Chandigarh, January 5 – Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has directed officials to ensure that special emphasis is laid on strengthening the state’s healthcare infrastructure in the upcoming general budget. She said that, based on GIS mapping, it must be ensured that no region of the state remains deprived of health institutions and that all citizens receive equitable and quality healthcare services.

The Health Minister was chairing a high-level meeting of officials in Chandigarh today to review budget preparations related to the Ayush and Medical Education Departments. Detailed discussions were held during the meeting on the current status of health services in the state, existing requirements, and future plans.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Director General of Ayush Sh. Sanjeev Verma, Mission Director of National Health Mission Haryana Sh. Rippudaman Singh Dhillon, Director of Medical Education and Research Sh. Yashender Singh, Director General of Health Services Dr. Manish Bansal, Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Dr. Virender Yadav, and other senior officials.

On the occasion, Health Minister Arti Singh Rao informed that the state government has accorded in-principle approval to upgrade the Sub-Health Centre located in village Tain of Nuh district into a Primary Health Centre (PHC). Along with this, expenditure of approximately ₹36 lakh has also been approved for the appointment of required staff at this health centre, which will enable people of the area to receive better and timely medical services.

Similarly, approval has been granted for opening a new Primary Health Centre in village Khatodra of Mahendragarh district. This will ensure availability of primary healthcare facilities closer to the people of the surrounding rural areas.

The Health Minister directed officials to ensure advance budgetary provisions for starting new health services wherever required in the state. She said that strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in remote and backward areas remains a priority of the government.

She reiterated that the Haryana Government is fully committed to the health of the common people and that every possible step will be taken to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services across the state.

Chandigarh, January 5- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025 represents a fundamental overhaul of rural employment policy in India, ensuring more guaranteed workdays, higher wages, transparent payments and creation of durable assets, while putting an end to the corruption and inefficiencies that plagued the earlier MGNREGA framework.

Addressing a press conference here today, the Chief Minister said the Viksit Bharat–G-RAM-G Act is designed to support genuine labourers who were betrayed under previous governments. He said, this law ensures real-time monitoring, transparent wage payments and higher guaranteed employment. Rural workers will now contribute to building a truly developed India, rather than enriching corrupt contractors, officials or politicians.

Cabinet Ministers, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar and Media Secretary to Chief minister, Sh. Praveen Attrey also remained present on this occasion.

He said that the new law, introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, replaces an outdated structure that no longer reflects the realities of India’s transformed rural economy. He said the legislation is directly linked to the lives and livelihoods of crores of rural labourers, farmers and working families across the country.

Old frameworks must evolve with changing times, says CM

The Chief Minister said that MGNREGA, launched nearly two decades ago, was conceived in a different economic and social context. Like all public welfare schemes, it required reform as circumstances changed. However, successive governments failed to address its structural weaknesses.

He said that over the past 20 years, India’s rural economy has undergone a fundamental shift. Rural poverty, which stood at over 25 percent in 2011–12, has now declined to below 5 percent. At the same time, the last decade has witnessed unprecedented expansion in digital connectivity, banking access, Aadhaar coverage, Direct Benefit Transfer systems and infrastructure development. Continuing with a flawed and outdated employment structure without reform was neither in the interest of labourers nor of the nation, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Guaranteed employment increased to 125 days, boosting incomes nationwide, says CM

The Chief Minister said that under the new law, the employment guarantee has been increased from 100 to 125 days, significantly enhancing assured income for rural workers. He said this would lead to an average annual income increase of over Rs. 7,000 for an unskilled rural worker across India. In Haryana, where wage rates are the highest in the country, each worker would earn at least Rs. 10,000 more annually, he said.

Record Rs. 1.51 lakh crore allocation ensures financial backing- CM

The Chief Minister said the Centre has allocated Rs. 1.51 lakh crore for the scheme this year, surpassing last year’s record allocation of Rs. 88,000 crore. He said the Central Government’s share alone exceeds Rs.95,000 crore, with a commitment to further increase funding in the coming years to strengthen rural employment security.

The Chief Minister said that in the current year, over 52 percent Scheduled Caste workers and more than 65 percent women workers received employment in Haryana under the scheme.He said that unlike earlier practices, this work was actually performed by workers, rather than being executed through machines while labourers remained unemployed.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the nature of permissible works has been redefined to ensure long-term benefits. Employment will now be generated in water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood resources and climate-resilient asset creation. He added that Gram Panchayat plans have been aligned with the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, ensuring that village-level works contribute directly to national development goals.

The Chief Minister said the scheme includes a 60-day pause during peak agricultural seasons, allowing labourers to support farming activities and earn higher market wages, while farmers receive timely labour support. He said that mandatory weekly wage payments, with a maximum delay of 15 days, would ensure timely income, financial independence and empowerment for rural workers.

Technology-driven safeguards eliminate fraud and exploitation- CM

The Chief Minister said the new law incorporates biometric authentication, direct digital wage transfers, geo-tagging of assets and satellite monitoring through ISRO’s Bhuvan portal. He said weekly public disclosures and a multi-level grievance redressal system with a seven-day resolution timeline would ensure accountability and transparency. He said that works have been clearly categorised into priority sectors to prevent creation of fake projects for financial manipulation.

Chandigarh: Strongly opposing the BJP government’s move to change the original framework of MGNREGA, the Congress party registered strong objections and appeared highly aggressive in protest. In this context, the Congress launched the nationwide “Save MGNREGA Struggle” campaign from the Chandigarh-based headquarters of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee.
Addressing a press conference on the occasion, Haryana in-charge B. K. Hariprasad said that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), implemented in 2005 by the UPA government, is a historic law that guarantees every rural household a legal right to at least 100 days of employment per year.

He said that this law is not only a means of providing employment, but also a lifeline for the poor and a strong pillar of the rural economy. He added that, as part of the protest and in accordance with the directions of the party high command, agitations would be carried out at every level.
Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh, in his address, said that unfortunately the present government has been making continuous attempts over the past 5–6 years to weaken MGNREGA. To ensure rural employment and protect the core objective of MGNREGA, the Congress party has launched the “Save MGNREGA Campaign” at the national level. Through this campaign, the public will be made aware of their rights.
He further stated that MGNREGA is not just a source of employment, but also a powerful tool to strengthen the rural economy and improve the living standards of the poor and deprived sections. He informed that under the “Save MGNREGA Struggle,” preparatory meetings will be held at the PCC level, district-level press conferences will be organized, one-day fasts and symbolic protests will be conducted, people will be mobilized at the panchayat level, and peaceful sit-ins will be held at the ward level.

This will be followed by district-level MGNREGA protection protests, a state-level gherao of the Vidhan Sabha, and regional rallies to raise awareness. He said that through this campaign, the Congress will strive to reach every person affected by attempts to change the structure of MGNREGA.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that due to cuts in funding, delays in wage payments, reduction in the number of workdays, and arbitrary restrictions, the poor, Dalits, tribals, women, and other marginalized sections have been the worst affected. According to various government reports, more than 60 percent of MGNREGA wage payments are delayed. He warned that severe consequences would emerge in the coming times.
Senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala, in his statement, said that the BJP government is constantly harassing the common people under one pretext or another. By changing the original structure of MGNREGA, these corrupt elements are attempting to snatch food from the mouths of rural people, the poor, the deprived, women, and the needy. He said that the Congress party had carefully designed the MGNREGA scheme to strengthen the rural economy and provide employment to women close to their homes, so that they would not have to wander in search of work. However, the corrupt BJP government cannot tolerate the poor earning even a basic livelihood. He asserted that the Congress would never allow the BJP government’s intentions to succeed and is prepared to launch even the biggest movements to protect MGNREGA.
On this occasion, MP Deepender Singh Hooda said that dismantling the MGNREGA scheme is a living example of the BJP’s authoritarianism. He said that the issue is not merely about changing the name, but about altering the structure of the scheme to snatch the rights and entitlements of the needy—an attempt that will fail. The Congress party will never allow the BJP’s effort to succeed.
Through the media, leaders appealed to everyone to actively participate in this campaign in their respective areas and carry forward the struggle to secure the rightful entitlements of the poor through MGNREGA. During the programme, a detailed discussion was also held regarding the upcoming municipal corporation elections in three districts of Haryana.

Speaking on this issue, the Pradesh Congress President said that the Congress has geared up for the municipal elections and will approach the people with its constructive policies, expressing full confidence that the Congress will emerge victorious in these local body elections.
During the press conference, several senior leaders, MPs, MLAs, office bearers, and party workers were present, including MP and Congress Working Committee member Deepender Singh Hooda; former Haryana PCC presidents Chaudhary Dharampal Singh Malik and Chaudhary Uday Bhan; Chaudhary Ram Kishan Gurjar; Jitendra Kumar Bhardwaj; Suresh Gupta; MP Varun Chaudhary; Satpal Brahmachari; Jaiprakash; MLAs Chaudhary Nirmal Singh, Bharat Bhushan Batra, Chaudhary Aftab Ahmed, Parmvir Singh, Mohammad Ijrail, Ashok Arora, Akram Khan, Chandermohan, Kuldeep Vats; MLA Shailja Chaudhary; Pooja Chaudhary; Geeta Bhukkal; Shakuntla Khatak; Sardar Jarnail Singh; Chandraprakash; Induraj Narwal; Balwan Singh Daulatpuria; Balwan Dangi; Jassi Petwar; Devender Hans; Raghubir Singh Tewatia; Naresh Selwal; Ram Karan Kala; Rohit Chaudhary; Chairman, Ex-Servicemen Department, AICC; Haryana Mahila Congress President Sudha Bhardwaj; Media In-charge Sanjeev Bhardwaj; Dr. Poonam Chauhan; President, Haryana Congress Seva Dal, Manoj Bagri; Chairman, SC Department, Haryana Congress, Fom Lal; Chairman, Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Organisation, Haryana, along with all Congress office bearers and workers.

Chandigarh, January 4 – Haryana Public Health Engineering Minister, Sh.Ranbir Gangwa said that the Prajapati community is a hardworking and honest community and that its members are skilled by birth. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is implementing welfare-oriented policies for all sections of society. Following the Antyodaya principle of Pandit DeenDayal Upadhyaya, the government is ensuring that the benefits of its schemes reach the last person standing in the queue.

Sh. Ranbir Gangwa was addressing a public gathering as the Chief Guest on the occasion of the inauguration of the newly constructed grand gate of the Prajapati Community Building at Bawani Khera , Bhiwani district today. On this occasion, he announced a grant of Rs. 11 lakh for the construction of the community hall. He said that community buildings are not meant for any single society or class but serve all sections of society. Dharamshalas are shared spaces where every needy person finds shelter.

The Public Health Engineering Minister said that the drinking water supply system in the state is being strengthened to ensure clean and adequate drinking water for every household. Old pipelines are being replaced, and new water treatment plants and water tanks are being constructed as per requirement. Officers of the department have been directed to promptly resolve complaints related to drinking water.

Chandigarh, January 4 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that in the 2027 elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the government in Punjab under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and make Punjab one of the leading states of the country. He said that the leaders of the present Punjab government came to power by making false promises, but even after four years, instead of working in the interest of the people, they are exploiting Punjab. Drug addiction, unemployment and fake promises have ruined the state. He said that once the BJP government is formed in Punjab, development will be carried out on the lines of Haryana.

The Chief Minister was addressing a public gathering at the grain market of Ghanaur in Patiala district, located near the Haryana–Punjab border, on Sunday. He said that there was a time when it was said that there was no atmosphere for the BJP in Haryana, but after 2014, the situation changed and today the BJP is in power in Haryana for the third consecutive term. On similar lines, the BJP government will also be formed in Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that before coming to power, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had promised to make Punjab drug-free, but instead drug abuse has increased in the state. Promises were made to provide employment to the youth, but even after four years, not a single promise has been fulfilled. The AAP had promised to give Rs. 1,000 to women, but it has not been given till date. It was also promised that senior citizens would be given a pension of Rs. 2,500, but even today only Rs.1,500 is being provided, that too after a delay of three to four months.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that in Haryana, the BJP had promised to provide LPG cylinders at Rs. 500 and Rs. 2,100 to women after forming the government. As soon as the government was formed, the Rs.500 cylinder scheme was implemented, and now under the Lado Lakshmi Scheme, Rs. 2,100 is being provided to women, thereby fulfilling the promise. Senior citizens in Haryana are being given a pension of Rs. 3,200, which is the highest in the country. He said that before the elections, the Congress had put a ban on recruitment, and later the BJP promised that it would take oath later but issue appointment letters to the youth first. As soon as the BJP government was formed, the oath was taken later and appointment letters were issued to 25,000 youth. All crops of farmers in Haryana are being procured at MSP.

The Chief Minister said that a resolution was passed in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha to pay homage to the martyrdom of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, and his 350th martyrdom anniversary was observed with month-long programmes across the state. Essay writing, seminars and various activities were organised in schools and colleges to make the younger generation aware of his supreme sacrifice. To mark the occasion, 350 blood donation camps were organised, with 350 units of blood collected at each camp. The Haryana government is taking the saga of the sacrifices of the Gurus to every household. Last month, on the 25th, Prime Minister, Sh.Narendra Modi visited Kurukshetra and paid tribute to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji by releasing a coin, a postage stamp and a coffee table book in his memory. Universities in Haryana are also being named after the Gurus.

He said that in Punjab, the doors of the AAP government shut after 5 pm. Taking a jibe at AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, he said that no matter how many promises are made by them, they have nothing to deliver. The people of Punjab are bearing the brunt of this today. A once happy, prosperous and developed Punjab has been ruined by the Aam Aadmi Party government.

Giving details of the Haryana government’s schemes, the Chief Minister said that the Congress had talked about giving plots to the poor, but neither papers nor possession were given to them. Today, such people are being provided with plots along with possession.

The Chief Minister asked the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab and the earlier Congress governments to explain what they have done for the common people. Talking about crop damage compensation, he said that during ten years of Congress rule in Haryana, only Rs. 1,138 crore was paid as compensation, while the BJP government has so far given Rs. 15,500 crore to farmers. He said that Punjab suffered heavy losses during last year’s floods, and the Punjab government should clarify how much compensation was given to farmers. In contrast, the Haryana government has deposited Rs. 116 crore directly into the accounts of farmers whose crops were damaged. An amount of Rs. 5 crore was also provided as financial assistance to those whose houses and livestock were damaged.

He said that on the lines of the Ayushman Bharat scheme launched by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the Chirayu Scheme has been implemented in Haryana to provide healthcare facilities to the people. Out of a population of 2.5 crore, around 1.5 crore people are eligible under these schemes. So far, 25 lakh people have received treatment under these schemes. Taking a jibe, he said that the AAP government claims to have opened Mohalla Clinics, but there are no doctors available in them. Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has decided that treatment of citizens above 70 years of age will be borne by the government, and in Haryana, Rs. 8 crore has already been spent on the treatment of such senior citizens.

Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that only the BJP can take Punjab forward. He said that while corruption allegations were earlier levelled against the Congress, the present Punjab government has surpassed even the Congress in this regard, with its ministers behind bars. He alleged that they have looted the hard-earned money of the people of Punjab, and that the people are fed up with them. He said that in 2027, Punjab will stand with the BJP. Once a BJP government is formed in Punjab, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi will make Punjab the number one state in the country. Development on the lines of Haryana will also take place in Punjab, and together, everyone will take Punjab forward.

Former Minister, Sh. Aseem Goel, Former Member of Parliament from Patiala, Smt. Preneet Kaur and others also addressed the public gathering.

Chandigarh, January 4 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that industrialists can play a crucial role in bringing an industrial revolution to the country. The state government is making continuous efforts to realise the vision of Prime Minister, Sh.Narendra Modi of making India the world’s third-largest economy by 2029.

 The Chief Minister was addressing a delegation of industrialists from Punjab at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir, Chandigarh on Sunday, led by OSD to Chief Minister, Sh.Tarun Bhandari. OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. B.B. Bharti was also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that the future belongs to electric vehicles and, therefore, the government is preparing a plan to set up an Electric Vehicle Park. A major electric vehicle battery industry has already been established in Gurugram. He said the government is working to accelerate industrial growth in the state.

He said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, through initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’, has emphasised the use of domestically manufactured products to drive the nation forward. The credit for this progress goes to industrialists, who have strengthened the country’s economy through entrepreneurship and innovation, he added.

Sh.Nayab Singh Saini said that the Prime Minister has systematically promoted industrial development, and positive outcomes have emerged from this collaborative approach. He said that while the Prime Minister had resolved to make India the world’s fifth-largest economy, the country has already become the fourth-largest economic power. All the industrialists deserve congratulations for this achievement.

The Chief Minister said that besides the Central Government’s MSE-CDP scheme, the state has launched the Mini Cluster Development Scheme. Under these schemes, projects worth Rs. 170 crore are underway across 48 MSME clusters, benefiting more than 8,000 MSMEs in Haryana. He added that the state has streamlined its systems to focus on industries and provide a better working environment for industrialists.

He said that during his recent visit to Japan, there was an encouraging response from industrialists, with investments worth Rs. 5,000 crore proposed. Of this, work has already begun on investments worth Rs. 2,000 crores, and several industrialists have finalised land selection. He said the state government is implementing suggestions in the interest of industrialists in line with the Prime Minister’s vision.

The Chief Minister said that pre-budget meetings are being organised to seek suggestions, which are being incorporated into the budget. He added that his doors are always open to industrialists who wish to meet him and that anyone may meet him without hesitation at any time. He said that encouraging industry in this manner will help fulfil the Prime Minister’s vision and realise the dream of a developed nation.

The Chief Minister said that during the previous budget, the establishment of 10 IMTs was announced, of which land has already been identified for two IMTs, and industrialists are investing in them. He assured that the government stands with industrialists and will provide all possible assistance. He also said that a single-window system has been implemented in the state, under which NOCs will be granted to industrialists within a defined timeframe.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the revenue collected as tax in Haryana will be spent on improving industrial facilities. He added that electricity rates in the state are also reasonable. An IMT has been established near the airport in Hisar, land agreements have been completed for an IMT in Ambala, and preparations for an IMT in Naraingarh have also been made.

He further said that a proposal for land in Sonipat has been approved for a dry fruit market from Amritsar. Permission has also been granted for a wholesale market and a marble market for Delhi, and work on these projects will begin soon. He said that work is underway to develop a pharma hub in Karnal, and that Maruti has set up a major project in Gurugram, where around 2,000 vehicles are being manufactured every day.

Industrialists including Sh. Joginder Singh Handa, Sh. Saurabh Mehta, Sh. A.K. Garg,Sh. Rahul Garg, Sh. Praveen Kansal, Sh. Pankaj Kapoor, and Sh. Gurdeep Singh, along with several others, presented their suggestions before the Chief Minister.

Chandigarh, January 4:

Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working with firm resolve and continuity to make the state drug-free. She said that several important and concrete steps have been taken in this direction, the results of which are clearly visible at the grassroots level. To effectively take forward the drug-free campaign, a total amount of Rs 467.49 lakh has been spent by the government.

The Cabinet Minister said that to generate awareness against drugs, sensitise people and strengthen social participation, various departments of the Punjab Government have jointly planned and implemented multiple programmes in a coordinated manner. She said that special focus has been laid on sensitising children and teachers about the drug de-addiction campaign by designing and implementing various awareness programmes in schools and educational institutions, for which dedicated financial resources have also been provided.

Sharing further details, Dr Baljit Kaur informed that under the drug-free campaign, the Department of Health and Family Welfare spent Rs 107.22 lakh, the Information and Public Relations Department spent Rs 202.99 lakh on extensive public awareness activities, while the Social Security Department spent Rs 109.12 lakh to organise awareness camps across all districts of the state.

The Minister said that the worst impact of drug abuse is borne by the youth of the state and their families. Many mothers pray every day for their sons’ future, many children see hope fading from their fathers’ eyes, and the happiness of numerous households has been destroyed due to drugs. She said that the Mann Government deeply understands this pain and is pursuing the fight for a drug-free Punjab not merely as an administrative exercise, but with a humane and sensitive approach.

Emphasising the government’s resolve, Dr Baljit Kaur said that the objective is not only to eradicate drugs from their roots, but also to give every young person the courage to dream again, to wipe the tears of every mother, and to restore happiness and prosperity in every family. She said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is firmly committed to ensuring that every youth of Punjab stays away from drugs and moves forward towards a life of progress and dignity.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Mr. Vikas Pratap; Principal Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Kumar Rahul; Special Secretary of the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Mr. Keshav Hingonia; Director Dr. Shena Agrawal; Joint Secretary Mr. Anand Sagar Sharma, along with other senior officers of the department, were specially present in the meeting.

CHANDIGARH, January 4:

 In a major stride toward safeguarding the health of future generations, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has successfully decentralized maternal healthcare, with Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) emerging as the new lifeline for expectant mothers. Within just four months of launching a specialized, protocol-driven pregnancy care model, the state has recorded a massive surge in service utilization, with nearly 20,000 pregnant women visiting these clinics every month.

 Sharing the success of the initiative, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh revealed that the program has already provided free ultrasound services to over 10,000 women through a unique referral system. By empanelling nearly 500 private diagnostic centers, the government has ensured that women can access scans—which usually cost between ₹800 and ₹2,000—entirely free of charge. This intervention alone has saved Punjab’s families an estimated ₹1 crore in out-of-pocket expenses in a short span of 120 days.

 Official data shows that less than 70 percent of pregnant women in Punjab had received their first ante-natal check-up and fewer than 60 percent had completed the recommended four check-ups, while the state’s maternal mortality ratio stood at 90 per one lakh live births, higher than the national average. These figures underlined the urgent need for a comprehensive, accessible pregnancy care model across the state.

 Punjab witnesses nearly 4.3 lakh pregnancies every year, making early detection, regular monitoring, and timely referral critical for safeguarding the health of mothers and infants. Over the last three years, the Mann government has established 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, which have emerged as the backbone of Punjab’s primary healthcare system, recording over 4.6 crore OPD visits and treating nearly 70,000 patients daily. Leveraging this infrastructure, the government launched an expanded, protocol-driven pregnancy care model through AACs around four months ago.

 Under this reform, all essential ante-natal check-ups are now available at Aam Aadmi Clinics themselves. These include routine and critical tests such as HIV and syphilis screening, complete blood tests, sugar, thyroid, hepatitis, fetal heart rate, cholesterol and hemoglobin assessments. Where ultrasounds are required, AAC doctors issue referral slips enabling pregnant women to access free ultrasound services.

 Importantly, around 5,000 women are being identified monthly as high-risk pregnancies, allowing for continuous tracking, focused support, and timely referral to higher medical facilities for specialist care.

 The reform has also significantly improved the patient experience. Women can now complete most pregnancy-related tests close to their homes, avoid long travel and queues at major hospitals, receive consultations within minutes, and access ultrasound services without any financial burden. From the first ante-natal visit to post-natal follow-up, the initiative strengthens the entire pregnancy care pathway by integrating technology, standardised clinical protocols, referral systems and community-level support.

 On this momentous achievement, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the initiative reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to maternal and child health. “Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is building a healthcare system that ensures every mother receives quality care close to home. With 4.3 lakh pregnancies annually, the expansion of pregnancy care services at Aam Aadmi Clinics is a transformative step and sets a new benchmark for primary healthcare in India,” he said.

 The government maintains that the initiative is one of Punjab’s most significant investments in maternal and child health in recent years, aimed at ensuring that no woman is left behind due to geography, income constraints or lack of awareness, while steadily improving health outcomes for mothers and newborns across the state.

Chandigarh/ SAS Nagar, January 3:

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, on Saturday announced that Phase–II of the state-wide anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nasheya Virudh’ will be launched from January 5, with the objective of completely eradicating the drug menace from Punjab.

Presiding over a state-level training programme of the field staff of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department here today, the Minister said that following the successful completion of Phase–I, Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed the commencement of Phase–II to intensify efforts and make Punjab a drug-free state.

Elaborating on the strategy for the second phase, the Minister said that rehabilitated youth who were once victims of drug abuse and have successfully overcome addiction will be actively involved as motivational speakers to inspire and encourage others to come forward for de-addiction.

He further informed that a door-to-door awareness campaign would be launched across villages and urban wards, with active participation of local residents, to sensitize the masses about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to foster collective responsibility against this social evil.

Reiterating the firm resolve of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Minister Sond said that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug smugglers and peddlers who have ruined young lives. He stated that thousands of drug smugglers have already been arrested during Phase–I, and those still involved will be dealt with strictly during Phase–II.

The Minister also highlighted that the training programme aimed at capacity building of field staff, including enhancing their skills for strengthening Panchayats and improving revenue generation at the grassroots level.

Senior officers of the department and a large number of field staff participated in the one-day training session.