Chandigarh, July 10, 2026

Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh celebrated Van Mahotsav with a plantation drive at the road between Convention Centre and Government School, Sector 25 and the area around the PU Convention Centre, South Campus.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig inaugurated the drive by planting a sapling near the Convention Centre gate. About 200 trees and shrubs of various species, including Gulmohar, Ficus, Golden Cypress, Terminalia, Ficus Microcarpa and Conocarpus, were planted during the inaugural drive organised by the PU Horticulture Division.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig appreciated the efforts of the Horticulture Division and extended her best wishes for future plantation drives in monsoon season.

Prof. Meenakshi Goyal, Dean of University Instructions presided over the plantation; Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar; Prof. Jagat Bhushan, Controller of Examinations; Prof. Ravi Inder Singh, Dean College Development Council; Prof. Simrit Kahlon, Chief Vigilance Officer; Prof. Namita Gupta, Dean Student Welfare (W); Er. Anil Thakur, Executive Engineer-II; Er.Vinay Lalia, Executive Engineer-I; Ar. Inder Gulati, Architect; Sh. Honey Thakur, President, PUSA (NT); Prof. Amarjeet Naura, President, PUTA; Chairpersons of various departments; Wardens of various hostels; Representatives of PUTA, PUSA (NT) and other employees unions were present on the occasion.

During the plantation a young participant, Mehul Thakur, also came to plant the tree in the Campus.

Er. Amandeep Singla, Assistant Engineer (H) stated that the Horticulture Division will organise plantation drives during the coming monsoon season in different departments and Hostels to spread awareness about the environment among the masses.

The plantation drive also started in different departments and Hostels in Sector-14 and Sector-25, South Campus. The Horticulture Division will plant Jacaranda, Bottle Brush, Neem, Gulmohar, Ashoka, Hibiscus, Tulsi, Lemon Grass, Moringa, Kaner Kachnar, Aloe Vera Double Chandni, Single Chandni etc. within the Campus.

CHANDIGARH — Senior Punjab Congress leader, former MP, and Cabinet Minister Vijay Inder Singla, alongside other senior Congress leaders, addressed media personnel in Chandigarh today, delivering a scathing indictment of the AAP government. Congress leaders declared that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has lost all moral authority to remain in office and must step down immediately. The party leadership asserted that nothing can be more shameful and deeply damaging for the state of Punjab than a sitting Chief Minister facing serious allegations of sacrilegious conduct and subsequently using the unbridled power of his high office to orchestrate a criminal cover-up.

Unveiling a series of scathing attacks, Congress leaders revealed that immediately following the supreme Temporal authority Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s categorical order on June 15 regarding the viral video, senior Punjab Police officers were dispatched to Gurugram with state funds to secure a favorable, manufactured forensic report. A ₹10 lakh deal was struck with a private forensic laboratory to dismiss the truth and shield the Chief Minister from public and religious accountability. The leadership emphasized that the undeniable seriousness of this conspiracy is now a matter of public record, evidenced by the criminal FIR registered by the Haryana Police for illegally coercing a cyber expert into fabricating a forensic report in favor of Bhagwant Mann.

Congress leaders further stressed that this sordid episode has now become a definitive litmus test for the integrity of the Punjab Police. The recently enacted, stringent Beadbi law cannot be reduced to a selective tool used only to penalize ordinary citizens while leaving the Chief Minister completely immune to scrutiny. The party demanded that the case under this newly enacted law must be registered against Bhagwant Mann for his sacrilegious conduct. Concluding the address, Congress leaders warned that Punjab is now plunged into an unprecedented constitutional crisis where a sitting head of state stands accused of manipulating police machinery for personal immunity, making it a fit case for his immediate removal. The leaders issued an uncompromising appeal to the entire global Guru Nanak Naam Lewa Sangat to completely boycott this “Guru Dokhi” Chief Minister who has desecrated the state’s holiest institutions.

Congress leaders unanimously demanded the Chief Minister’s resignation, an impartial investigation, and strict action against the officials allegedly involved.

Chandigarh:

At just 26 years of age, Yogesh Kumar had already begun shaping young minds as a Lecturer at Aryans Group of Colleges, Rajpura. An M. Pharma graduate with a promising academic future ahead of him, Yogesh’s life was tragically cut short following a road traffic accident. Yet, in the midst of an unimaginable loss, his family made a courageous decision that transformed grief into hope for three patients who had been waiting for vital organ transplants for a long time.

A resident of Chila Kalan, Shamti, in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Yogesh sustained severe injuries on May 28, 2026, when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a road. Following initial treatment at Gian Sagar Hospital, Rajpura, he was referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, where multidisciplinary teams made every possible effort to save him. Despite intensive treatment, he succumbed to a devastating brain injury and was declared brain stem dead following due certification under the provisions of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act.

In the midst of profound grief, his father, Shri Puran Chand, chose to honour his son’s compassionate spirit by consenting to the donation of all eligible organs. The decision enabled the successful retrieval and transplantation of the liver, pancreas and both kidneys at PGIMER, including the Institute’s 73rd Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney (SPK) transplant.

Demonstrating extraordinary courage and generosity while holding back his tears, Shri Puran Chand shared, “Our son was our lifeline, and his sudden loss has left a void that can never be filled. He was devoted to education and always believed in helping others. When doctors told us there was no possibility of bringing him back, we felt that if his organs could help others, a part of him would continue to live on. Knowing that Yogesh has brought hope to families who had been waiting for these organs gives us some strength in this painful time. We only wish that more families find the courage to support organ donation so that others may receive a second chance when all hope seems lost.”

Paying tribute to the donor and his family, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, said, “Yogesh Kumar’s story is a poignant reminder that even the deepest personal tragedy can become a source of hope for others. At just 26 years of age, he had a bright future ahead of him as an educator and scholar. The decision of his family to consent to organ donation reflects extraordinary courage, generosity and social responsibility. Through this noble act, hope has reached patients who had been waiting for a second chance for a long time. PGIMER salutes the family and remains committed to strengthening organ donation and transplantation services so that more such lives may be touched through the gift of donation.”

Following the family’s consent, multiple teams across the Institute—including transplant coordinators, laboratory services, retrieval teams, operating theatre personnel, anaesthesiologists, intensivists and transplant surgeons—worked seamlessly to facilitate the donation and transplantation process. One patient received a kidney transplant, another underwent a simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant, and a third recipient received the donor liver. For these patients and their families, the donation marked the end of a long and uncertain wait and the beginning of a new chapter in life.

Prof. Ashish Sharma, Head, Renal Transplant Surgery, PGIMER, emphasized the significance of the simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant as he shared, “A particularly noteworthy achievement was the successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation performed on a 30-year-old recipient from Chandigarh. Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is among the most complex procedures in abdominal transplantation and is offered only at select centres with advanced expertise and infrastructure. This procedure not only restores kidney function but also has the potential to free eligible diabetic patients from lifelong insulin dependence. Significantly, this was the 73rd successful simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant performed at PGIMER, reflecting the institute’s growing leadership in advanced transplant surgery.”

Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTO), PGIMER, underscored the broader significance of the family’s decision. “Behind every successful organ donation is a family that chooses humanity over grief. The decision taken by Yogesh Kumar’s family demonstrates the profound impact one donor can have on several individuals and their loved ones. Their generosity serves as a powerful example of the importance of deceased organ donation and highlights how hope can emerge even in moments of profound loss. We hope this inspiring gesture encourages greater public awareness and motivates more families to support this life-saving cause.”

PGIMER continues to be a leading centre for organ transplantation in North India, performing complex kidney, liver, pancreas and multi-organ transplant procedures while actively promoting awareness about deceased organ donation. Yogesh Kumar’s final gift stands as a lasting testament to the power of compassion and the extraordinary difference that one family’s selfless decision can make in the lives of others.

CHANDIGARH, May 10:

Marking a historic turnaround for government schools in the state, Punjab has been recognised as one of India’s best-performing states in school education, with the NITI Aayog Education Quality Report 2026 placing it ahead of Kerala, long considered India’s gold standard in school education, on key foundational learning metrics.

Hailing the achievement as the beginning of ‘Punjab’s Era’ driven by systemic reforms and grassroots dedication, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, “This honour belongs to every parent, student and teacher who refused to give up on government schools. This is not a one day miracle. When policy, intent and execution walk together, results follow.”

Sharing details of the report, he said, “Punjab recorded 82% proficiency in language and 78% in mathematics in Class 3, surpassing Kerala’s 75% and 70% respectively. In Class 9 mathematics, Punjab scored 52%, significantly higher than Kerala’s 45%.”

Highlighting the impact of the Punjab Government’s reforms, the minister continued, “Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s post COVID pandemic recovery push through Mission Samarth and the Schools of Eminence programme has yielded tangible results.”

Citing findings from the NITI Aayog report, he added, “99.9% of government schools now have electricity, 99% have functional computers and over 80% are equipped with smart classrooms. Additionally, over 90% of Class 10 students now transition smoothly to Class 11, indicating a sharp decline in dropout rates. The student teacher ratio has also been improved to an ideal 22:1.”

Referring to the report’s observations, Harjot Singh Bains said, “The NITI Aayog report specifically praised Punjab for bridging the urban rural divide in education and ensuring equal opportunities for village students and girls. Punjab’s adoption of global best practices has led to a sharp rise in competitive exam success among government school students. As many as 786 government school students have cleared JEE Main and 1,284 students have qualified for NEET so far.”

Sharing details of teacher training and infrastructure expansion, the Punjab Education Minister stated, “Teacher training programmes in Finland and Singapore, rolled out under the state’s education reforms, have translated into results on the ground. This shows our classrooms can compete with the best. Punjab has recruited 13,000 teachers and staff and rolled out the English Edge Programme for nearly 3 lakh students, besides establishing 118 Schools of Eminence.”

“With the right policy, intent and performance, quality education is inevitable. Our teachers have proved it,” Harjot Singh Bains added, while noting that, “NITI Aayog has now validated what the state has been seeing on the ground. Government school children are not just catching up, they are leading.”

SANGRUR; 30th April 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday laid out a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable agriculture and long-term water conservation, calling upon farmers across Punjab to shift decisively towards canal-based irrigation and reduce excessive dependence on groundwater.

Interacting with villagers during his visit to his native village Satauj, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann underlined that Punjab’s future is inseparably tied to its water resources and that preserving them is both an urgent necessity and a collective responsibility. “Punjab’s very existence is intrinsically linked to its water, and preserving it is not merely a policy priority but a moral responsibility,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, while announcing that canal water will be made available from May 1 itself for the upcoming paddy season, marking a significant shift from conventional irrigation schedules.

He added, “This is the first time in Punjab’s history that canal water is being released from May 1 to benefit farmers ahead of the paddy sowing season.”

Highlighting the scale of the initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 21,000 cusecs of water has already been released into the canal network to facilitate early irrigation. “We are committed to ensuring that every single drop of water is conserved and utilized efficiently,” he stated.

Reaffirming Punjab’s rights over its water, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab has neither shared any water with other states nor allowed any flow towards Pakistan, ensuring that the entire allocation is utilized for the benefit of our farmers.” He pointed to the alarming depletion of groundwater due to decades of over-extraction and stressed the need for an immediate shift in approach.

“Groundwater is a precious and finite resource that must be preserved for future generations. The time has come for a collective shift in mindset. Canal water is not just an alternative, it is the sustainable future of Punjab’s agriculture,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, urging farmers to reduce reliance on tube-wells.

Detailing the government’s efforts, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Since March 2026, ₹6,700 crore has been spent on irrigation projects across Punjab, with approximately 14,000 kilometers of pipelines and watercourses laid to ensure efficient water distribution and minimize losses.” He added that before the current paddy season, an additional 4,000 kilometers of watercourses and 3,000 kilometers of pipelines will become operational.

“The 21,000 cusecs of water being released will also help test these systems, identify bottlenecks, and address deficiencies. The scale of this infrastructure development is unprecedented and reflects our commitment to modernising Punjab’s irrigation network,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

Underscoring the magnitude of the effort, the Chief Minister noted, “The volume of water being released is equivalent to two Bhakra canals, which will provide immense relief to farmers and significantly reduce dependence on groundwater.” He further added that the initiative will aid groundwater recharge through dedicated schemes, ensuring long-term sustainability.

“It is not just about the current crop cycle, it is about securing the future of Punjab’s agriculture and ensuring that coming generations inherit a sustainable ecosystem,” he said.

Expressing a deep personal connection, the Chief Minister said, “This is my village, my people. I know everyone here personally, and that makes this visit even more special.” He appealed directly to villagers, stating, “Do not extract excessive groundwater through tube-wells. Every drop saved today will safeguard our tomorrow.”

Highlighting further measures, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that groundwater recharge points have been established at intervals of every 20 meters along canal networks to enhance natural replenishment of underground water reserves.

On the legislative front, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann described the passage of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 as a historic step. “This law ensures stricter punishment for acts of sacrilege and sends a clear message that any attempt to desecrate sacred texts will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said. He added, “Such acts are not merely crimes against religion but offenses against humanity, often aimed at disturbing peace and harmony.”

“With this law in place, those found guilty will face exemplary punishment. It will act as a strong deterrent and ensure that such heinous acts are not repeated,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, while reaffirming that the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji continue to guide society towards righteousness and unity.

Announcing another major reform, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government has taken a historic decision to shift high-tension electricity wires passing through agricultural fields underground.” He informed that the project is currently in the execution phase and will soon begin as a pilot initiative.

“This will eliminate risks to human life, prevent crop damage, and remove constraints on agricultural operations. It will be a game-changer for farmers,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, adding that the pilot will begin from his native village, covering around 413 tube-wells and 1,100 electricity poles spread across 2,000 acres.

Reiterating the broader vision, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our goal is clear, to empower farmers, conserve natural resources, and build a prosperous and sustainable Punjab. Every decision taken by the Punjab Government is guided by the welfare of our people and the legacy we leave for future generations.”

“Our Government is committed to the well-being of every section of society and no stone is being left unturned to achieve this,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added.

Chandigarh, April 26, 2026: Sanjay Tandon who is the Chairman of Chandigarh Administration’s Standing Committee of Administrator’s Advisory Council on Sports Management has said that all necessary assistance would be extended to the Roller Skating Federation of India and the Chandigarh Roller Skating Federation for hosting the upcoming 21st Asian Roller Skating Championship in the Tricity.  Tandon said, “All help will be provided to federations for organising the Asian Roller Skating Championship”. He further informed that discussions have already been held with the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh in this regard. Tandon made these remarks while addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 3rd India Skate Games along with Mahender Singh, Joint Director Sports. Notably, the 21st Asian Roller Skating Championship is slated to take place in Chandigarh in 2027.

Highlighting the Administration’s commitment, Tandon noted that any required infrastructure upgrades or new facilities for roller skating would be undertaken to ensure the successful conduct of the Asian Championship. The Governor of Punjab has also conveyed strong interest and support for hosting the prestigious event, reinforcing Chandigarh’s emergence as a growing hub for roller sports in India, Tandon added.

Meanwhile, the 3rd India Skate Games has drawn nearly 600 skaters from across the country.  The multi-discipline event features competitions in rink hockey (roller hockey), inline hockey, roller derby, alpine skating and downhill skating.

Tandon assured the skating community of full support from the Chandigarh Administration for the growth of roller sports in the region. Tulsi Ram Agarwal, President of the Roller Skating Federation of India, was also present at the event. 

Chandigarh

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, concluded its fortnight-long SwachhataPakhwada 2026 (1st to 15th April 2026) with a vibrant Awards Ceremony held at the Institute. The valedictory function celebrated the collective contribution of the PGIMER fraternity towards the nationwide mission of cleanliness, hygiene and infection-free healthcare environments.
Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics), PGIMER Chandigarh, was the Chief Guest on the occasion, while Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER Chandigarh, graced the event as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony was attended in large numbers by Faculty Members, Resident Doctors, Nursing Officers, Sanitation and Housekeeping Staff, Security Personnel and other Healthcare Workers of the Institute.
Address by the Chief Guest
In his address, Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics), emphasised the pivotal role of Swachhata in preventing the spread of infection. Drawing from his rich experience in the field of Virology, he highlighted how simple practices such as hand hygiene, appropriate segregation of biomedical waste, surface disinfection and environmental cleanliness form the cornerstone of infection prevention and control within any healthcare facility. He remarked that hospital-acquired infections continue to be a significant public health challenge, and a clean environment is not a luxury but a fundamental prerequisite for patient safety and staff well-being. He congratulated the Nodal Team and every category of worker for making Swachhata a shared institutional value at PGIMER.
Address by the Guest of Honour
Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, addressed the gathering on the broader role of Swachhata in everyday life. He stressed that cleanliness is not a one-time activity but a continuous way of life — at home, in the workplace, and in the community. He urged every member of the PGIMER family to carry the spirit of SwachhataPakhwada beyond the fortnight and to become ambassadors of cleanliness in their neighbourhoods. He specifically acknowledged the contribution of the sanitation and housekeeping staff, calling them the “foundation on which a clean hospital stands”.

Overview of Pakhwada Activities by the Nodal Officer
Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, SwachhataPakhwada 2026, presented a comprehensive overview of the fortnight-long activities organised across the Institute. He informed the gathering that the Pakhwada was structured as a series of thematic days, each designed to engage a different section of the hospital community and to translate the theme of “Swachh Aspataal, Surakshit Rogi” (Clean Hospital, Safe Patient) into visible action on the ground. Key activities during the Pakhwada included:

• Swachhata Shapath (Cleanliness Pledge): The Pakhwada was inaugurated on 1st April 2026 with a formal pledge administered to faculty, residents, nursing officers, sanitation staff and administrative personnel, reaffirming their commitment to a clean and hygienic workplace.
• Awareness Rally and Human Chain: A Walkathon and Ploggingevent were organised across the hospital campus with banners and placards on hand hygiene, waste segregation and “Do Gaz Safai, SabkiBhalai”.
• Deep Cleaning of OPDs, Wards and Hostels: Special deep-cleaning drives were carried out in Out-Patient Departments, in-patient wards, operation theatres, laboratories, hostels and common areas, with a focus on high-touch surfaces.
• Biomedical Waste Management Training: Sensitisation sessions and hands-on demonstrations were conducted for resident doctors, nursing officers, Sanitation and housekeeping staff on correct colour-coded segregation of biomedical waste.
• Hand Hygiene Campaign: Interactive hand hygiene demonstrations were held in different areas, to reinforce the WHO “My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene”.
• Poster, Slogan and Essay Competitions: Competitions on the themes of cleanliness, infection prevention and environmental sustainability were organised for students, residents, nursing officers, Sanitary attendants, Housekeeping attendants and the children of the Welfare Colony.
• Nukkad Natak (Street Play) and Awareness Skits:Sanitary attendants and Housekeeping attendants presented street plays, spreading messages of personal hygiene, clean surroundings and safe sanitation practices.
• Plantation Drive and Green Campus Initiative: Saplings were planted across identified green zones of the campus, reinforcing the link between a clean environment and a healthy ecosystem.
• Single-Use Plastic Elimination Drive: A focused drive was conducted to identify and phase out single-use plastics in canteens, cafeterias and office areas of the Institute.
• Cleanliness Drive in the Welfare Colony: Staff quarters and residential areas of the Welfare Colony were covered under special cleanliness, vector-control and awareness activities, with active participation from resident families.
• Health Talks and Awareness Sessions for Sanitation Staff: Dedicated sessions were held for sanitation and housekeeping workers on personal protective equipment (PPE), needle-stick injury prevention, vaccination and occupational health.
• Quiz on Infection Prevention and Control: An inter-departmental quiz was conducted for residents and nursing officers on topics ranging from hospital hygiene to antimicrobial stewardship.
• Best Worker Award: The awards were given to SwachhataKarmaogis for their contribution in keeping the Swachhta across the Institute.
• Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivir: A preventive health camp was organised for Sanitary Attendants and Hospital Attendants. More than 500 Sanitary Attendants and Hospital Attendants attended the Shivir over a period of two days.
•

Distribution of Swachhata Awards
Swachhata Awards were conferred upon the winners of the various competitions conducted during the Pakhwada, including the Poster, Slogan, Essay and Quiz competitions, and the “Swachhata Champion” recognitions. The winners came from across the institutional community — faculty members, resident doctors, nursing officers, paramedical staff and students — reflecting the truly collaborative spirit of the Pakhwada.
In a particularly heartening moment of the ceremony, awards were presented to Sanitation and Housekeeping Staff in recognition of their invisible yet indispensable daily contribution, and to the thosewho enthusiastically participated in the cleanliness drives and awareness activities in their residential areas. The Security Guards of the Institute were also specially felicitated for their role in maintaining order, discipline and hygienic conduct at entry points, OPDs and other critical zones during the Pakhwada. This inclusive recognition underlined the message that cleanliness is a shared responsibility, and that every pair of hands — from the Dean’s office to the gate and from the wards to the colony lanes — matters equally in building a Swachh Aspataal.

Message from the Director
In his message on the occasion, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER Chandigarh, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the entire PGIMER fraternity for the successful conduct of SwachhataPakhwada 2026. He observed that in a healthcare institution of the scale of PGIMER, where thousands of patients are cared for each day, cleanliness is not merely an aesthetic concern but a direct determinant of patient safety, clinical outcomes and institutional credibility.
“A clean hospital is the first line of treatment. Every hand washed, every surface disinfected, every bin correctly segregated is, in effect, a silent act of healing. Swachhata at PGIMER is therefore not a fortnight-long campaign — it is a year-round discipline and a shared duty of every member of this Institute, from faculty and residents to nursing officers, sanitation staff, security personnel and the residents of our Welfare Colony.”
— Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER Chandigarh
The Director specifically appreciated the sanitation and housekeeping staff, the security personnel and the Welfare Colony residents for their wholehearted participation, noting that the truest measure of the Pakhwada’s success lay in the inclusive spirit it had fostered across the Institute. He reiterated PGIMER’s commitment to institutionalising Swachhata as a continuous mission aligned with the national vision of a Swachh and Swasth Bharat, and urged every member of the PGIMER family to carry forward the learnings and habits of the Pakhwada into their everyday working lives.
Vote of Thanks
The ceremony concluded with a formal vote of thanks, acknowledging the guidance of the Director, PGIMER, the leadership of the Dean (Academics) and the Medical Superintendent, and the tireless efforts of theKarmayogis. Special thanks were extended to every faculty members, resident doctors, nursing officers, paramedical staff, sanitation workers, housekeeping staff, security guards and Welfare Colony resident who contributed to making SwachhataPakhwada 2026 a resounding success.
PGIMER reaffirmed its pledge to carry forward the values of Swachhata beyond the Pakhwada — as a year-round discipline woven into the daily functioning of the Institute, in line with the vision of a Swachh and Swasth Bharat.

CHANDIGARH, 6 April 2026:

Reaffirming the zero-tolerance policy against tax evasion under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday announced that the Punjab Government has achieved record enforcement outcomes in the financial year 2025–26, marking a decisive shift towards intelligence-led action and robust revenue protection.

Detailing the performance, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Driven by the focused and intelligence-led actions of the State Intelligence and Preventive Units, the State Taxation Department imposed massive penalties amounting to ₹1,383.11 crore during the year. Out of this imposed amount, a staggering ₹1,137.85 crore has already been recovered, reflecting a significant leap in enforcement efficiency and revenue realization for Punjab.”

Highlighting the backbone of this success, he added, “Inspection-based enforcement emerged as the primary driver, accounting for ₹1,215.95 crore in penalties and ₹972.15 crore in actual recoveries. Alongside this, road checking operations contributed a solid ₹165.71 crore. This performance marks a multi-fold improvement over FY 2024–25, where inspection enforcement resulted in ₹147.28 crore imposed and ₹41.53 crore recovered, and road checking recoveries stood at ₹157.14 crore. This sharp surge in FY 2025–26 underscores a transformational shift in the state’s capacity for detection, enforcement, and actual financial recovery.”

Underlining the crackdown on fraudulent networks, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The Taxation Department registered eight FIRs and carried out 15 arrests throughout the year. Two of the most prominent FIRs involved seven individuals and exposed fraudulent transactions worth ₹385 crore. These targeted operations uncovered tax evasion of ₹69.57 crore orchestrated by firms engaged in issuing invoices without the actual supply of goods.”

He added, “Additional FIRs were registered across Bathinda, Mandi Gobindgarh, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh to take decisive action against illegal transport of goods and deceptive billing networks. In one highly significant operation, a Ludhiana-based proprietor was arrested for passing fraudulent Input Tax Credit exceeding ₹9 crore.”

He further stated, “The department’s advanced intelligence network yielded several major detections, including uncovering ₹900 crore of fake billing in gold transactions in Ludhiana, ₹226 crore in illicit coal transactions across Mohali, Kharar, and Kotkapura, and ₹423 crore of bogus billing networks operating in Ludhiana and Mandi Gobindgarh. Furthermore, complex investigations uncovered a ₹200 crore fraud involving the ‘Pet Pooja App,’ highlighting the massive scale and sophisticated nature of modern evasion networks.”

On verification drives, the Minister stated, “Focused verification exercises led to the identification of 1,579 suspicious dealers. Following rigorous checks, 922 of these entities were found to be non-existent and their registrations were subsequently cancelled in close coordination with central authorities.”

Emphasising ITC safeguards, he noted, “Strong Input Tax Credit control measures resulted in ₹244.82 crore being actively blocked and ₹206.64 crore reversed. These proactive steps successfully safeguarded ₹451.46 crore in state funds, alongside an additional ₹19.08 crore realized through direct cash recovery.”

Highlighting intensified field enforcement, he added, “During a special drive conducted simultaneously at Mandi Gobindgarh and Ludhiana, a record 141 vehicles were detained in a single day. The department also strengthened enforcement at railway stations and major transit points, with particular scrutiny on high-risk sectors such as iron and steel, cement, auto parts, tobacco, and metals.”

Crediting institutional and technological strength, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The role of State Intelligence and Preventive Unit, Tax Intelligence Unit, and the ‘Bill Liao Inaam Pao’ Scheme has been pivotal. The overwhelming success of these enforcement measures has been powered by advanced data analytics, real-time e-way bill tracking, continuous intelligence inputs, and newly developed digital enforcement portals. These technological advancements have enabled swift and highly coordinated action on the ground.”

Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The performance of FY 2025–26 reflects a transformational shift towards intelligence-led enforcement, significantly strengthening compliance and revenue mobilization across Punjab. Such deterrent actions will continue with even greater intensity to permanently dismantle fraudulent networks, promote genuine business practices, protect honest taxpayers, and safeguard the state’s vital revenues.”