AMAN ARORA INAUGURATES STATE-OF-THE-ART HOSTEL FOR NDA ASPIRANT GIRLS AT MAI BHAGO AFPI
• Accommodation Block constructed with ₹2.46-CR named after first Field Marshal of the Indian Army Sam Manekshaw
• 40 Girl Cadets to get modern amenities, including Cyber Lab, Indoor Shooting Range & Fitness Hub, says Aman Arora
• Top SSB Scorer Sehjaldeep Kaur among other lady cadets felicitated
Chandigarh/SAS Nagar (Mohali), November 21:–In a major boost to empower the young women of Punjab by enabling them to join the Indian Armed Forces, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora, on Friday, inaugurated a dedicated accommodation block for the NDA Preparatory Wing at the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for Girls, SAS Nagar (Mohali). The facility has been named in honour of the legendary Sam Manekshaw, the first Field Marshal of the Indian Army, who was also born in Amritsar, Punjab. It exemplifies Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government's dedication to empowering Punjab's youth, especially women, to serve the nation.
Mr. Aman Arora said that this Rs. 2.46 crore state-of-the-art hostel is designed as a comprehensive residential and training facility with modern amenities, including a cyber lab, indoor shooting range and top-notch fitness facilities, providing an ideal environment for 40 girl cadets, who are preparing for the NDA. It would create a supportive and focused environment for their preparations, besides offering a holistic ecosystem for their development as future commissioned officers.
While assuring the Institute Administration full support from the state government, he informed that CM Mann led state government has commenced the NDA Preparatory Wing at the Institute in July 2023, which has already seen tremendous response from girls aspiring to join Defence Services as commissioned officers.
Meanwhile, the Employment Generation Minister felicitated Lady Cadets, who have cleared the NDA written exam and those recommended for commission, including Lady Cadet Sehjaldeep Kaur, who created history by securing the highest marks in the SSB interview pan-India amongst boys and girls, a first for any girl so far. This unfolds a new chapter as Mai Bhago's spirit of courage inspires Punjab's women to don the uniform and lead the nation forward.
While addressing the lady cadets, Mr. Aman Arora stated, “We are providing a launchpad for the dreams of our daughters to soar high. CM Mann Led government is committed to shattering every glass ceiling. This wing is a testament to our belief that the girls of Punjab are second to none and are destined to lead from the front in the Armed Forces.”
Principal Secretary Employment Generation Ms. Alaknanda Dayal, Director Ms Amrit Singh, Director Mai Bhago AFPI Major General Jasbir Singh Sandhu, AVSM (Retd.) & other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.
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PUNJAB ADVOCATE GENERAL MANINDERJIT SINGH BEDI DESIGNATED SENIOR ADVOCATE
Chandigarh, November 21:The Punjab and Haryana High Court today designated Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi as Senior Advocate. The official notification stated that the court, exercising its authority under Section 16(2) of the Advocates Act 1961, has accorded this designation to S. Bedi with effect from the date of issuance of the notification.
Advocate General S. Bedi comes from Phul town in Bathinda district. A law graduate from Punjabi University, Patiala, Class of 2005, he began his journey in the legal field under the guidance of his paternal uncle while practicing at Rampura Phul.
He moved to Chandigarh in 2009 and built an active practice across constitutional, civil, criminal, service, revenue and corporate matters. His assignments over the years included serving as panel counsel for key state institutions like PSPCL, PTU, ULBs and PUNGRAIN.
His tenure as Additional Advocate General, Punjab, from July 2023 to March 2025, saw him appear for the state before both the High Court and the Supreme Court. He took charge as Advocate General of Punjab in March this year.
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Speaker orders to designate entire area of Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib as a precinct of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Complex
Chandigarh 21 November 2025:The Sixteenth Punjab Legislative Assembly has been summoned to meet for its 10th (Special) Session on Monday, the 24th November, 2025 at 1.00 P.M., at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial, Sri Anandpur Sahib, District Roopnagar. In this regard, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker has ordered to designate the entire area of Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib as a precinct of the temporary Punjab Vidhan Sabha Complex during the 10th (Special) Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 2025, where all the rules regarding the proceedings of the House will be applicable.
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ON WORLD FISHERIES DAY, PUNJAB EYES BIGGER CATCH WITH SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE PUSH
• Punjab's fisheries sector thrives with over 2 lakh tonnes annual production, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian
• Khudian congratulates Fish & Shrimp Farmers on World Fisheries Day, urges them to continue proactive role in boosting production
Chandigarh, November 21:–On the World Fisheries Day, celebrated globally on November 21, the Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian highlighted the state's remarkable progress in fisheries development, turning aquaculture into a sustainable production and economic powerhouse.
Detailing the state's progress in aquaculture sector, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that Punjab's Fisheries sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with fish culture spread across 43,685 acres, yielding an impressive annual production of over two lakh metric tonnes. The state's innovative approach to shrimp farming has also paid off, with 1,034 acres of saline lands being utilised to produce around 2,759 metric tonnes of shrimp, showcasing its potential in sustainable aquaculture practices and contributing to the state's economic development.
To support this growth, Punjab has established 16 Government Fish Seed Farms to provide high-quality fish seed to farmers at affordable rates, he added.
Furthermore, the state is actively promoting the PMMSY, offering substantial subsidies of 40% to 60% for various projects. Through PMMSY, the Fisheries department have already provided subsidies worth Rs 31.04 crores to 683 beneficiaries, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed, while adding that this financial support covers a wide range of initiatives, including new ponds for fish and shrimp farming, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Biofloc units, Fish Feed Mills and vehicles for transportation of fish and fish products.
While congratulating the fish & shrimp farmers and other stakeholders on the World Fisheries Day, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian urged all the farmers to continue their proactive role in boosting production. The state government is committed to provide every possible support to strengthen this profession and ensure the prosperity of “Annadata”.
The Fisheries Minister said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is pulling all stops to harnessing Punjab's water resources for sustainable growth and farmer prosperity. The Fisheries department has been intensely focused on developing robust infrastructure and boosting fish production, turning previously unproductive lands into thriving economic assets.
Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairying Development Department Mr. Rahul Bhandari also congratulated the fish and shrimp cultivators, while sharing that the department has declared the Rohu (Labeo rohita) fish as the 'State Fish' on October 31 this year. He also highlighted a new scheme by the Punjab Fisheries Development Board to support the construction of fish ponds in low-lying areas and the renovation of old private ponds.
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“AnandpurSahib350.com” A Digital Companion for Millions of Sangat at Sri Anandpur Sahib
*•Harjot Singh Bains Unveils State-of-the-Art Website & Mobile App to Facilitate devotees for Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary*
*• Centralised Information Hub offers commemorative events schedule, live streams, information about parking & accommodation including booking*
*• 65 mini-buses and 500 e-rickshaws to ensure seamless shuttle Service, says Bains*
*•Information to be available in Punjabi & English on both digital platforms: Bains*
Chandigarh/ Sri Anandpur Sahib, November 21:–In a significant move to ensure a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for ‘Sangat’, Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today launched a comprehensive digital initiative “AnandpurSahib350.com” a dedicated mobile application and website to serve the millions of devotees converging at Sri Anandpur Sahib for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.
S. Harjot Singh Bains informed that the state-of-the-art platforms are designed as a one-stop digital solution, providing real-time information and logistical support to ensure a safe, organised and spiritually fulfilling experience for all attendees.
In the spirit of ‘Sarbat Da Bhala,’ Rupnagar District Administration is committed to serving every devotee with the highest standards of facility and respect, S. Harjot Singh Bains said while noting, “the AnandpurSahib350.com platform embodies this commitment, leveraging technology to empower the Sangat with information. This will allow them to focus entirely on their devotion, leaving logistical concerns to us. We encourage everyone to use and share this vital resource.”S. Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the digital platforms’ comprehensive features, including a centralised information hub offering commemorative event schedules, live streams of sacred commemorative ceremonies, Nagar Kirtan routes and historical context in Punjabi and English. The platform also boasts intelligent logistics management, helping devotees locate over 30 designated parking areas and three Tent Cities with real-time capacity updates and booking for accommodation in Tent Cities. Additionally, a unique 'Tractor-Trolley City' has been set up just one kilometre from Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, ensuring seamless connectivity for pilgrims.
He further informed that the digital platform offers real-time information on seamless shuttle services, including 65 mini-buses and 500 e-rickshaws operating 24X7, connecting all parking sites to key locations such as Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib and the main event grounds.
The Education Minister shared that a comprehensive health and safety measures including 19 'Aam Aadmi Clinics,' two specialised eye camps, and multiple health check-up stations offering free medicines, tests and emergency care, supported by a strategically deployed fleet of ambulances.
The city will maintain high standards of hygiene through 26 mobile toilet vans with hourly cleaning schedules, complemented by bathing facilities, S. Bains said while adding that Integrated CCTV cameras, LED screens and a public announcement system will provide live traffic advisories and important alerts, keeping pilgrims informed on-the-go.
S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the website AnandpurSahib350.com is now live. The companion mobile application is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government extends sincere gratitude to all Sevadars and the community for their dedication. He appeals to everyone to join hands in making the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji a grand success and a memorable, he added.
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24 Class-IV Employees Promoted as Clerks — Promotion Orders Hands Over by Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur
“Work with Honesty and Commitment” — Minister’s Urges to Newly Promoted Employees
Department Directed to Provide Mandatory Training to All Promotees
Chandigarh, November 21:Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is not only taking significant steps for the welfare of people across the state but is equally committed to safeguarding the rights and career progression of its employees.
In this spirit, 24 Class-IV employees of the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department have been promoted to the post of Clerk. Today at Punjab Bhawan, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur personally handed over the promotion orders to the newly promoted employees.
These promotions also include four specially-abled employees, who have been elevated to the post of Clerk based on equal opportunity and fair promotional norms. The Minister added that the Punjab Government is committed to providing equal rights, dignity, and growth opportunities to employees from every section, and this decision reflects that strong commitment.
Congratulating the employees promoted as Clerks, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the department works for the welfare of senior citizens, women, children, and economically weaker sections. Therefore, it is essential that the newly assigned responsibilities be fulfilled with complete dedication and honesty.
During the meeting, the Minister directed departmental officials to ensure that the promoted employees receive appropriate and timely training so they can perform their duties more efficiently and professionally.
On this occasion, Director of Social Security Mrs. Shena Aggarwal, Additional Director Mr. Charanjit Singh Mann, Deputy Director Mr. Ravinder Singh Rahi, and other officials and staff of the department were also present.
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DR BALBIR SINGH LAUNCHES ‘LEADERSHIP IN MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME’ UNDER “YUDH NASHEAN VIRUDH”
*— COUNTRY’S FIRST FELLOWSHIP AGAINST SUBSTANCE-ABUSE TO BRING 35 MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS TO PUNJAB: HEALTH MINISTER*
*— PROGRAMME IS A JOINT COLLABORATION BETWEEN HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR BR AMBEDKAR INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES MOHALI & TATA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES MUMBAI*
CHANDIGARH, November 21:In a significant step to strengthen the state’s fight against substance abuse under the ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday launched the ‘Leadership in Mental Health Programme’ – the country’s first fellowship dedicated to reducing substance-use and promoting mental wellbeing. This pioneering initiative is a joint collaboration between the Health Department Punjab, Dr BR Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai.
Detailing about the initiative, Dr Balbir Singh said that this fellowship will bring 35 mental health professionals from across India and the globe to bolster prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services in all 23 districts of Punjab. “Only a swasth Punjab can be a Rangla Punjab. To counter the rising epidemic of drug-abuse, Punjab needs talented and compassionate youth to lead our fight against ignorance, stigma, and apathy,” he added.
Speaking about the programme’s structure, Dr Balbir Singh informed that the two-year fellowship will provide early-career professionals with a unique opportunity to work under the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit, which is leading a comprehensive response against substance abuse in Punjab. The fellows will undergo a comprehensive two-week induction programme by TISS Mumbai before their field deployment.
Emphasising the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government's commitment to institutionalising mental health care, Dr Balbir Singh said, “The launch of the Leadership in Mental Health Programme makes the Government’s focus and commitment to ensure mental wellbeing of every person in Punjab more clear than ever. From public grounds for physical activities to unique fellowships to improve the state’s mental health services, we are working towards providing accessible and compassionate healthcare to the people of Punjab.”
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