KHURALGARH, 6th February 2026:

Marking a decisive institutional commitment to the legacy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, the Punjab government on Friday formally launched year-long celebrations for the 650th Guru Purb, laying out a clear sequence of religious, cultural and academic initiatives that will run across the state until February 20, 2027. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the commemorations with the announcement of sustained congregations, Sant Sammelans, katha-kirtan programmes, conventions and university-level seminars, while simultaneously unveiling major infrastructure commitments including the expansion of a Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh and the establishment of a Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Research Centre near Dera Ballan at Jalandhar.

Stressing that financial constraints would not be allowed to dilute the scale or spirit of the observances, the Chief Minister assured that all directions of the Sant Samaj would be fully implemented, situating the year-long religious programme within the broader governance framework of the AAP government that prioritises education reform, expanded public healthcare with cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh, and policy decisions guided by public welfare.

Addressing the state-level function organised to commemorate the 649th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated the Sangat and said, “It is our collective duty to spread the message of Guru Ji across the globe. Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji envisioned an egalitarian society free from all forms of discrimination.”

Describing himself as a humble participant in the sacred congregation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that “the state government will leave no stone unturned to celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji in an unsurpassed manner.”

Recalling recent initiatives, the Chief Minister said, “The state government has recently commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji through a series of events. Likewise, year-long programmes have been chalked out to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji in an unprecedented manner.” He added that he felt blessed to be connected to this sacred land, noting that “Guru Ji delivered a powerful message of equality from here and spent more than four years at this place.”

Highlighting steps taken to institutionalise the legacy of the revered Guru, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “To perpetuate the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, the state government has established Chairs at Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University to undertake research.”

He further said, “As guided by the Sant Samaj, the state government will organise a wide range of events to mark the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji. All of us are fortunate to have received this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate Guru Ji’s Parkash Purb.”

Reiterating his government’s commitment to social justice, the Chief Minister said, “We will work tirelessly to ameliorate the woes of the weaker and underprivileged sections of society, in complete consonance with the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.” He added that “the state government is duty bound to ensure the well-being of the poorest of the poor, for which several path-breaking initiatives are being undertaken,” and said that “with the blessings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, our government has been voted to power with a thumping majority.”

Elaborating on Guru Ji’s philosophy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji gave the message of welfare of entire humanity and equality of all sections of society, thereby laying the foundation of a truly egalitarian social order.” He added, “Guru Ji envisioned an ideal society where no one suffers in any form, and our government is fully committed to carving out such a society based on the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.”

The Chief Minister further said, “The life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji continue to guide humanity towards building an egalitarian society. Guru Ji was a great spiritual ambassador and a messiah of the poor and underprivileged, who taught us to lead a virtuous and noble life.” He added that “this Parkash Purb is an occasion for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the creation of a society where every human being lives with self-respect and dignity, without any discrimination.”

Referring to Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideology, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In line with the vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar, our government is empowering the weaker sections of society through quality education.” He added that “the Schools of Eminence established by the state government will realise Babasaheb’s dreams by grooming poor but bright students for a prosperous future.”

The Chief Minister also urged the devotees to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of Punjab, saying that “with the blessings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, the state government will soon carve out a new, vibrant and progressive Punjab.”

Highlighting healthcare reforms, the Chief Minister said, “The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is being implemented across Punjab as the state’s largest health reform programme.” He added, “Every family is now entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh. Earlier, this limit was Rs 5 lakh, which has now been doubled.” Bhagwant Singh Mann said that “around 65 lakh families will benefit from this ambitious scheme, which is aimed at the welfare of every section of society.”

Giving a clarion call to the people, the Chief Minister said, “We must follow the path shown by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji to eradicate the various social evils prevailing in society.” He added, “The bani of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji is a lighthouse for entire humanity. Guru Ji showed the world the true path of humanity, and this bani can play a pivotal role in emancipating society from the challenges it faces today.”

Referring to major infrastructure initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government has already constructed a world-class memorial at Khuralgarh at a cost of nearly ₹148 crore as a humble tribute to Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.”

He added that “the memorial includes tourist facilities, multi-level parking, Minar-e-Begumpura, Sangat Hall, a state-of-the-art auditorium and other amenities.” Reiterating Guru Ji’s universal message, he said that “Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji stood for the welfare of entire humanity and equality of all sections of society.”

The Chief Minister further revealed, “The state government has purchased 12 acres of land in villages Faridpur and Nau Gaza in Jalandhar at a cost of ₹10 crore for setting up the Sri Guru Ravidass Adhyan Centre near Dera Ballan.” He said, “This state-of-the-art centre will emerge as a major research hub dedicated to the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji and will serve as a beacon of learning, devotion and propagation of Guru Ji’s bani.”

Addressing the gathering, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia said, “I feel fortunate to have the privilege of visiting the sacred land of Khuralgarh, which bears the footprints of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.”

He added, “From this land, Guru Ji gave the message of human equality, and today the Punjab government and the Aam Aadmi Party are following this very path by ensuring equal rights for all sections of society.”

Manish Sisodia said that “in Punjab today, while upholding the principle of equality, the government is providing education, healthcare and other facilities to every individual,” adding that “not just Punjab, but the entire country needs such a vision where every person is treated equally.”

Several Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, representatives of the Sant Samaj and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

CHANDIGARH, February 6:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 18th day, Punjab Police on Friday conducted 601 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 18, Police teams arrested 208 individuals and recovered four weapons along with 10 live cartridges from their possession, taking the total arrests to 5,110 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 121 persons, whereas, 284 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested seven 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 342nd day with 97 drug smugglers arrested on Friday and recovered 1.6 kg heroin, 510 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 4 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 47,954 in just 342 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 24 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, February 6:

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Friday visited Jalandhar and held a high-level meeting with senior police officers to review the ongoing investigation into the murder of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) functionary Satwinderpal Singh alias Lucky Oberoi. He also visited the scene of the crime for a firsthand assessment.

          Addressing the media at the scene of crime, the DGP reiterated the Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s firm resolve to maintain law and order, asserting that the perpetrators of this crime will be nabbed and ensured exemplary punishment as per the law. He was accompanied by Commissioner of Police (CP) Jalandhar Dhanpreet Kaur.

          “CM Saab has been personally monitoring the case and is being updated frequently on the developments,” he said.

          As per the information, Satwinderpal Singh alias Lucky Oberoi was shot by unidentified assailants on a white Activa on Friday morning at the Gurudwara Singh Sabha Parking in Model Town, Jalandhar, while he was leaving after paying obeisance. The victim later succumbed to his injuries.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the investigation is being conducted in a professional and scientific manner. “We have reviewed the investigations conducted so far and are tracking all forward and backward movements of the suspects,” he said.

          He further informed that police teams have collected mobile tower dumps to advance the investigation through technical analysis. “All theories of crime are being thoroughly investigated,” the DGP added.

          Providing details on the current status, CP Dhanpreet Kaur said that preliminary investigations have found that both accused, wearing black hoodies, fled from the spot on their Activa scooter. Further investigations are going on, she added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 25 dated 6/2/2026 has been registered under sections 103(1), 3(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Division 6 in Jalandhar Commissionerate.

MUMBAI, 4th February 2026:

On the second day of the Mumbai Investment Roadshow, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government stepped up its investment outreach with a clear and deliberate focus on translating capital inflows into jobs for the State’s youth, as part of its build-up to the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026.

Beginning with high-level engagements and moving through sector-specific and financial discussions, the Government of Punjab presented a coherent chain of opportunities, from strengthening MSMEs and enabling their transition into large enterprises to attracting global investors in manufacturing, logistics, and emerging sectors.

The series of outcome-oriented meetings reflected a calibrated strategy to deepen partnerships with corporates and financial institutions, expand industrial capacity, and lay the foundation for sustainable, skilled, and long-term employment, positioning Punjab as a hub for youth-led industrial growth and entrepreneurship-driven economic expansion.

The delegation began the day with high-level one-to-one meetings with leading industry groups, including Sanathan Textiles and Mahindra Group, where discussions centred on opportunities in textiles, automotive, farm equipment, defence manufacturing, and supply-chain integration. The meetings explored possibilities for new investments as well as expansion of existing operations in Punjab, leveraging the State’s skilled workforce, industrial infrastructure, and policy stability.

A key highlight of the day was the CXO Roundtable with leading private equity firms and financial institutions, convened to deliberate on financing pathways, growth capital, and structured support for scaling Punjab’s MSMEs into large and globally competitive enterprises. Senior leadership from Baring Private Equity India Investment Managers LLP, JM Financial Ltd, Avendus Wealth Management, Neo Wealth and Asset Management, OAKS Asset Management, Alvarez & Marsal, and Think Law participated in the roundtable. Discussions focused on strengthening the MSME-to-large-enterprise pipeline through patient capital, governance support, and strategic market access, positioning Punjab as a preferred destination for MSME-led industrial growth.

During the roundtable, the CEO of Invest Punjab made a detailed presentation on Punjab’s reform-driven governance framework, the FastTrack Punjab single-window system, and time-bound approvals, while the Administrative Secretary, Investment Promotion, highlighted the State’s commitment to policy certainty and investor facilitation. The session concluded with an interactive open house and networking luncheon, enabling direct dialogue between investors and the Government of Punjab delegation.

Following the roundtable, the delegation held focused meetings with UAE-based DP World to discuss logistics, rail-linked inland terminals, and multimodal infrastructure aimed at strengthening Punjab’s export competitiveness. This was followed by interactions with Avenue Supermarts, UPL Limited, and the International Institute of Sports Management, covering sectors such as organised retail, agri-inputs, food systems, and sports education and infrastructure. These engagements underscored Punjab’s diversified sectoral opportunities across manufacturing, services, agri-business, logistics, and emerging industries.

A representative from Invest India also participated in the day’s engagements alongside the Government of Punjab delegation, reinforcing collaborative efforts to attract domestic and global investments into the State and align Punjab’s investment outreach with national investment promotion initiatives.

The Mumbai Investment Roadshow continues to serve as a strong platform for engaging institutional investors, industry leaders, and financial partners, while formally extending invitations for their participation in the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026. The engagements showcased Punjab’s readiness to scale businesses, promote research and development, and integrate with national and global markets through a stable and investor-friendly ecosystem.

CHANDIGARH: Commenting on the recent announcement of an 18% tariff framework between India and the United States, RS AAP MP and Founder Chancellor, Lovely Professional University, Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal expressed cautious optimism while highlighting the need for greater clarity on its real-world impact.

“While the proposed tariff correction signals some easing of trade pressures, serious questions remain about how this framework will operate in practice. We do not yet have certainty on how India’s farmers and MSMEs, the backbone of our economy, will be protected during implementation,” Dr Mittal said.

He noted that prior to the trade war, effective US tariffs on Indian exports averaged around 2.5%, which later escalated to 50%, and are now expected to stabilise reportedly at 18%. “This remains significantly higher than the conditions under which Indian exporters previously operated,” he added. Dr Mittal also pointed out that the agreement reportedly extends beyond tariffs, including commitments on non-tariff barriers and large-scale procurement of American goods. “Much will depend on the final legal text, safeguards, and timelines. The key question is whether this framework delivers stable, predictable gains, or merely manages the fallout of an avoidable crisis,” he said. He urged policymakers to ensure that national interests, export competitiveness, and domestic livelihoods remain central to all negotiations.

Chandigarh, February 4

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh’s ambitious smart parking initiative — MC One Pass — has crossed an impressive 2,000 subscriber milestone, marking a major leap in citizen adoption of digital urban services. Achieved within a short period of launch, the milestone underscores the growing public confidence in the Corporation’s commitment to transparent, efficient and citizen-friendly governance.

Launched to streamline parking operations and eliminate the inconvenience of daily cash payments, MC One Pass offers commuters seamless monthly parking at highly affordable rates — ₹250 for two-wheelers and ₹500 for four-wheelers — across designated Municipal Corporation parking sites in the city.

While speaking about the initiative, the MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS said here today that the rapid growth from launch to over 2,000 subscribers reflects the success of technology-driven initiatives focused on ease of living, accountability and convenience. The digital pass ensures cashless transactions, reduced on-ground disputes, quicker access at parking sites, and enhanced transparency in parking management.

He said that the overwhelming response from citizens has further encouraged the Municipal Corporation to intensify outreach efforts and progressively expand the coverage of MC One Pass, enabling more commuters to benefit from a smarter and hassle-free parking experience.

MC One Pass can be conveniently availed through scanning QR code provided in the parking lots,  official website www.mcchandigarh.gov.in digital platform, reinforcing Chandigarh’s position as a leader in smart, citizen-centric urban mobility solutions.

Chandigarh: Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday addressed a press conference at Punjab Lok Bhavan in Chandigarh to share details of an intensive anti-drug awareness campaign being undertaken to strengthen the fight against drug abuse in the state. The campaign includes a four-day awareness padyatra across the border districts of Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka, aimed at mobilizing public participation against drugs.

The Governor emphasized that, with the efforts of the Punjab Red Cross Society, the padyatra aims to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse. He reiterated that rehabilitation and employment generation must remain the central pillars in the fight against drugs, alongside strict enforcement of the law and sustained public awareness. He appealed to all sections of society to make this a people’s movement.

The detailed schedule of the Padyatra is as follows: February 9, 2026 (11:30 a.m.) – Tarn Taran: From Shri Guru Arjan Dev School to Police Lines via Police Guards February 10, 2026 (11:30 a.m.) – Ferozepur: From Saragarhi Memorial to Government School of Eminence, Ferozepur City February 11, 2026 (12:00 noon) – Fazilka: From Sanjeev Cinema, Fazilka to Clock Tower, Fazilka February 12, 2026 (11:30 a.m.) – Abohar (Fazilka): From Municipal Corporation Office, Abohar to D.A.V. College, Abohar

Interacting with the media, the Governor highlighted that drug abuse is not merely a local or state issue, but a global challenge that requires sustained and collective efforts.

The Governor stressed that the fight against drugs must be continuous and sincere, and called upon social, religious, political and educational institutions, NGOs, and other organizations to actively participate and support this mass movement. The campaign seeks to unite all sections of society towards the common goal of making Punjab drug-free.

He reiterated that meaningful change can only be achieved through continuous and persistent efforts, community involvement, and a strong focus on rehabilitation, ensuring that affected individuals are reintegrated into society with dignity and employment opportunities.