Chandigarh, March 26:

In a significant move to promote heritage, tourism, and wildlife conservation in the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has unveiled game-changing plans to develop Nangal as Punjab’s next big tourist hotspot and develop Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary of Sri Anandpur Sahib into a thrilling eco-tourism destination allowing visitors to spot leopards and other wildlife in their natural habitat, said S. Harjot Singh Bains, Education Minister and MLA from Sri Anandpur Sahib.

          Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, while presenting the historic ‘Badalda Punjab’ Budget for financial year 2025-26, mentioned about the overall development and facelift of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency. The Punjab government has also allocated a special budget for the preparations of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

The Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, while terming the budget as a landmark, said that Nangal will be transformed into a key tourist destination with an initial allocation of Rs 10 crore budget. The initiative aims to enhance facilities, promote local attractions, and create employment opportunities in the hospitality sector, he said.

Apart from this, he said that Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary in Sri Anandpur Sahib will be developed as eco-tourism destination. “Once completed, it will become Punjab’s first wildlife sanctuary where visitors can spot leopards and other wildlife in their natural habitat,” he added.

While thanking the Punjab government for allocating a special budget for the preparations of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Education Minister emphasised that Sri Anandpur Sahib, a city of immense historical and religious importance, will receive special attention in terms of infrastructure and cultural development to honour the occasion.

Chandigarh, March 26:

Punjab School, Higher & Technical Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, today praised the state budget 2025-26 as a landmark step towards educational transformation, with a massive allocation of Rs.17975 crore (12% of a total expenditure) for the education sector. The budget focuses on strengthening school education through Mission Samrath, which has already benefited 14 lakh students across 19,000 schools, improving learning outcomes by 15-25%. He said that these key initiatives include Rs.1240 crore for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Rs.466 crore for PM Poshan, Rs.75 crore for free books and Rs.35 crore for uniforms. The government is converting 425 primary schools into ‘Schools of Happiness’ and has solar-powered 4098 schools, mentioned Harjot Singh Bains.

In higher education, Rs.199 crore has been allocated under RUSA and Rs.160 crore for infrastructure upgrades, while technical education gets Rs.579 crore, including Rs.33 crore for new ITIs, building on this year’s record 93.04% admission rate in government ITIs, said the Education Minister, while emphasizing Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to global standards, having sent hundreds of educators for training to premier institutions. “This budget showcases our four pillars of educational excellence i.e. quality learning, holistic development, sustainable infrastructure and inclusive growth, to make Punjab a national leader in education field,” he stated.

Chandigarh, March 26:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today hailed the state government’s fourth budget as an exceptionally strategic, forward-looking and comprehensive roadmap for sustainable water management and agricultural development.

Listing the budget highlights, Minister Sh. Goyal asserted Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government’s commitment to addressing critical water challenges through innovative and targeted interventions.

He informed that in the Budget 2025-26, the Shahpur Kandi Dam Project emerges as a cornerstone of the government’s visionary infrastructure planning, with a substantial investment of Rs.2604-CR. This landmark project is poised to generate 1042 MU of hydroelectricity and enhance irrigation across 1.55 lakh hectares in the Upper Bari Doab Canal (UBDC) system. The project will directly benefit districts including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Pathankot, marking a significant milestone in the state’s water resource management strategy.

He said that recognizing the critical groundwater situation, where extraction rates have reached an alarming 166% with 117 out of 153 blocks being overexploited, the Mann government has developed a comprehensive strategy for the fiscal year 2025-26. The initiatives include the installation of 40 deep tubewells in Rupnagar, SBS Nagar, Hoshiarpur, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali) and Pathankot and 167 shallow tubewells near the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers. Besides this, the plan encompasses irrigation expansion across 7877 hectares at a total cost of Rs.85-crore. In financial year 2025-26, total 63000 hectares will be covered under these projects, including laying underground pipelines with an estimated cost of Rs.315 crore. The state government has identified Rs.8227 crore worth of surface water projects to expand canal irrigation in previously excluded areas.

Sh. Goyal said that the government has proposed a robust budget allocation of Rs.3246 crore for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes Rs.723 crore for new projects and Rs.1343 crore for ongoing project completion, with a comprehensive focus on watercourse construction, reconstruction and underground pipeline laying. The budget also highlights district-specific interventions in next fiscal year, such as the Sangrur District Initiative, which proposes an underground pipeline network covering 38,000 hectares and benefiting 20,000 farmer families with an initial allocation of Rs.100 crore.

Besides this, a new project is proposed for the reclamation of waterlogged land in Fazilka district, while efforts will also be made to develop irrigation infrastructure, provide micro-irrigation subsidies and implement water harvesting projects in the Kandi area, benefiting 30,000 hectares, he added.

“This budget echoing our government’s holistic approach to water resource management,” said Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, adding that we are not just addressing immediate challenges but laying the groundwork for Punjab’s sustainable and prosperous agricultural future. The strategic interventions demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to addressing the state’s water resource challenges, balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainable development goals, he added.

Chandigarh, March 26:

 Punjab PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Wednesday described the Punjab Budget-2025 presented by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema as pro-people and pro-state budget. He said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Government’s budget would put Punjab on high growth trajectory covering all sections of society.

          PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the Budget was comprised of all sectors with a special focus on health, education, agriculture, industry and employment generation besides making provisions under social welfare schemes to provide in larger public interest. Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has also ensured rapid strides in Power sector especially the functioning of Powercom upgrading its ranking to 7th place among the power companies across the country. He said that the technical and commercial loss had also been reduced from 11.26 to 10.26.

          The concerted efforts of Punjab Government to improve the functioning of Powercom also brought high-quality results in distribution and other sectors besides registering the profit of .25 paise per unit in revenue gap. The Minister also lauded the Punjab Government’s endeavour to set aside Rs. 855 crore for  construction and  up-gradation of 2718 KM roads and link routes, which would further improve the road connectivity, vehicular movement and ease for commuters. Apart from this the decision to earmark Rs. 151 crore and Rs. 190 crore for building new bridges and major infrastructure and upgradation of 200 km are also commendable, he added.

CHANDIGARH, March 26:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 26th day, Punjab Police on Wednesday conducted raids at 483 locations leading to the arrest of 77 drug smugglers after registration of 55 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 4114 in just 26 days.

          Police teams have also recovered 1.1 kg heroin, 301 grams opium and Rs 13570 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 101 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 531 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced four persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 114 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

Chandigarh, March 26:

To sow the seeds of prosperity in the agriculture sector, Punjab Government has allocated Rs 14,524 crore for the agriculture and allied sectors and introduced a slew of measures for crop diversification in its Budget for the FY 2025-26 to make the agriculture a sustainable and profitable venture, said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.   

The Agriculture Minister said that “Badalda Punjab” budget, presented today by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema in the state assembly, a testament to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment for the welfare of the agrarian community by introducing measures aimed at enhancing farmers’ income and secure their prosperity for generations to come.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that Rs 14,524 crore has been earmarked for the agriculture and allied sectors in next financial year which is 5% higher than last year. A new scheme covering three districts Bathinda, Kapurthala and Gurdaspur would be introduced for Kharif Maize crop and around 21,000 hectare area will be diversified from paddy to kharif maize to encourage the production of ethanol to achieve the target of 20% blending of ethanol by year 2025. The farmers will get a subsidy of Rs 17,500 per hectare for switching to Kharif maize cultivation and will provide benefit to approx. 30,000 farmers, he added.

The Agriculture Minister said that an amount of Rs 115 crore has been earmarked for various initiatives under crop diversification. An allocation of Rs 149 crore has also been made in FY 2025-26 under the Krishonnati Yojana to support critical activities including agriculture extension, enhancing food security, promoting horticulture, seed development, boosting edible oil production and digital agriculture.

In a decisive move towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, the Punjab Government has committed Rs 60 crore in capital subsidies to support industries transitioning to paddy stubble-based boilers. This initiative is expected to utilize 3 million tonnes of paddy stubble annually.

To promote sustainable crop residue management, Rs 500 crore has been earmarked to support farmers, cooperative societies and gram panchayats. Assistance will be provided for the purchase of CRM machines; establishment of Custom Hiring Centers and for the development of Paddy Straw Supply Chain Centers. By implementing eco-friendly alternatives, the state government is committed to curb this menace and ensure both environmental protection and the well-being of our farmers.

Continuing the free-power to farmers, S. Khudian said that an allocation of Rs. 9,992 crore has been made in Budget FY 2025-26 for providing power subsidy to the agriculture sector.

Chandigarh, March 26

Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema for allocating substantial funds to Jalandhar in the state budget presented in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today. The Horticulture Minister also welcomed the Rs 137 crore allocation to the Horticulture Department, stating that the funds would significantly boost crop diversification and horticulture development.

Mr. Bhagat informed that around 50 km of world-class roads will be constructed in Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), with Rs 140 crore earmarked for the first year. The project aims to upgrade key road sections to international standards, integrating lane markings, pedestrian-friendly footpaths, landscaped medians, underground electric wiring, modern street lighting, water supply pipelines, well-equipped bus stands, and organized tree plantations. Notably, the contractors will be bound by a 10-year accountability clause to ensure infrastructure maintenance.

The Minister further informed that Rs 225 crore has been set aside under the Punjab Municipal Development Fund to enhance urban amenities. Additionally, 347 e-buses will be procured, with funds allocated for upgrading civil bus depots in Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Patiala in the 2025-26 financial year. Plans are also in place to establish technology expansion centers in major industrial hubs.

Highlighting the budget’s inclusive approach, Mr. Bhagat stated that significant provisions have been made for anti-drug measures, healthcare, education, sports, infrastructure, agriculture and rural-urban development. He added that special attention has been given to the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. Emphasizing that no new taxes have been imposed, he asserted that the budget would drive Punjab’s holistic development and benefit every section of society.

Chandigarh/New Delhi, March 26:

Putting forth his arguments in an emphatic manner based on logical and constructive criticism, the Aam Aadmi Party MP from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today stoutly opposed ‘The Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025,’ in the Lok Sabha, which seeks to turn Institute of Management, Anand (Gujarat) into a University of National importance.

Calling the Cooperative sector as the backbone of the farming as well as the dairy communities of the rural areas, Meet Hayer divulged Maharashtra and more so Punjab has made remarkable strides in the Cooperative sphere. Hence, to centralize a world level institution at one place owing to the obvious political compulsions is at complete crossroads with the ideals of democracy and is it right to ignore the entire country at the altar of just one State. He argued that instead, the Regional Cooperative Universities should be opened in all the States so as to ensure training in technical and management aspects of Cooperative domain at pan India level.

Divulging that as Sports Minister of Punjab, when he demanded funds for the Khelo India games, an amount to the tune of Rs. 1800 Crore was earmarked out of which Rs. 1400 Crore went in the construction of just one stadium in Gujarat while the rest of the States had to fend for themselves with a paltry sum of Rs. 400 Crore.

Showcasing the rapid strides made by the Milkfed and Markfed in the strengthening of Cooperative sector, the MP made a strong case for collaborative approach between all the States to benefit from each other’s expertise such as drawing faculty for such a prestigious institution from all over the country and in this context pointed out the prowess of Punjab as the State has eminent experts of National & International repute.

Chandigarh, March 26:

Punjab Good Governance & Information Technology and Employment Generation Minister and the state president of Aam Aadmi Party Mr. Aman Arora hailed the “Badalda Punjab” Budget 2025-26 by calling it a blue print of “Rangla Punjab”. He said that the budget has taken care of all sections of the society and reflects the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to ensure transparent and corruption-free governance to people of Punjab.

He thanked the Punjab Government for decision to bear Rs. 70 from the current doorstep delivery charges of Rs. 120 under “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwaar”, which will directly benefit all the citizens of the state, as the citizens will now have to pay Rs. 50 only as doorstep charges. Notably, under this scheme citizens can avail 406 citizen centric services from the comfort of their homes by simply dialling helpline 1076.

The Punjab Government would soon upgrade and modernise infrastructure at all 541 Sewa Kendras that offer 438 services. On an average 30,000 people visit the Sewa Kendras daily across Punjab. All Sewa Kendras would receive a modern facelift with an air conditioner-cum-heating system for year-round comfort, spacious and comfortable seating, proper lighting, hygienic toilets, and user-friendly signage to ensure seamless navigation.

Mr. Aman Arora said that 51,655 government jobs have been provided to youth in past three years regime of the AAP led government. To significantly boost employability through skill training and career counselling, the state government has proposed a substantial allocation of Rs. 230 crore. In this year, 24,345 individuals facilitated with self-employment loans.

Lauding the state government for announcing a ‘Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme’ to ensure holistic development of the State based on people’s feedback, Mr Aman Arora said that the state has allocated Rs 585 crore (Rs 5 crore per constituency) for the ‘Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme’ in this budget.

The funds will be spent based on the recommendations of MLAs, community organisations, citizen groups and public-spirited citizens. This fund will be a huge enabler in ensuring all-round development of all our districts across all sectors such as construction and repair of roads and bridges, street-lights, clinics, hospitals, schools, water, sanitation etc, he added.

New Delhi, March 26:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday sought kind intervention of Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prahlad Joshi to expedite movement of food grains (rice and wheat) from the state to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement and storage of grains in coming times.

The Chief Minister who called upon Joshi here at his residence, apprised him that during Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2025-26 which is to begin on April 1, the state is expected to procure 124 LMT wheat. He said that around five LMT of wheat of previous crop season is also stocked in the state due to which the state has to make arrangements for the storage of about 129 LMT of wheat. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to acute storage space crunch, most of the covered space available with the agencies is being diverted for the storage of rice.

The Chief Minister said that as per the availability of storage space, the state would require at least 25 LMT of wheat direct delivery special trains to cope with the shortfall in storage space. He asked the Union Minister to intervene so that the wheat stock may be moved out on priority through direct delivery special trains. Additionally, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to shortage of space for rice, only 45 % of rice due has so far been accepted by FCI.

 He said that as of today, space available with FCI is 7.50 LMTs while a total of 71.50 LMTs rice is yet to be delivered. Therefore, Bhagwant Mann urged that maximum movement of rice from the state may be allowed by FCI to ensure timely completion of rice milling of KMS 2024-25.

Raising the issue of Reduction in Arthia Commission for Wheat procurement at Silos, the Chief Minister said that the matter regarding payment of Arthia Commission at par with other mandi was discussed in various meetings with DFPD, GOI and it was also conveyed that if commission to arthias for purchase at silos is paid at par with purchase at regular mandis, there would be a net saving on account of Mandi Labour and Transportation charges. So, he requested that Arthia Commission in silos should be allowed at par with normal purchases to facilitate the direct purchase at silos. Bhagwant Singh Mann apprised the Union Minister that the arthias are performing operations in Silos same as that of mandi operations.

Flagging the issue of Restriction Limit on Arthia Commission in provisional cost sheet, the Chief Minister said that the Arthia Commission was restricted to @ Rs. 46.00/qtl for wheat in PCS of RMS 2020-21 and @ Rs. 45.88/qtl for paddy in PCS of KMS 2019-20, since then same rate has been frozen and being allowed to the state for paddy and wheat procurement in every cost sheet by Government of India adding that as per Punjab Agriculture Produce Marketing Act,1961 and the rules framed there under provide for arhtia commission of 2.5% on MSP (i.e. Rs. 2425/- for RMS 2025-26), which comes out to be Rs 60.63/qtl in the upcoming Rabi season but the Arhtia commission is reimbursed by the Government of India but the rate has not been finalized so far. He said that restriction on Arthia Commission by Government of India led to the agitation by the Arthias in previous Kharif Marketing Season 2024-25 and they went on strike due to non fulfilling of their demand, which affected the procurement operations during the season. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that if this issue is not addressed then arhtias may go on strike again thus affecting procurement of wheat during the coming procurement season RMS 2025-26.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister said that the centre  government should immediately release the state’s pending share of RDF. He said that Punjab government has already completed the necessary formalities for it and now it is the high time that centre should release this money. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that states are not beggars and they should be given their legitimate share of funds by centre instead of harassing them.

Meanwhile, the Union Minister assured Bhagwant Singh Mann that the Union government will sympathetically look into the demands of the state government.