Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Assures Veterinary Students Union of Swift Action on Demands

Chandigarh, October 28 :Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday assured the Veterinary Students Union, Ludhiana, that their legitimate demands would be fulfilled within 15 days. The assurance was given during a meeting held at the Finance Minister's office, where the union presented their grievances and demands.

The meeting, attended by Special Chief Secretary, Sports and Youth Services, Sarvjit Singh, Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries, Rahul Bhandari, Special Secretary of Finance, Showkat Ahmad Parray, and Vice Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill, was a significant step towards addressing the concerns of the veterinary students.

The Veterinary Students Union, represented by President Dr. Avneet Jassal, Vice President Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, and Core Committee Members Dr. Sunil Momi and Dr. Muskan Thakur, presented their case to the Finance Minister. After careful consideration, Finance Minister Cheema directed the concerned officials to resolve the key issues within the next 10 days.

The Finance Minister assured the union that action on their demands is already underway and would be fulfilled soon. He emphasised the government's commitment to supporting the student community and ensuring their concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with the Veterinary Students Union expressing gratitude for the Finance Minister's willingness to listen to their concerns and take prompt action.

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PUNJAB TO HONE ENGLISH SKILLS OF GOVT SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH “THE ENGLISH EDGE”

*• Flagship program to empower 3 lakh students in Grades 9 to 12 across 500 Govt schools in Punjab, says Harjot Singh Bains*

*• 'The English Edge- Learn Smart, Speak Sharp’ to help students think independently & communicate confidently in every sphere of life: Manish Sisodia*

Chandigarh/Amritsar, October 28:Marking a significant leap towards redefining the future of the state’s youth, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, along with Aam Aadmi Party, Punjab Incharge Sh. Manish Sisodia, today launched 'The English Edge – Learn Smart, Speak Sharp', a flagship program to empower government school students with world-class English communication skills.

While addressing the gathering at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, S. Bains said that currently, this ambitious program has rolled out to empower 3 lakh students in Grades 9 to 12 across 500 government schools in Punjab, equipping them with confident English speaking, reading and thinking skills, besides enhancing their employability and access to the global market.

Describing it as a milestone under Punjab Sikhya Kranti, a mission to revolutionise Punjab's education system, S. Harjot Singh Bains said the program combines in-school digital reading lessons with home-based speaking practice. Through guided reading, pronunciation support and daily 10-minute practice sessions, it would help to enhance comprehension and spoken fluency, empowering students to excel in English. The program integrates classroom learning with digital technology to make English learning joyful, inclusive and practical.

The initiative is being implemented by Punjab School Education Department in collaboration with EnglishHelper, a global EdTech organisation that has worked across several Indian states to improve English proficiency and language confidence, he added.

The Education Minister emphasised that while mother tongue lays the foundation, English proficiency is the key to unlocking global opportunities. To equip students for success in today's fast-paced world, we're introducing'The English Edge' program, designed to bridge the language gap and empower them to thrive in a globalized landscape.

This program complements ongoing reforms such as Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum, Drug De-Addiction Curriculum, and Business Blasters Program, all designed to make Punjab’s classrooms hubs of creativity, communication, and critical thinking, S. Harjot Singh Bains added while stating, “Punjab's students are brimming with talent and potential. This flagship program will empower every child, regardless of background, to express themselves confidently in English. This program isn't just about language skills - it's about unlocking Punjab's future. Under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's visionary leadership, We're ensuring every child in government schools has the same confidence and competence to shine on the world stage, on an equal footing with anyone else."

Commending the Punjab Government's initiative, Sh. Manish Sisodia said that the tagline “Learn Smart, Speak Sharp” encapsulates the program’s vision - to help students evolve with the evolving world, think independently and communicate confidently in every sphere of life. The launch of program is a testament to Punjab’s commitment to a holistic education revolution. By empowering its youth with the power of language, Punjab is investing in its most valuable asset—its children. This initiative will unlock countless opportunities in higher education and the global job market, ensuring that Punjab’s talent is not just local, but global.

The program focuses on a holistic learning approach, moving beyond rote memorisation to foster critical thinking, articulate expression, and practical communication skills, he added.

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Punjab Government announces big relief for industry & trade, Says Sanjeev Arora

Registration Fee on Equitable Mortgage reduced from Rs. 1,00,000/- to Rs.1,000/-

Chandigarh, 28 October 2025:Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora today informed that Govt. of Punjab had imposed stamp duty of 0.25% of the loan amount on all equitable mortgages (where land is given as collateral) and hypothecation of immovable property i.e. stocks given as collateral against the Bank loans in January 2025, a further 0.25% subject to a ceiling of 1 lakh, on registration of equitable mortgages was also imposed.

Addressing the media, Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora revealed that the Government of Punjab was earning quite a lot of revenue. However, multiple industry associations like CII, PHDCCI, APEX CHAMBER, CICU, FICO, SLBC had highlighted several challenges like double taxation as most industrial loans involved both equitable mortgage as well as some hypothecation of immovable property. As of today, a loanee is paying 0.25% duty on equitable mortgage, 0.25% duty on hypothecation, and 0.25% on registration (capped). This is almost ~0.65% effective incidence.

It was particularly a burden for over 14 lakh registered MSMEs in the state. They are the creators of the maximum number of jobs, but these charges were hampering their growth and viability.

Sharing more details, Sanjeev Arora highlighted that Government of Punjab has decided to amend the notified rates in light of this issue. In this regard, Stamp Duty on the total loan amount, covering all related instruments including Equitable Mortgage and Hypothecation, shall be levied at 0.25% of the loan amount, subject to a maximum of Rs. 5,00,000 (Rs Five lakhs only). Registration Fee on Equitable Mortgage shall be Rs. 1000/- reduced from Rs. 100000/-.

Following the Cabinet decision, he said that a bill will be presented in front of the Vidhan Sabha to amend the Indian Stamp Act accordingly. This rationalisation aligns Punjab with leading industrial states, signalling a pro-business stance and allowing the state to compete more effectively for productive investments. It will lead to massive improvement in the ease of doing business, increased credit availability and credit uptake in the state. It will also enhance potentially leading to increased investments, jobs etc.

With this step Punjab has become better than other States as far as these charges are concerned i.e Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh & Gujarat.

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350TH MARTYRDOM ANNIVERSARY OF SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI

DR. BALJIT KAUR AND MOHINDER BHAGAT EXTEND INVITATION TO MADHYA PRADESH CHIEF MINISTER

Chandigarh, October 28:As part of Chief Minister S.Bhagwant Singh Mann’s initiative to invite Chief Ministers from across the country for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, Punjab Cabinet Ministers Dr. Baljit Kaur and Mohinder Bhagat today met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and extended a formal invitation to attend the main events scheduled at Sri Anandpur Sahib next month.

The Ministers apprised the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister about the series of religious and cultural events being organized to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who laid down His life to uphold the principles of faith, righteousness, and freedom of conscience. They also briefed him about the key highlights of the commemorations, including the main events from November 23 to 25 at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Expressing appreciation for the gesture, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr.Mohan Yadav said that Guru Sahib’s message of peace, harmony, and universal brotherhood continues to guide humanity and remains a beacon of inspiration for all.

The Punjab Government has deputed its Cabinet Ministers to personally invite Chief Ministers of all states for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Guru Sahib. These Ministers have been visiting various states to deliver invitations on behalf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, ensuring that the message of Guru Sahib’s sacrifice and teachings resonates across the nation.

The month-long programmes, which began with the Ardas at Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, will include Light and Sound Shows, Kirtan Darbars, and religious congregations at sacred sites across Punjab. Four Nagar Kirtans originating from Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), Gurdaspur, Faridkot, and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Punjab) will culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22. The concluding events will feature a Sarbat Dharam Sammelan, a Special Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, and a grand Kirtan Darbar.

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Harbhajan Singh ETO reviews preparations for 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji

Officers ordered to complete work on time

Chandigarh, October 29:Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today reviewed the preparations being made for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

During the meeting, the officials of the department said that three tent cities are being readied for the Sangat at different places in Sri Anandpur Sahib, for the stay of 10 to 12 thousand Sangat. He said that the work of constructing tent cities at the designated places in this regard has been started and will be completed in time for the occasion.

On this occasion, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO also reviewed the preparations for the special session of the Vidhan Sabha being held in Sri Anandpur Sahib. He instructed the officers that additional staff may be deployed as required to ensure that all the work related to this work is completed before the specified date.

He also instructed the officers that a detailed schedule should be fixed for review meetings regarding these works and if any difficulty arises, it should be brought to the notice of the higher officers immediately.

The condition of the routes of the Nagar Kirtans coming from different places in connection with the 350th martyrdom event was also be reviewed and directions were issued to complete the ongoing repair work on these roads immediately so that the devotees do not face any kind of difficulty.

Principal Secretary Public Works Mr. Vikas Pratap, Special Secretary Mrs. Hargunjit Kaur, Engineer in Chief Mr. Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineers Mr. Vijay Kumar Chopra,Mr. Anil Gupta, Mr. Ramtesh Bains, Mr. Arshdeep Singh and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

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350th Martyrdom Day of the Ninth Guru: Dr. Ravjot Singh invites Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha to join event

Chandigarh, October 28:Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today met Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha in Agartala to give him formal invitation to join in the mega event dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Day of the Ninth Guru, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Dr. Ravjot Singh gave information about the series of state-level events being organized to pay homage to the unparalleled martyrdom of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, who sacrificed his life for religious freedom and human values.

The Cabinet Minister also highlighted the main aspects of these commemorative events, including the religious events to be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25. He said that the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is not only a part of Sikh history, it is a message of freedom, tolerance and justice for all humanity.

Dr. Ravjot Singh told the Tripura Chief Minister that through these month long events, the life, teachings and philosophy of Guru Sahib will be conveyed to the people across various walks of life. He said that the President of India, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of various states and foreign ambassadors are also being invited to participate in these events.

Chief Minister Manik Saha, accepting the invitation, paid homage to the unparalleled martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. He said that the eternal message of Guru Sahib of peace, religious freedom, harmony and mutual brotherhood will continue to inspire humanity.