Chandigarh, February 3:

The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has distributed ₹3368.89 crore as pension to 22.68 elderly beneficiaries until December 2024.

Providing further details,Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the government is committed to the welfare of all sections of society. She mentioned that there are a total of 34 lakh beneficiaries in the state, including the elderly, divyang persons, widows, destitute women and dependent children.

The Cabinet Minister stated that a total of 22.68 lakh elderly beneficiaries in the state have received ₹3,368.89 crore in pensions until December 2024. 

She added that the state government has allocated a total budget of ₹5,924.50 crore for various pension schemes, out of which ₹4,000 crore has been earmarked for old age pensions during the current financial year.

The Cabinet Minister explained that individuals aged 65 and above, as well as women aged 58 and above, with an annual income not exceeding ₹60,000, are eligible for this scheme. She further stated that financial assistance is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. 

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government is continuously working for the welfare of the elderly, adding that health surveys related to elderly are being conducted across the state.

Chandigarh, February 1

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led State Government will leave no stone unturned to provide clean and sufficient drinking water to the villages of the state.

Disclosing this here today, Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Hardip Singh Mundian said that in order to overcome the problem of water quality and its shortage, the department is running 15 major canal water projects at a cost of Rs. 2174 Crore, and work is going on war footing with regard to these projects. He said that from March onwards, these projects will start getting completed in a phased manner and all the projects will be completed by the end of the year.

Mr. Mundian further said that after the completion of this project, 1706 villages will be covered, which will benefit a population of about 25 lakh and 4 lakh families. These projects are prioritised in areas where water quality is affected.

The Minister said that the Water Supply and Sanitation Department is continuously making efforts to provide better basic facilities to the people of the state, especially clean drinking water and better sanitation facilities in rural areas.

Chandigarh, February 1

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working swiftly to increase farmers’ income and ensure crop diversification. To fulfill this objective, the Horticulture Department, under the guidance of Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat, is providing all possible support to farmers to encourage them to move towards the horticulture sector.

With the continuous support from the Punjab Government’s Horticulture Department, Tirth Singh, a progressive and hardworking farmer from village Sandaur in Sangrur district, has made a unique mark in the field of horticulture. By embracing agricultural diversification and growing vegetables, Farmer Tirth Singh has successfully increased his income.

In 1996-97, Farmer Tirth Singh with the help the Horticulture Department, shifted from traditional crops to growing vegetable seedlings. Today, he supplies high-quality seedlings to more than 800 farmers. He now grows onion seedlings, hybrid peppers (CH-1, CH-2), and several other varieties on 4 acres of land. His efforts have not only increased his own income but have also inspired other farmers to adopt crop diversification and move towards horticulture.

Farmer Tirth Singh’s efforts have received full support from the Punjab Government through the Horticulture Department. He has been honored by agricultural institutions and received several district-level awards. Although Tirth Singh has only completed his 10th grade, his hard work and determination to learn have brought him to this position of success.Farmer Tirth Singh has shared his message with other farmers, saying, “We must take care of our natural resources and move away from traditional farming to horticulture and vegetable production. This will not only increase income but also maintain soil fertility.”

Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat emphasized the need for farmers to shift from the wheat and rice crop cycle and adopt crop diversification, focusing on other profitable crops. This approach will help preserve underground water levels and natural resources. He mentioned that the Horticulture Department, in addition to providing technical knowledge, is running various schemes to promote horticulture, including the establishment of new orchards, hybrid vegetable cultivation, flower farming, mushroom production units, vermicomposting units, polyhouses/net houses for safe farming, and beekeeping projects. He stated that farmers can coordinate with relevant horticulture officers or district heads to take full advantage of these schemes.

Chandigarh, January 28, 2025: Abhilaksh Sharma Lakshi, also known by his stage name ASL Boyy, has unveiled his highly anticipated new song, “Do Taare”. Making his debut in October 2020, ASL Boyy has since released 12 songs in Punjabi and English. He has continued to impress listeners with his distinctive ability to blend emotion with cultural depth. “Do Taare” marked his 13th release and served as a heartfelt tribute to the love, sacrifices and wisdom passed down by grandparents, capturing the essence of Punjabi culture through powerful lyrics and a soulful melody. The song is all set to create an unforgettable impact with its emotional resonance and cultural richness.

The music video for “Do Taare” was filmed in the beautiful, serene locations of Film City, behind Mehl Farms, Bondi Village, Samrala, Punjab. The picturesque backdrop complements the song’s emotional themes, reflecting the deep cultural roots and familial bonds it celebrates.

Abhilaksh shared his thoughts on the song, saying, ‘Do Taare is a tribute to the unwavering love and sacrifices of parents. Through this song, I wanted to express my gratitude for everything they do for us, and I hope listeners can connect with the emotional journey it takes them on. I connect deeply with the lyrics because, as someone who is rooted with the culture, this song reflects values that are incredibly close to my heart. I’m proud to see that the love, respect, and reverence for our grandparents and culture are still very much alive today.”  “I’m incredibly proud of the team behind this project—Suraj Kumar, Ashish Sharma, Dilbir Saggu, and the amazing cast, including Dalbir Singh, Manjeet Kaur, Sahib Singh, and Avyan Kaushik, who have brought this vision to life”, he added.

Under the direction of Suraj Kumar, the music video has become more than just a visual accompaniment. It is an integral part of the song’s storytelling. Kumar, known for his ability to evoke deep emotions through imagery, has crafted a video that amplifies the song’s message of love, respect, and family. The project was expertly managed by Dilbir Saggu, ensuring seamless execution and bringing the vision to life.

The heartfelt lyrics of “Do Taare” were penned by Ashish Sharma, a well-known poet who has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including World Record Holder by World Book of Records UK for writing 100 Poems in 100 Days on Environment and the Proud Indian Award 2016 by The Consulate General of India in Medan, Indonesia. His extensive contributions to both literary and musical projects showcase his mastery of language, ensuring that the song resonates on both an emotional and cultural level, making it a standout release for ASL Boyy.

Ashish Sharma also shared his thoughts, saying, ‘The beauty of ‘Do Taare’ lies in its simplicity. While writing these lyrics, I wanted to capture the essence of what it means to be a part of a family, to honor the bonds that shaped us and to celebrate the sacrifices made out of love. I’m grateful to be part of a project that not only tells this story but also reminds us all of the strength that comes from family and our cultural roots.’

The music video also featured stellar performances from Dalbir Singh, Manjeet Kaur, Sahib Singh, and Avyan Kaushik, whose acting brought the song’s themes to life. The cast’s powerful portrayals of love, reverence, and connections further enhanced the song’s impact, offering audiences a chance to connect deeply with the message of the track. Produced by Yogita Sharma and Ashish Sharma, the project benefited from their creative direction and commitment to delivering a meaningful and captivating experience.

“Do Taare” is more than just a song, it’s a tribute to the powerful connection between grandparents and their grandchildren, a theme that transcends language and culture. ASL Boyy hopes this release will inspire listeners to reflect on their own relationships and honor the enduring love that shapes their lives.

Chandigarh January 26:

On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, a grand state-level ceremony was organized in Faridabad. Haryana Governor, Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya while attending the function as the chief guest unfurled the national flag. He also inspected the march-past, and took the salute of the parade.

On this occasion, the Governor paid tribute to the martyrs by offering floral tributes at the Shaheed Smarak at Town Park. Chief Secretary, Dr. Vivek Joshi and DGP Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur welcomed the Governor upon his arrival at the state-level ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya said that the journey of our Republic over the past 75 years has been historic in many ways. We have faced numerous challenges and adverse circumstances, but we have continued to move forward with the mantra of unity in diversity. Our country will always remain indebted to all the framers of the Constitution, including Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he said.

The Governor said that these great men bestowed upon us the invaluable gift of the Constitution to build a strong and inclusive India. The creation of the Constitution also saw significant contributions from fifteen women members, who played an important role in laying the strong foundation for an inclusive and robust India, said Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya.

*Under the leadership of Prime Minister, the country is progressing rapidly towards the goal of a developed India by the year 2047- Governor*

The Governor further shared that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi,  the country is progressing rapidly towards the goal of a developed India by the year 2047. The ideals enshrined in the Constitution have continuously guided our Republic, he said.

Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya further shared that as the country celebrates the 76th Republic Day today, the sacred Mahakumbh Mela is also being held at the Prayagraj Sangam. Both the Kumbh and Republic Day symbolize the strength and heritage of our country, he said.

The Governor also paid homage to the great poet Surdas and the hero of the First War of Independence of 1857, Shaheed Raja Nahar Singh, while making a special mention of the Jeetgarh Memorial in Tigaon village.

*Present state government’s policies aimed at honouring freedom fighters, their families, and the widows of martyrs- Governor*

Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya appreciated the present state government’s policies aimed at honouring freedom fighters, their families, and the widows of martyrs. He highlighted that the present state government, with gratitude, has worked to honour the dependents of freedom fighters and martyrs. 

He said that the government has increased the ex-gratia amount for the families of soldiers martyred in the defense of the country from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. one crore. Additionally, the families of 416 martyrs have been provided government jobs. The government has also decided to grant 10 percent reservation in direct recruitment for the families of martyrs in the state, shared Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya.

*Haryana has become an example of inclusive development across the entire nation- Governor *

The Governor said that today, Haryana has become an example of inclusive development across the entire nation. The Haryana government, following the path of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,’ is consistently working towards taking the state to new heights of development. He highlighted that the government has made remarkable efforts for the empowerment of women.

Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya shared that the state government has taken commendable steps for the benefit of farmers. Haryana is the only state in the country where the purchase of all 24 crops from farmers is done at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). To compensate for the losses incurred by farmers due to delayed sowing in the previous Kharif season caused by rain, an amount of Rs. 977 crore was given as a bonus.

The state’s exemplary sports policy has yielded excellent results, as 11 talented athletes from Haryana were recently honoured by the President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, said Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya.

*Durga Shakti bags first place in the Parade*

The Governor honoured the parade commander, Sh. Prateek Gehlot, with a trophy for his excellent leadership of the parade. The first place in the parade was secured by Durga Shakti, second place by NCC Army Wing-2, and third place by St. John Ambulance Brigade. All three were also honoured with trophies.

*Various Departments Displayed Impressive tableau*

During the Republic Day state-level ceremony, several departments showcased impressive tableaus. The Haryana Police tableau on cybercrime secured the first position, the Education Department’s ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’ tableau took the second position, and the Women and Child Development Department’s tableau bagged the third position.

Divisional Commissioner, Faridabad, Sh.  Sanjay Joon, CEO, FMDA, Sh.  Shyamal Misra, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Vikram Singh, and other distinguished guests also remained present on this occasion.

Patiala, January 26:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday felicitated prominent officers/officials, participants and persons from various walks of life during the Republic Day Celebrations for their remarkable contribution towards society and the state.

Bhagwant Singh Mann bestowed Chief Minister Rakshak Padak to Assistant Sub Inspectors Manna Singh and Rajinder Singh, Lady Senior Constable Kulwinder Kaur, Punjab Home Guard Gurdeep Singh and Senior Constable Gurpreet Singh.  He also conferred Chief Minister’s Medal for outstanding Devotion to Duty to cops including Superintendents of Police Navreet Singh Virk, Jasmeet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Digvijay Kapil and Harinder Singh, Commandant Parampal Singh, AIG Avneet Kaur Sidhu, Deputy Superintendent of Police Samarpal Singh, Inspectors Pran, Pritpal Singh, Sukhminder Singh and Manfool Singh, Sub Inspectors Rajesh Kumar, Parminder Singh, Jugal Kishore Sharma and Sumit Aeri, Assistant Sub Inspector Harpal Singh, Head Constable Mukhjit Singh and C II Simranjit Singh.    

The Chief Minister also honoured Parade Commander Vaneet Ahlawat IPS, second commander Ramanpreet Singh Gill PPS and other eminent personalities including Dr Jatinder Kansal (Retd. Civil Surgeon), Dr Jagpal Inder, MS Rajindra Hospital Dr Girish Sahni, Dr Satish Kumar, Dr Sanjeev Arora, Dr Krishev Garg, AM Jogi, Dhanjit Kaur, Ankit Singla, Bal Krishna Singla, Dr Rajdeep Singh, Dr Inderpreet Sandhu, Aamer Singh, Partap Singh, Harjinder Singh, Damini, Vaibhav Rajouria, Baljit Singh, Latif Mohammed, Tina Khanna, Suresh Kumar, Jaspreet Kaur, Jaswinder Singh, XEN PPCB Gurkiran Singh, SDO PPCB Mohit Singla, Gagandeep Singh, Anmoljit Singh, Jai Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Hawaldar Vijay Sharda, Yadwinder Singh, Dilbar Singh, Aswant Singh PPS, Amanndeep Singh Hawaldar, Satnam Singh Hawaldar, SI Jaswinder Singh, ASI Balwinder Singh, SI Roop Singh, Varinder Singh Constable, SI Bhagwan Singh, Hawaldar Tara Chand, Constable Mann Singh, SI Pavitar Singh, Head Constable Kamaljit Singh, Head Master Navneet Singh, ETT Teachers Sukhwinder Kaur and Mohan Singh, Vijay Kapoor, Amit Kumar, Saranpreet Kaur, Raj Kumar, Sukhwinder Singh, Baldevt Singh, Jaspreet Singh, Pableen Singh Dhanju, Yogeshwar Kashyap, Satish Kumar, Vijay Kumar Goel, Paramjot Singh, Gurdarshan Singh Chamoli, Munish Kumar, Tinku, Dharmpal Singh, Rakesh Arora, Reena Rani, Pooja Verma, Kuldeep Kaur, Rajesh Walia, Supreet Bajwa, Piyush Aggarwal, Sangram Singh, Amrik Singh, Jobanpreet Kaur, Sukhdev Singh, Hukam Chand, Tarsem Lal, Sohan Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Ajit Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Nachattar Singh, Darshan Singh, Amarjeet Singh, Baljit Singh, Balwinder Singh and Sima Parsi.    

The Chief Minister also felicitated family members of Shaheed Sipahi Bhupinder Singh, Shaheed Gunner Amrik Singh, Shaheed Nayak Rajwinder Singh, Shaheed Hawaldar Mukhtiar Singh and Shaheed Nayak Harjinder Singh who had attained martyrdom during operation Rakshak of Indian Army. He also awarded certificates to Mangal Singh, Virjesh Kumar and Amandeep Singh under the FARISHTEY Scheme.

Chandigarh/Sangrur, January 26

Punjab Finance, Planning, Programme Implementation, and Taxation and Excise Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema unfurled the National Flag during the district-level function organized to commemorate the 76th Republic Day of India at Police Line Stadium Sangrur, inspected the parade and took the salute from various contingents.

Addressing the gathering, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema extended heartfelt congratulations to all citizens on this significant occasion. He reminded everyone that the implementation of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, marked the establishment of the Republic of India, and we take pride in being the largest democracy in the world. He also paid homage to Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema saluted the brave heroes of the armed forces, acknowledging their crucial role in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of India.

 Sharing insights into various pro-people initiatives undertaken by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Punjab government is deeply committed to the welfare of army personnel, families of martyrs, and ex-servicemen. The state government has increased the ex-gratia amount for the kin of martyred soldiers from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore and provides financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the families of police personnel who have sacrificed their lives for the state and country. He highlighted that the Punjab government has increased the pension of freedom fighters and their heirs from Rs 9400 to Rs 11 thousand and there is 1% reservation in direct recruitment for the heirs of freedom fighters.

Finance Minister Cheema proudly announced that the state has surpassed Rs 30,000 crore in revenue generation from VAT, CST, GST, PSDT, and excise for the first time in the first nine months of a financial year, with a total revenue of over Rs 31,156 crore generated by December. He said the Punjab government launched the “Bill Liyao Inam Pao” scheme to encourage people to obtain purchase bills, under which 3850 winners have received prizes totaling Rs 2 crore 27 lakh 40 thousand for uploading their purchase bills on the ‘Mera Bill’ app by January 2025. The scheme, initiated in September 2023, has successfully held 16 draws so far. Minister Cheema appealed to the public to obtain bills for purchased goods to avoid fraud and contribute to the state’s development.

Finance Minister Cheema reiterated the Punjab government’s dedication to strengthening the state’s economy, generating employment, providing better health, education, and sports facilities, offering free electricity to alleviate inflation, and implementing administrative reforms. He said that approximately 50,000 government jobs have been provided in the last 34 months, and this trend will continue.

He also mentioned significant initiatives in Sangrur district, including the C-PYTE center in village Kheri, 35 Aam Aadmi clinics in villages and 11 in urban areas, the upgradation of Government Civil Hospital Sangrur, the construction of an additional floor at the Nursing College, a new block of Sub-Divisional Hospital, and Maternal and Child Care Building in Dhuri, a community health center in Kauhrian, and the establishment of eight Schools of Eminence with transport facilities.

The minister proudly shared that the Punjab Government has purchased the private thermal plant in Goindwal Sahib for Rs 1080 crore, making it the first state government to acquire a private thermal plant. He also highlighted the construction of Ambedkar Bhawan, a community center in Dirba, at a cost of Rs 2.25 crore for organizing social events without hefty charges.

 The event featured tableaux depicting important projects of the Punjab Government, including the Health Department’s Non-Communicable Disease Control Program, CM Yogshala, Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan Season 3, a campaign to stop stubble burning, PSPCL, School of Eminence, MGNREGA Scheme, and SSF. Minister Cheema honoured the family members of freedom fighters during the event.

Students from various schools performed Bengali folk dance, traditional Punjabi folk dances Giddha and Bhangra, and patriotic cultural programs, which were well-received by the audience. Sewing machines were distributed to the needy, and tricycles were given to the disabled. The chief guest Harpal Singh Cheema honoured various personalities from Sangrur district for commendable achievements in various fields.

Impressed by the students’ performances, Minister Cheema announced a holiday on January 27 for participating schools. Minister Cheema also awarded the first place tableau to Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), second place to PSPCL, and third place to School of Eminence and Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan. The parade commander DSP Major Gurpreet Singh and other parade contingent in-charges were also honored. The district administration, represented by Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Rishi and SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal, honoured Finance Minister Cheema and MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj with mementos.

Earlier, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, along with MLA Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj, Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Rishi, and SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal, paid tribute to martyrs at the Police Memorial in Police Lines.

The event saw the presence of District and Sessions Judge Munish Singal, judicial officers, Punjab Small Scale Industries Corporation Chairman Dalbir Singh Dhillon, Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Jasvir Singh Kudni, Gau Sewa Commission Chairman Ashok Singla, Improvement Trust Chairman Pritam Singh Peetu, Market Committee Sangrur Chairman Avtar Singh Elwal, Market Committee Dhuri Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghulli, OSD of Cabinet Minister Tapinder Singh Sohi, ADC (Development) Sukhchain Singh Papra, CM Field Officer Dr. Karamjit Singh, SDM Sangrur Charanjot Singh Walia, Assistant Commissioner Under Training Dr. Aditya, and Assistant Commissioner Upinderjit Kaur Brar, along with other administrative and police officers, department heads, school students, teachers, and city residents.

Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur, 26 January:

Punjab School Education, Higher Education, Technical Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains on Sunday unfurled the National Flag to mark 76th Republic Day at Police Lines ground, Hoshiarpur.

Paying rich tributes to great martyrs and freedom fighters of Independence movement, Harjot Bains urged the people to make concerted efforts for realising their dreams.

After unfurling the tricolour during district level function held at local police lines ground, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains inspected the parade, besides taking salute from an impressive march past. He also honoured families of freedom fighters; and distributed motor-tricycles and sewing machines to needy people.

In his address the Minister acknowledged the contribution of brave soldiers of three forces and other armed forces for their immense contribution in safeguarding the inity and integrity of the nation. He also paid rich tribute to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, an architect of Indian Constitution, asserting that with implementation of Indian constitution on January 26, 1950, India had achieved an honour of becoming one of the largest democracies in the world.

Recalling  role of Punjabis in the freedom struggle, the Minister said our history had been filled with the historical events like Jallianwala massacre. He added that it is a matter of pride that maximum number of martyrs of national freedom struggle belonged to Punjab.

Cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains asserted that Punjab government is fully committed to fulfil the dreams of great martyrs. “After taking oath at ancestral village of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, the government had got photo of Sardar Bhagat Singh and Dr B.R. Ambedkar installed in all the government offices. Apart from ensuring Mohali’s international airport to be named after great martyr Sardar Bhagat Singh, Punjab had installed the statue of Shaheed-e-Azam at the airport.

The Minister also highlighted the Punjab government’s initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of army personnel, martyrs’ families, and retired soldiers, including the increase of ex-gratia payments for martyr’s families to ₹1 crore and providing financial support of ₹1 crore to the families of police personnel who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty.  The State government had also enhanced financial assistance to Dharmi Faujis (Army Deserters) from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12000 per month, besides increasing monthly pensions to the freedom fighters or their kins from Rs 9400 to Rs 11,000.

Listing other achievements, Harjot Singh Bains said the government had provided government services to nearly 50,000 youths in past 34 months and held 4,862 placement drives in which 2.72 lakh youths were given jobs in private sector. More than 10,000 youths were recruited in Punjab police from April 2022 onwards.

The state government had opened 881 Aam Aadmi clinics, said Minister,  across the state providing quality healthcare services. Bains said as many as 118 school of eminence were established, of which five were located in Hoshiarpur district only. From April 2022 onwards, 10,376 teachers had been recruited in education department. As many as 198 school principals and school administrators were sent on special training at Singapore, 150 head-masters at IIM Ahmadabad and 72 primary school teachers at University of Turku, Finland.

Speaking on School of Happiness , Bains said nine scuh schools would be established in Hoshiarpur district and nearly 81,749 students enrolled in government school across the district were provided with funds worth Rs 4.90 crore for school uniform. The funds worth Rs 12.52 crore had been provided for the construction of boundary walls of primary schools in the district.

Meanwhile, Cabinet minister assured that the state government is committed to overcome shortage of teachers in Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran districts very shortly. He congratulated the district administration after Hoshiarpur district was adjudged with Best Green District Award in the country under Centre government’s green school programme scheme.

In technical education, the state government had increased seats in state to 52,000 this year after receiving enthusiasm for m different streams in these industrial institutes. Bains said that 1076 helpline launched by the state government to provide citizens services at the door steps of the people also provided services in a smooth manner. On state’s agriculture, Bains said Punjab’s mandi system has been remained at the top in the country as the state leads to contribute maximum of 46.8% of wheat in the central pool. The area under basmati had increased by 14% last year. Due to concerted efforts of state government, the state witnessed a steep drop of 70% in the cases of stubble burning and only 75 cases of straw burning were reported in Hoshiarpur district.

Referring to Sadak Surakhya Force, a first of its kind initiative of state government, had come up as life saviour in Punjab as it provided immediate assistance to the accident victims in 19,000 cases so far, with response time of 6.45 minutes.

Meanwhile, cabinet minister Bains also announced holiday in participating schools and colleges.  Prominent among those present on the occasion included MLAs Bram Shanker Jimpa, Jasvir Singh Raja Gill, Karamvir Singh Ghuman, Mayor Surinder Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, IG (Intelligence) Babu Lal Meena, SSP Surendra Lamba, District planning committee chairperson Karamjit Kaur and AAP’s district president Gurwinder Singh Pabla and dignitaries from different fields.