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!

Chandigarh, March 24

Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the approach road to Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant, Ghanauli will get a facelift soon and a high-level meeting of all stakeholders will be conducted shortly.

Responding to a call attention notice in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant, Ghanauli (Ropar) is currently accessed by two roads. He said that the thermal plant has already constructed its approach road from village Malikpur near BML bridge of NH-205 to Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant along the canal, and the maintenance of this road is also being done by them. The length of this road is about three kilometres. This road is used by the thermal plant for the movement of heavy vehicles.

The Cabinet Minister said that apart from this, the thermal plant is also accessible from NH-205 (from Chandpur to Lohgarh) up to the Thermal Plant via Gujarat Ambuja Cement Factory in village Nuhon. This is a link road of the Public Works Department which is 5.90 km long and 22 feet wide.

Due to the movement of heavy vehicles belonging to Gujarat Ambuja Cement Factory and the Super Thermal Plant on this road, the people of the adjoining villages face significant difficulties, and accidents often occur on this stretch. The residents of the adjoining villages had stopped the movement of tippers carrying pond ash from the thermal plant due to dust pollution. He said that meetings are underway with the local administration, Public Works Department and local residents regarding the plan for a major route for commercial vehicles of the thermal plant.

Ludhiana, March 17

National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that the state government has resolved a major problem faced by the industrialists  from the last 32 years by introducing the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme.

Interacting with the industrialists during a Sanatkaar Milni here today, the former Delhi Chief Minister, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, said that the state government is solidly with the industrialists of the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that those in power during previous times used to seek share in the success of industry due to which the industrialists fled from the state. He said that he had personally convened three rounds of meetings with the industrialists in 2022, 2023 and 2025.

Arvind Kejriwal said that the sole motive is to give impetus to the industry of the state for which no stone has been left unturned. He said that due to discussion and feedback of industrialists even the works pending from the last more than 30 years have been solved.  The former Delhi Chief Minister said that the AAP government is cleaning the mess made by the previous regimes.

The National Convener said that the AAP government is not hesitant to take bold decisions for the sake of the welfare of the common man. Arvind Kejriwal reiterated a zero tolerance policy against corruption and said that no one involved in this heinous crime will be spared.  The National Convener of AAP said that in coming 4-5 months all the public dealing services will be made online through the sewa kendras to plug the loopholes for corruption.

He further said that even efforts are being made to make the registry of land deeds corruption free. Likewise, he said that feedback mechanisms on a real time basis will be ensured so as to evaluate that the public get all the services hassle free and smooth.  Likewise, he said that there was a Chief Minister of state who was most inaccessible and never came out of his house to listen to problems faced by industrialists.

The National Convener of AAP said that they are cleaning the mess created by the previous regimes but all out efforts are being made to put industry back on track. He said that initiatives like revision in Fire safety norms, introduction of green stamp papers and others have given a huge reprieve to the industry. Arvind Kejriwal said that Industrial Policy of 2022 has given a huge impetus to the industry of the state but on suggestions of industrialists  a new industrial policy will be framed.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that for this purpose industrial policies of several states are being studied and best practices will be adopted. He also asked the industrialists to become active partners in policy making by giving their valuable suggestions.  Arvind Kejriwal also said that the state government is making all out efforts to revamp infrastructure in all Focal points across the state.

National Convener of AAP said that in order to give speedy clearance to the new projects all the applications received for such purpose will be cleared within 45 days failing which it will be deemed approved. He also said that exhibition centres will be set up across the state for which the state government is making relentless efforts. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has waged a war against gangsters and he solicited fulsome support and cooperation of industrialists in this noble cause.

The former Delhi Chief Minister urged the industrialists to immediately report the calls of extortions from gangsters to the Police so that necessary action is taken against them. He said that though the majority of these calls are bogus, but then also the state government will provide adequate security to the industrialists. Arvind Kejriwal said that 112 number is being strengthened and the response time of Police will be reduced to eight minutes from the existing 30 minutes.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that drugs is the major problem being confronted by the state in current times and unfortunately those addicted to drugs spend Rs 3000-4000 daily for the sake of purchasing drugs. He said that to get the money for drugs the disarrayed youth indulge in crime and other acts which is posing serious problems in the state. However, Arvind Kejrwal said that the state government has formulated a foolproof strategy to wipe out this menace.

The National Convener of AAP bemoaned that the Akalis had patronised a drug cartel in the state and even their top leader was involved in it. Arvind Kejriwal said that the Congress government that succeeded Akalis did nothing for tackling this crime but the AAP government has today waged a war against drug smugglers and their property is being seized and destroyed. He said that those involved in drug smuggling will not be spared and severe action will be taken against them adding that a foolproof strategy has been formulated to snap the supply line of drugs and put smugglers behind the bars.

Former Delhi Chief Minister said that 70% of the drugs are smuggled from Pakistan across the border via drones and are subsequently supplied in the state. He said that the state government has joined hands with BSF by launching anti-drone technology to check the movement of drones. Likewise, Arvind Kejriwal said that noose is being further tightened against the Hawala racketeers to check the use of drug money.  

The National Convener of AAP also said that 5000 Home guards will be deployed in the border districts of the state to check drug menace. He said that in order to wean away youth from the menace of drugs, playgrounds and gyms will be opened in every village of the state. Arvind Kejriwal said that this will help in channelizing unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction and make them an active partner in socio-economic progress of the state.  

Meanwhile, the former Delhi Chief Minister renewed a pledge to bring transformative changes in every sector of the state in the coming two years by chalking out a comprehensive blueprint for this. He said that there was a time when Punjab was leader in every field, however he said then power came into hands of those who plundered its wealth. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is focusing on the holistic development of the state for which no stone will be left unturned.

The National Convener of AAP announced that a major facelift will be given to the state in the coming two years and all the roads, the cities and villages will be repaired or relayed in the coming 18 months. Likewise, he said that in order to give impetus to development of cities a complete roadmap has been prepared. Arvind Kejriwal said that in166 cities the state government will ensure water supply, sewerage facility, cleanliness, roads, lights and STP in two years.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora and others were also present.

Ludhiana, March 17

Captains of Industry on Monday hailed the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for taking several industrial friendly decisions to give impetus to the industrial development in the state.

President of CCU Upkar Singh Ahuja hailed the Chief Minister and state government for taking path breaking initiatives to boost industrial development in the state. He said that every issue that is flagged before the state government is resolved by the state government which is unprecedented. He said that the officers come at the doorsteps of the industrialists to solve their problem which has happened for the first time. 

Amit Thapar from CII Punjab, said that the state government has proactively listened to the problems of the industry of the state. He said that for the first time in the history of the state, the entire machinery of the Punjab government, including senior Ministers, is a phone call away. Amit Thapar said that envisioned that this pace of industrial development will be continued in the coming days too as the industrial policy of the state is a catalyst for it.

Chairman of CII Punjab Amit Jain said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Punjab has witnessed a number of progressive and industrial friendly decisions. He extended his sincere gratitude to the state government for several out of the box decisions that has given a major fillip to the industrial development in the state. Amit Jain also assured fulsome support and cooperation to the state government for making Punjab a frontrunner state in industrial development. 

Convener Apex Chamber of Industry Rahul Ahuja also appreciated several industrial friendly decisions taken by the Chief Minister. He said that the revolutionary changes in the health and education sector touched the hearts of every citizen adding that for the first time problems of industry have been resolved. Rahul Ahuja said that whatever the industrialists have sought has been given by the state government.

Convener of CII Neeraj Satija said that every industrialist is happy with the key decisions taken by the state government to boost the industrial sector. He said that every Industrialist has been immensely benefited by the pro-industry policies of the state government. Neeraj Satija also appreciated several progressive policies introduced by the state government to help the industrial units.

President of Industry and Trade Pankaj Sharma said that ever since formation of the state government, progress and prosperity is being witnessed in the industrial sector. He said that the state government had done hand holding of the MSME sector in Punjab due to which it is blooming today.  Pankaj Sharma said that several pending issues of the industry sector have been resolved by the state government, which is highly commendable.