Punjab Government takes a major step — ₹3624 crore assistance released: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Social security benefits reach 34.78 lakh people across the state

Minister directs officials to ensure transparent delivery to every eligible beneficiary

Chandigarh, November 8:The Punjab Government is continuously working to ensure the welfare and social security of weaker sections of society. In this regard, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that during the current financial year, an amount of ₹3624.46 crore has been released under various social security schemes.

She said that the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of ₹6175 crore for the financial year 2025–26 to ensure that all beneficiaries receive timely assistance under these schemes.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the Old Age Pension Scheme, an amount of ₹2400.70 crore has been disbursed so far, while ₹4100 crore has been allocated for the scheme in the current year.

In addition, an amount of ₹693.04 crore has been released as financial assistance to widows and destitute women, ₹242.77 crore to dependent children, and ₹287.95 crore to persons with disabilities. Thus, a total of ₹1223.65 crore has been released under these schemes, against a total budgetary provision of ₹2075 crore for these categories.

The Minister informed that as of now, 34.78 lakh beneficiaries across Punjab are availing the benefits of various social security schemes, which clearly reflects the Government’s firm commitment toward public welfare and upliftment of vulnerable groups.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur directed officials to ensure that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Government’s welfare initiatives reach every eligible beneficiary in a transparent and efficient manner.

“Every step of the Government is aimed at improving the lives of the people,” said Dr. Baljit Kaur.

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Paddy arrival nearing 150 LMT mark; crosses 144 LMT figure

More than 140 LMT of paddy procured

Payments in excess of Rs. 32000 Crore credited in farmers' accounts

Chandigarh, November 8:In a major milestone, the paddy arrival throughout the mandis is inching towards the coveted 150 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) mark. The arrival till date has crossed the 144 Lakh Metric Tonne mark with over 125 LMT lifted.

Terming the accelerated pace of procurement and lifting as testimony to the farmer friendly policies of the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the necessary arrangements have been made in the mandis with a view to ensure that no stakeholder whether the farmers, Commission Agents (Arhtiyas), Labourers don't encounter any difficulty. As far as procurement is concerned, more than 140 LMT of paddy stands procured.

Coming to the payments front, the amount in excess of Rs. 32000 Crore stands credited into the accounts of the farmers, said the Minister exhorting the farming community to bring dry produce in the mandis so as to derive full worth of their crop which they have produced with so much hardwork.

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Punjab Government to hold religious events at Guru Ka Bagh Buddha Dal Chhauni from November 23 to 25: Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh

Punjab Government’s preparations for the martyrdom day celebrations of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji on last leg– Deepak Bali Advisor

Chandigarh/Sri Anandpur Sahib, November 8:Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal Chief Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh said that to commemorate 350th martyrdom anniversary of Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, religious events will be held at Guru Ka Bagh Chhauni Buddha Dal Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25 as per Gurmat Maryada. Sri Akhand Path Sahib will begin on November 23 and the Bhog will be offered on November 25. A Sarab Dharam Sammelan will also be held in the Chhauni On November 23 in which prominent personalities of all religions will participate.

Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh, Chief of Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal, also held a meeting with the Advisor of Tourism Department Punjab, Mr. Deepak Bali and the officials of the administration at Guru Ka Bagh Chhauni Buddha Dal today. After the meeting Baba Balbir Singh said that along with the martyrdom commemorative events, the centenary of the Guruta Gaddi Diwas of the tenth Guru, Sahib-e-Kamal Shiri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is also being celebrated. He said that all religious functions are being organized by the Punjab government at Guru Ka Bagh Cantonment Buddha Dal as per the Rehat Maryada. He said that on November 24, the Sish Bhent Yatra will begin from Gurdwara Bibangarh Sahib to Kiratpur Sahib by all Nihang Singh organizations, which will be conclude at Gurdwara Sish Ganj Sahib Sri Anandpur Sahib.

While giving information about the outline of the entire event, Mr. Deepak Bali, Advisor, Tourism Department, Punjab, said that Sri Akhand Path Sahib will begin on November 23 at Guru Ka Bagh Cantonment Budha Dal, which will be completed on November 25. He said that for the first time in North India, a drone show dedicated to the life of the ninth Guru will be organized with 500 drones at Virasat-e-Khalsa Sri Anandpur Sahib. The drone show will be held daily from November 23 to November 29. For the free and comfortable stay of the devotees from November 19 to November 29, three huge tent cities are being built in which all possible facilities will be provided to the devotees.

He said that on November 20, a light and sound show dedicated to the unparalleled martyrdom of Guru Sahib is also being organized at Charan Ganga Stadium. He said that from November 23 to November 25, there will be Gurmat Samagam at Guru Ka Bagh Cantonment Budha Dal, in which Mahan Kirtan Darbar, Sarbat De Bhale Di Iktatrata, Sarb Dharam Sammelan, Dhadi Kavishri Darbar and renowned Kirtani Jathas will delight the Sangat with Gurbani Kirtan. On this occasion, he reached the Chhauni venue and reviewed the arrangements while directing the concerned officials to complete all the arrangements within the time.

On this occasion, SDM Jaspreet Singh, DSP Jashandeep Singh Mann, Bhupinder Singh Chana Superintendent Engineer Tourism Department, SHO Danishveer Singh, Nihang Singhs and other officials were also present.

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PERSON WHO STOLE NARCOTIC TABLETS FROM MOGA CIVIL HOSPITAL HELD

— HEALTH MINISTER DR BALBIR SINGH PRAISES DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, POLICE FOR SWIFT ACTION

— ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY AGAINST DRUG PEDDLERS BEING PURSUED STRICTLY: HEALTH MINISTER

— PUNJAB GOVERNMENT'S ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN YIELDING POSITIVE RESULTS, NEARLY 20,000 HAVE GIVEN UP ADDICTION

CHANDIGARH/MOGA, November 8:In a swift and efficient operation, the Punjab Police has nabbed the person involved in the theft of de-addiction medicines from the Moga Civil Hospital, which occurred on the night of Diwali, informed Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh here on Saturday, while lauding district administration and police for the quick breakthrough in the case.

Addressing a press conference here, Dr Balbir Singh termed the theft as a serious crime and assured that the strictest legal action will be taken against the accused. "The accused involved in stealing narcotic tablets from the Moga Civil Hospital have been arrested within days of the incident. I commend the Moga District Administration and Police for their efforts," said the Health Minister.

He reiterated that under the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, a policy of zero tolerance is being followed against drug traffickers.

Dr Balbir Singh highlighted that the state government's "Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign is proving to be a milestone in eradicating the menace, with effective results now becoming visible. He informed that nearly 20,000 individuals have given up addiction since the campaign was launched.

Giving details of the case, the Health Minister said that on the night of Diwali, de-addiction medicines were stolen from the Moga Civil Hospital. A total of 10,150 stolen tablets were recovered, while 850 tablets had already been sold by the accused.

The Minister was accompanied by Dharmkot MLA Devinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhos, Deputy Commissioner Sagar Setia, SSP Ajay Gandhi, and officials from the Health Department.

Dr Balbir Singh also outlined the government's broader efforts to strengthen health infrastructure, including the recruitment of 1400 doctors, the ongoing process to hire 1000 more nurses, and the availability of 350 types of free medicines in hospitals. He added that the de-addiction centre at Kot Ise Khan has been upgraded with all facilities, leading nearly 1,000 individuals have successfully undergone de-addiction treatment.

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350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Ninth Guru Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Light and Sound Shows Dedicated to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Highlighted Guru Sahib’s unparalleled sacrifice and eternal philosophy

- Shows held at Batala, Faridkot, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur

- Next shows scheduled for November 11 at Amritsar, Ferozepur, Sangrur, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar

Chandigarh, November 8:Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government organized mesmerising Light and Sound Shows on Saturday at Batala, Faridkot, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur as part of the ongoing celebrations commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. A large number of devotees attended these events with great enthusiasm and reverence.

A spokesperson of the government informed that Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk attended the show held at ITI Batala, while Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan participated in the event organized at Nehru Stadium, Faridkot, along with a large gathering of devotees.

Similarly, the Light and Sound Shows held at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sports Stadium, Fazilka, and at the Multipurpose Outdoor Stadium, Lajwanti, Hoshiarpur, witnessed the participation of local MLAs, dignitaries, and the sangat.

The shows featured advanced laser lighting and 3D projection technology to depict the life, teachings, and supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for the protection of faith and righteousness. The Sangat appreciated the Punjab Government’s initiative, remarking that such efforts would inspire the younger generation to follow the path shown by the revered Guru.

It may be recalled that earlier, on November 4, similar Light and Sound Shows were successfully organized in Patiala, Jalandhar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Pathankot.

The Punjab Government will continue this series of events with the next round of Light and Sound Shows scheduled for Monday, November 11, at Amritsar, Ferozepur, Sangrur, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar.