Chandigarh, April 1:

In a major advancement toward ensuring uninterrupted and cost-effective coal supply for Its thermal power plants, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has reached a significant milestone by achieving the peak rated capacity of 70 lakh tonnes at its Pachhwara Central Coal Mine in Financial Year 2024-25, informed Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in a press communique issued here today.

The Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan  Singh ETO said that the Pachhwara Mine, which had remained non-operational since March 31, 2015, was successfully revived in December 2022 under the proactive leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. Since its revival, the mine has supplied 115 lakh tonnes of coal to PSPCL’s thermal power stations, generating estimated savings of Rs.950 crore compared to Cost of coal procured from Coal India Limited (CIL), significantly reducing power generation costs.

The Cabinet Minister said, achieving peak rated capacity at Pachhwara Mine showcased that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is committed to energy security, operational efficiency and financial prudence, adding that this milestone will enhance self-reliance in coal procurement, diminishes dependence on external sources and stabilizes power supply for Punjab.

Commenting on the achievement, Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said, “This remarkable success at Pachhwara Mine showing department’s dedication toward enhancing Punjab’s energy security. By ensuring a steady and economical supply of coal, we are committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to consumers.” This achievement is expected to further strengthen the state’s power infrastructure and help maintain stable electricity tariffs, he added.

The Cabinet Minister further said that with the operationalization of the mine, PSPCL has transferred its Coal India linkage to independent power producers (IPPs) at Talwandi Sabo and Rajpura under the flexi policy, eliminating the need for imported or alternative coal, which also had contributed to conserving to valuable foreign Exchange for our country. The availability of high-quality coal has significantly improved the Plant Load Factor (PLF) of PSPCL’s own thermal power plants.

Chandigarh/Barnala, April 1:

Under the “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign initiated by the Punjab Government to make the state drug-free, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, held a high level meeting with Barnal district civil, police, and departmental officials at the District Administrative Complex, Barnala.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Sond emphasized that Punjab has no place for those who exploit the youth through drug trafficking. He directed all officials to continue this extensive campaign to eradicate the drug menace and to raise awareness among the youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse. Various departments also shared updates on their respective initiatives in this regard.

Deputy Commissioner T. Banith informed that 175 panchayats in the district have pledged to fight against drugs, and the district administration is actively bringing reformed addicts to the forefront to inspire others. Additionally, a Light and Sound Show against drug abuse was organized at the district level, attended by around 4,000 people, with plans to conduct street plays in villages for greater outreach.

Minister Sond instructed the administration to conduct street plays in every village and town and to install awareness boards in public places. He reiterated the government’s commitment to rehabilitating individuals trapped in drug addiction and reintegrating them into mainstream society.

On this occasion, District Police Chief Muhammad Sarfaraz Alam provided insights into police search operations and the seizure of narcotics.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that previous governments did nothing to combat drug abuse, whereas under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has been taking stringent action against drugs and traffickers for the past three years. Ministers have been assigned responsibilities across districts to ensure the success of this campaign.

The district administration reported that the Health Department of Barnala, as part of this campaign, inspected 391 pharmacies, took action against 36 for violations, sealed three, and revoked the licenses of two. Additionally, drug-related cash worth one crore rupees was seized, and show-cause notices were issued to 11 pharmacies.

Significantly, Barnala Police, under this initiative, have arrested 277 accused individuals, seized 18 kilograms of poppy husk and approximately 7,500 drug capsules, and even demolished a property involved in drug trafficking.

The “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign, spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is yielding positive results. Notably, 175 panchayats in Barnala district have passed resolutions against drugs, expressing their commitment to support the police. Minister Sond affirmed that with continued public support, this battle will be won soon.

Earlier, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond was accorded a guard of honor by the police.

Prominent attendees at the meeting included MLA Labh Singh Ugoke, Chairman of Nagar Sudhar Trust Ram Tirath Manna, Harinder Singh Dhaliwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Anuprita Johal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Satwant Singh, SDM Gurbir Singh Kohli, SDM Harkamaljit Singh, SDM Rishabh Bansal, and officials from various departments.

Chandigarh, March 26:

Punjab Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, and Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, has described the Punjab Budget 2025 as an all-round development budget for ‘Badalda Punjab.’ He stated that while this budget makes special efforts for the development of all villages in Punjab, it also prioritizes the prosperity of industries. Additionally, it focuses on preserving and showcasing Punjab’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Sond emphasized that Punjab’s development is incomplete without transforming its villages. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has presented a detailed package to uplift infrastructure in all 12,581 villages of the state over the next two years. Under the slogan “Badalde Pind, Badalda Punjab,” the budget focuses on:Cleaning and rejuvenation of village ponds, Setting up sewage treatment systems as per the Seechewal-Thapar model and other cost-effective models,Restoring Nehri Khaals to provide canal water,Construction of village playgrounds, Installation of streetlights under the Mukh Mantri Street Light Yojana.A total of ₹3,500 crore has been allocated for these initiatives.

Sond also expressed gratitude to the Finance Minister for allocating ₹2,873 crore for the construction and upgradation of 18,944 km of rural link roads, which will be undertaken by the Punjab Mandi Board in the financial year 2025-26.

Furthermore, he praised the Finance Minister for steps taken to boost industries and for announcing a new industrial policy. He highlighted that these efforts will foster the growth of both small and large businesses, creating more quality jobs for the youth. Notably, the budget allocates ₹250 crore for financial incentives to industries—the highest in Punjab’s history. In contrast, the previous government spent only ₹53 crore over five years, while the one before that spent nothing at all.

To further promote national integration and showcase Punjab’s industrial and cultural diversity, the state government has proposed the construction of a Unity Mall in Amritsar. This mall will feature stalls representing all states/UTs and Punjab’s 23 districts, providing a platform for artisans and entrepreneurs to display and market their products. The government has allocated ₹80 crore for this project in the FY 2025-26 budget.

The budget also includes special provisions for MSMEs. To drive innovation and competitiveness, Punjab is facilitating the establishment of Technology Extension Centers (TEC) in key industrial hubs, including Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Moga, Patiala, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali). Sond welcomed the dedicated allocation of ₹10 crore for the upgradation of the Research and Development (R&D) Centre and the Institute of Auto Parts and Hand Tools Technology (IAHT) in Ludhiana.

The budget also places a strong emphasis on tourism and cultural promotion. To honor the 350th martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, a series of state-level commemorative events will be held in FY 2025-26. Additionally, infrastructure development at sites associated with Guru Sahib’s visits will be undertaken, with a special focus on the holistic development of Sri Anandpur Sahib, the city founded by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

A dedicated ₹10 crore budget has been earmarked to develop Nangal into a tourism hub by enhancing its infrastructure and promoting it as a key tourist destination.

In FY 2025-26, the government also proposes to construct a Heritage Street and an auditorium in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar at a cost of ₹54 crore. Additionally, 32 cultural programs, festivals, and plays on historical personalities will be organized across the state, reaffirming Punjab’s commitment to preserving its glorious history and cultural traditions.

Tarunpreet Singh Sond expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for allocating ₹204 crore in the FY 2025-26 budget for these cultural and tourism initiatives.

Chandigarh, March 26:

Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh on Wednesday described the Punjab Budget-2025 a visionary document, which would further bolster the state’s overall development, growth and welfare of people as Rs. 5983 crore has been set aside for complete facelift of cities.

Terming the budget pro-people, Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh pointed out that during the ensuing financial year the urban area would get massive infrastructure improvement in terms of roads, footpaths, electricity system, traffic and street lights, water supply and bus stands to ensure seamless and environment friendly movement. With the visionary approach of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is witnessing unprecedented transformation to facilitate people with the requisite facilities, said Dr. Ravjot Singh adding that the budget presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema would bring record development in the state.

Dr. Ravjot Singh mentioned that in first phase, four big cities namely Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and SAS Nagar (Mohali) would also get immense and holistic development. The Cabinet Minister also mentioned that the road infrastructure in the said cities would be made of world class as provisions of Rs. 140 crore had been made in the budget. The services of country’s renowned architects will be hired to make the plan of these roads as per the international standards, which are to be constructed and maintained by the contractors for the next 10 years. He said as per the plan footpaths would be constructed beautifully without any hinder in all cities. 

The Local Government Minister said a blueprint would be made for roads in the cities in complete uniformity, similar width in all cities besides doing away traffic hurdles. It will also be ensured that the lane marking of roads should be as per stipulated standards and lanes will be repainted after every three months, he added.

Dr. Ravjot Singh also informed that the Budget had also provisions of Rs. 225 crore Punjab Municipal Development Fund and Rs. 300 crore funds under PMSIP, which would further improve the facilities in 166 towns across the state having 40 percent urban population with sanitisation arrangements, water supply & sewerage system, roads and street lights. He said that Punjab Government would also procure 347 e-buses to provide facility of efficient, environment friendly public transport system to the people as well as curtaining the dependency on individual vehicles.

Chandigarh, March 26

Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardip Singh Mundian stated on Wednesday that the budget presented by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema will transform the cities of the state and ensure world-class facilities to urban residents, with an allocation of ₹5,983 crores for 2025-26. 

Mundian noted that 40 percent of Punjab’s population lives in urban areas, which is why these regions received significant boosts in the budget. He expressed gratitude to the government for key announcements made for the major cities of Punjab, especially Ludhiana.  He stated that approximately 50 kilometres of world-class roads will be developed in four cities including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar and SAS Nagar over the next year. ₹225 crores has been allocated under the Punjab Municipal Development Fund for the upgrade of road infrastructure and to ensure the uniform provision of five essential municipal services across all 166 towns and cities in Punjab: cleanliness, water supply, sewage, roads, and street lights. 

Furthermore, an allocation of ₹300 crores for the Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project (PMSIP) will enhance urban governance, financial management, and the delivery of sustainable water services to the citizens of Ludhiana. A total of 367 E-buses will be procured for Ludhiana, ensuring sustainable and accessible urban mobility across cities in Punjab, along with the development of Civil Bus Depot infrastructure in Ludhiana.

Under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance Scheme, the state is implementing projects worth ₹120 crores to improve market access, financial assistance, and technology adoption for small enterprises. This also includes the establishment of a Technology Extension Centre in key industrial hubs and ₹10 crores for the upgrade of the R&S Centre and the Institute of Auto Parts and Hand Tools Technology (IAHT) in Ludhiana.

Chandigarh, 26 March:

Punjab PWD Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO on Wednesday informed the House that the proposal to install cat’s eye reflectors on roads is under consideration of the department so as to prevent road mishaps especially during the foggy weather in winter.

Referring to concern raised by the Patiala MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli, the PWD Minister stated that the department was already contemplating to put such reflectors on roads for the public safety. He said that upgradation of 390 KM of national highwyas and 1287 km of state roads (State Highway MDR ODR) had been upgraded along with the white strip work by the contractors, which would be maintained for the three years by the concerned contractors. Responding to a supplementary question by the MLA, the Minister informed that the Punjab government is considering the installation of cat’s eye on roads, which will prove helpful in preventing accidents.

CHANDIGARH, March 26:

          In a pathbreaking move to ensure universal access to quality healthcare services, Punjab Health and Medical Education and Research Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday, hailed the enhanced budget allocation in the Health and Medical Education sectors as “transformational” for the crucial sector. He particularly lauded the decision of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to cover every citizen of the state under Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojna and double the insurance cover from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per family annually.

          Pertinently, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presented the historic ‘Badalda Punjab’ Budget for financial year 2025-26 at Vidhan Sabha here on Tuesday.

          The health sector budget has been enhanced by 10 percent, reaching ₹5,598 crores— to strengthen infrastructure, expand Aam Aadmi Clinics, and improve emergency care under the FARISHTEY Scheme, while, the Medical Education and Research has received 27 percent budget increase to ₹1,336 crore.

          Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, while terming the budget as historic and progressive, said that the move to bring all the 65 lakh families of the state under the Mukh Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana is a game-changer, which will ensure that no citizen of the Punjab state will ever have to worry about medical expenses again.

          As per the information, currently only 45 lakh families are covered under health insurance scheme—16 lakh under the Central government’s Ayushman Bharat and 29 lakh under Punjab’s SSBY.

          The Health Minister said that the new budget has removed all eligibility restrictions, extending coverage to every household in the state, regardless of income or location. This is for the first time in Punjab’s history that every single family—urban or rural, rich or poor—will have health security, he added.

          He clarified that families enrolled in Central Government’s Ayushman Bharat will too receive an additional ₹5 lakh top-up from the state, bringing their total insurance cover to ₹10 lakh. Additionally, all beneficiaries will receive Sehat Cards, enabling cashless treatment at both government and private empaneled hospitals, he added.

          Dr Balbir Singh said that in financial year 2025-26, Punjab Government will also be establishing a new Medical College with 50 MBBS seats at village Barnala Kalan in SBS Nagar.

          He said that following the success of “CM Di Yogshala” program, which currently benefitting 1.5 lakh residents through 3200 daily yoga sessions, will now expand to reach two lakh participants.

Chandigarh, March 26

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, unveiled its transformative budget for the financial year 2025-26, marking a historic milestone in Punjab’s progress. With an unprecedented allocation of Rs 2,36,080 crore, the “Badlda Punjab” budget reflects the state’s commitment to social reform, infrastructure development, and public welfare. Presented by Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema in the Punjab Assembly today, this budget highlights a multifaceted approach towards addressing critical issues and fostering inclusive growth.

Among the budget’s pivotal priorities is the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, a robust initiative aimed at combating drug abuse and smuggling, particularly from across the border. The government has demonstrated its zero-tolerance policy towards drug smuggling with groundbreaking measures such as establishing a second line of defense at the border by deploying 5,000 home guards alongside the BSF.—an unparalleled move in India to fortify national security. Punjab also leads the way in modern anti-drone technology, installing state-of-the-art systems to thwart drug and arms trafficking. A budget of Rs 110 crore has been allocated towards these initiatives for FY 2025-26.

 Furthermore, the introduction of the country’s first drug census with proposal to spend Rs 150 crore on this initiative in FY 2025-26, signifies an innovative step towards understanding the extent of drug addiction, collecting data from every household to devise targeted rehabilitation strategies. This revolutionary initiative underscores the government’s commitment to not only law enforcement but also societal transformation.

Rolling out a Mega Sports Initiative never seen before in the history of the state called “Khed-da Punjab, Badalda Punjab”, Finance Minister proposed a budget estimate of Rs. 979 crore for FY 2025-26 an increase of 355 percent in comparison to revised budget estimates of FY 2024-25. This amount is greater than the amount that the Akali-BJP and Congress governments jointly spent on Sports in 10 years from 2012 to 2022. The “Khed-Da Punjab, Badalda Punjab” campaign is poised to revolutionize the sports culture, with plans to establish 3000 world-class indoor gyms across the state. The Punjab Government will also upgrade and modernize the 13 existing Centers of Excellence. Additionally, international-level sports facilities and targeted schemes will provide players with unparalleled resources, promoting a thriving sports ecosystem besides channelizing the energy of Punjab’s youth away from drugs.

Safety and security of citizens remain paramount in this budget, as evidenced by allocation of Rs. 11,560 crore for Home Affairs, Jails, Law and Justice. Punjab’s 112 emergency response service will now boast the fastest response time in India, reduced from 30 minutes to an impressive 8 minutes. Modern equipment, high-tech control rooms, and new vehicles are set to strengthen the police system, ensuring quick action on even minor incidents and guaranteeing safety to every resident. The Finance Minister announced an allocation of Rs. 125 crore towards buying new Emergency Response Vehicles and an allocation of Rs 53 crore towards building the new ‘Dial 112’ headquarters in FY 2025-26.

Highlighting the initiatives taken in the healthcare sector, the another priority sector of the Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema proposed a budget estimate of Rs. 5,598 for Health and Family Welfare with an increase of 10 percent in comparison to revised budget estimates of FY 2024-25. He mentioned huge progress towards universalizing access to primary health care by setting up 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics which provide free doctor consultation, free medicines and free tests to every person, Finance Minister proposed a budgetary allocation of Rs 268 crore in FY 2025-26 for this purpose.

The Finance Minister also announced that the Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government has decided to extend the state health insurance scheme in the coming year to make it universal and cover all the 65 lakh families of Punjab. The second big decision is to extend the insurance cover to Rs. 10 lakh per annum from Rs 5 Lakh per annum. Rs. 778 croren allocated in the budget for initiative designed to alleviate the burden of healthcare costs and provide every resident access to superior medical care.

Rural development has taken center stage, with a comprehensive “Badalde Pind, Badalda Punjab” plan to rejuvenate villages across Punjab. A large-scale revival of ponds will emphasize clean water and conservation by cleaning and rejuvenation of village ponds, setting up sewage treatment systems, restoring Nehri Khaals to provide canal water, and construction of village playgrounds while the Chief Minister Street Light Scheme aims to illuminate every village. To turn this vision to reality, a total of Rs 3,500 crore will be spent under this initiative next fiscal year.

Besides this, Punjab is poised to witness the largest improvement in road networks, including the reconstruction of 18,944 kilometers of rural link roads—a plan unmatched in the state’s history. In FY 2025-26, Rs 2,873 crore will be spent towards the programme of construction and upgradation of rural link roads by the Punjab Mandi Board.

Urban development, too, receives a significant boost with the construction of world-class roads and European-standard infrastructure in major cities. The government’s ambitious vision seeks to introduce a pilot project worth Rs 140 crore to construct European-standard roads over a 50-kilometer stretch in four cities: Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali).

Enhanced water supply, sewerage, street lighting, and sanitation systems in 166 cities will further elevate the quality of urban living, paving the way for a smart city model that prioritizes environmental protection and cleanliness through solid waste management and efficient cleaning systems. Rs 225 crore has been allocated under the Punjab Municipal Development Fund towards this initiative.

The Mann government’s “Badlda Punjab” budget not only sets a benchmark for innovative governance but also reflects an unwavering dedication to the development and well-being of its citizens. With visionary initiatives spanning drug reform, public safety, health, sports, and infrastructure, this budget embodies the promise of a prosperous and progressive Punjab.

Chandigarh, March 26:

Hailing the budget 2025-26, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said that the budget is a paradigm shift to Rangla Punjab from the regressive one during the previous regimes.

The Chief Minister said that budget worth Rs 2,36,080 crore is the largest budget of state and is the third tax free budget of his government. He said that though during the earlier regimes Punjab had got several negative tags but his government is committed for carving out Rangla, progressive and happy Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that funds have been earmarked for every sector like Health, education, jobs, Industry and others which will give impetus to development of the state.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that this third tax free budget has been presented by his government. He said that this budget of his government is aimed at further giving a fillip to the ongoing development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that the budget will further transform the destiny of the common man (Aam Aadmi) by ensuring peace, progress and prosperity in the state on one hand and giving major fillip to economic activity on the other.

The Chief Minister said that as per the commitment of his government, the budget is the blueprint for restoring the pristine glory of the state and carving out a Rangla Punjab. He said that the budget will give further impetus to the growth in every sector and ensure that the state witnesses comprehensive growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far when this budget coupled with pragmatic policies of the state government will help in the progress of the state.

The Chief Minister said that it is heartening to note that due to concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab ranks at 15th in the list of States by Per Capita Income and state’s economy is on a strong growth trajectory, registering an impressive 9% growth in the current year. He said that as promised in the first budget of his government, Punjab’s deteriorating fiscal health has been restored after inheriting a fragile financial state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab’s Own Tax Revenue has recorded double-digit growth in current year also, rising by 14% as of February 2025 adding that due to concerted efforts of the state government enhanced Excise, Revenue and GST collection have resulted in our Own Tax Revenue increasing from ₹37,327 crore in FY 2021-22 to ₹57,919 crore in FY 2024-25 i.e. an increase of ₹20,500 crore in just three Years of our Government.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has embarked “Yudh Nashe De Virudh” from March 1, 2025 to annihilate and eradicate the problem of drugs right from its roots. He said that a budgetary provision of around Rs 400 crore has been earmarked to update the Police department in this war against drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a budgetary provision worth ₹585 crore (₹5 crore per constituency) has been proposed for the ‘Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme’ in the budget which will give a major fillip to the development activities across the state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is sensitive towards saving the groundwater in the state for which a project worth ₹8,227 crore of surface water projects to expand canal irrigation in previously excluded areas has been kept in the state. He said that to ensure last-mile connectivity and expand canal irrigation, the government has prioritized the lining and rejuvenation of watercourses across the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in FY 2025-26, 63,000 hectares will be covered under these projects, including laying underground pipelines, with an estimated cost of ₹315 crore.

The Chief Minister said that the decision to launch the “Mukh Mantri Street Light Yojna” through which we will install 2.5 lakh streetlights in the next year throughout Punjab, will go a long way in illuminating villages and towns of the state. He said that to give impetus to industrial growth, the current budget, financial incentives for various industries have been increased to Rs.250 crore, the highest allocation in Punjab’s history. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that provision of construction of Unity Mall at a cost of Rs 80 crore to promote national unity and showcase Punjab’s industrial and cultural diversity will go a long way in developing the state as hub of industry by highlighting its various sectoral achievements.

The Chief Minister said that the 2025-26 budget has allocated Rs.3,426 crore for the industrial sector, including subsidized electricity as the state government wants to accelerate economic growth in Punjab. He said that to enhance employment opportunities through skill training and career counseling, Rs.230 crore has been allocated in the 2025-26 budget, marking a 50% increase from the previous year, which will go a long way in opening new vistas of employment for youth. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that ‘Mukhya Mantri Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana,’ will open doors of quality healthcare for 65 lakh families in state by providing ‘Sehat Cards,’ allowing them to avail of cashless treatment up to Rs.10 lakh in both government and private hospitals across Punjab.

The Chief  Minister said that since education, health and jobs are the major thrust areas of the state, the Punjab government has given a major boost to the education sector by allocating 11% of the total Budget expenditure to it, amounting to Rs.18,047 crore in the budget. Likewise, he said that as Sports can be utilised as the most effective weapons in the fight against drug addiction, the Aam Aadmi Party government has allocated a record-breaking budget of Rs.979 crore for sports in the 2024-25 budget—the highest in Punjab’s history. Bhagwant Mann also said that modernization of the Police force will be ensured for keeping a strict vigil over law and order and to tackle crime.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that the budget has laid due focus on supporting various welfare schemes and for empowerment, protection and holistic development of SCs, BCs, Minorities and all downtrodden sections of the society. He said that the budget has laid due focus on repair and construction of roads, comprehensive development of rural and urban areas, cleaning and strengthening of the canal system, upgradation of the public transport sector, subsidized power and other sectors. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the budget will ensure that Punjab emerges as a frontrunner state in the country adding that the budget marks the dawn of a new era in the state which will benefit each and every Punjabi.

Chandigarh:

The Division of Neuroanesthesiology and Neurocritical Care, in collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery and the Division of Neuroradiology, PGIMER Chandigarh, successfully conducted a Head Injury Prevention Awareness Drive at Sukhna Lake on March 23^rd from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about road safety, the importance of helmet use, and the early recognition of head injuries along with rapid treatment to reduce mortality and disability.

        The event was held in collaboration with the Chandigarh Police, led by Inspector Traffic Police, Dr Parvesh Sharma. It was graced by the presence of Medical Superintendent, Dr Vipin Koushal and Dean Academic, PGIMER Chandigarh, Dr R K Ratho who emphasised the critical role of traffic rules compliance in preventing head injuries along with prompt recognition of danger signs and rapid treatment. Prof Nidhi Panda, head of the division of neuroanesthesiology and neurocritical care along with Prof Hemant Bhagat and Dr Amiya Kumar Barik also conveyed the importance of fostering a culture of awareness, prevention, and preparedness, and stressed that initiatives like these can help save countless lives and reduce the burden of traumatic brain injuries.

      As part of the awareness drive, the Traffic Police Division, Chandigarh conducted a demonstration regarding the correct use of helmets and adherence to traffic regulations, educating passersby about road safety measures.

Adding to the impact of the event, PGIMER’s faculty and residents organized a walkathon, followed by three engaging street plays. These performances effectively conveyed messages on preventing head injuries, avoiding falls in high-risk populations like the elderly and children along with recognizing early warning signs, and seeking timely medical intervention—key factors in reducing fatalities and long-term disabilities.

       The initiative reinforced the need for collective responsibility in making roads safer and preventing traumatic head injuries. PGIMER Chandigarh remains committed to community education, preventive healthcare, and promoting road safety awareness because every life matters!