have mountains, rivers, medicinal herbs, minerals, iron, coal and countless other resources. God did not leave anything out while giving us these gifts. When God created human beings, he created the most intelligent people in India. Wherever we go in the world, we excel. If you look at global CEOs around the world, you will see that many of them are Indians. The CEOs of Microsoft, Alphabet, IBM, Adobe, Chanel, Novartis, and Palo Alto are of Indian origins.”

“But I feel extremely sad when we import toys from China. We import plastic buckets, stationery, even the plastic containers in which we keep spices in our kitchens are imported from China. We import LED bulbs, decorative lights, electric kettles, wires, mobile phone chargers, alarm clocks, plastic toys and battery operated toys. Even the Lakshmi and Ganesh idols that we worship during Diwali are imported. The list is very long, including even things like Kumbhkaran, Ravan and Meghnath idols. Can we not make these ourselves? Someone told me that Chinese products are cheaper, but why can we not produce cheaper products ourselves? Give Punjabis the opportunity and they will manufacture products cheaper than China and even export to them,” he asserted.

The AAP Chief shared that in the last 75 years the governments of our country have not trusted the talent of our people. But our systems have been so weak that they do not allow anyone to do anything. We must be given opportunities. India must become number one and that we must defeat China. That should be our target. There was a film called Tezaab starring Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor. It had a song that said defeating ordinary opponents means nothing, defeat Dara Singh if you really want to prove yourself. Tell us what you need to defeat China and we will provide it to you in Punjab. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the entire Punjab government and I stand with you.

He added, “My blood boils when I see that even after 75 years of independence we import plastic buckets and phone chargers from China. We cannot make our own Lakshmi and Ganesh idols. This is a matter of patriotism. You must do this for the country. Tell us what you need and start exporting to China. Whatever environment you require, we will provide it. This is not a hollow promise. You have already seen that the guarantees given by Arvind Kejriwal before the last elections have been fulfilled. I am giving this guarantee to all industries. If you guide us and tell us what you need, we will provide everything required.”

“The AAP leadership, especially CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, is known to be a very popular people’s leader. He stays among the people and you can meet him anytime, even at midnight or two in the morning. I do not think you will find such a Chief Minister again. Minister Sanjeev Arora has truly won the hearts of the industry. Yesterday an industrialist came to me and said that no one knows when he even sleeps. When we organised meetings with industries across different places earlier, we used to hear many negative things from industrialists and traders. People complained about the difficulties they faced and the number of rounds they had to make to government offices. There was a lot of negativity in the environment. But last night during the dinner with industrialists where CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and I were present, the atmosphere was extremely positive. Many people said that they had never seen a government so positive towards industry,” he shared.

Acknowledging the progress made, Arvind Kejriwal said, “In the journey of any state or country, three or four years is a very small period. But if in four years we have managed to change the direction of the wind and bring new energy and positivity about Punjab, then I believe this is a major achievement of the Punjab government.”

Chandigarh /Mohali, March 13:

On the sidelines of the Progressive Punjab Investor Summit – 2026, which commenced here today at Plaksha University, the Global Network Japan Co.Ltd. make a strong committment of partnering with the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in promoting clean and green energy.

Dr. Rohit Bakshi from the Global Network Japan company disclosed that the main aim of the company is to effectively manage paddy waste by purchasing the paddy directly from the farmers and make ethanol as it is eco-friendly and renewable. The motive is to promote green energy and make such value added products from the waste which would boost economy.

Punjab produces 20 crore tonnes of waste every year and if that is recycled in a proper way then it can work wonders in promoting green energy concept.

Experience with Punjab Government was good as we were guided very patiently in detail at each and, every step.

We are on agreement stage & intend to set up a plant as pilot project initially with Rs. 500 crore investment. For that we require 20 acre land to begin with, added Dr. Rohit Bakshi.

On the occasion, CEO – Mobutoki Ito, Masahiro Saito, Dr. Manpreet Singh, Dr. Rohit Bakshi were present.