*CM MANN-LED PUNJAB GOVT CULTIVATES AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION, DRIVES FARMER PROSPERITY & SUSTAINABILITY*

*• RECORD ₹416/QUINTAL SUGARCANE PRICE MAKES PUNJAB FARMERS THE MOST REMUNERATED IN INDIA: GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN*

*• STATE WITNESSES 53% DROP IN FARM FIRES, SIGNALLING SUCCESS OF SUSTAINABILITY PUSH*

*• COTTON CULTIVATION AREA EXPANDS BY 20%, OVER 52K FARMERS ENROLLED FOR SUBSIDIZED SEEDS*

*• DSR AREA GROWS BY 17%, CONSERVING PRECIOUS GROUNDWATER*

*•PILOT PROJECT IN 6 DISTRICTS SUCCESSFULLY SWITCHES OVER 11K ACRES FROM PADDY TO KHARIF MAIZE*

Chandigarh, December 24:As the year of 2025 concludes, Punjab's agricultural landscape stands transformed, driven by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led the state government's bold initiatives. The year has been marked by record farmer remuneration, significant strides in crop diversification and a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices, setting a new benchmark for farm prosperity in the state.

Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, highlighted the year’s landmark achievements, stating that the government’s resolve to empower farmers is matched by its commitment to ecological sustainability. "Our schemes have driven transformative change, and the record sugarcane price reflects our pledge to reward farmers' hard work," he said.

In a historic decision, the state government announced the highest State Agreed Price (SAP) for sugarcane in the country at Rs 416 per quintal, an increase of ₹15 from the previous year. This ensures Punjab’s cane growers are the best compensated nationwide.

A major environmental success has been the 53% reduction in stubble burning incidents during the Kharif season, with cases falling to 5,114 this year from 10,909 in 2024. This achievement is backed by the provision of over 1.58 lakh subsidised Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines to farmers since 2018, with more than 16,000 sanction letters issued this year alone.

Crop diversification saw robust growth, with the area under cotton expanding by 20% to 1.19 lakh hectares, supported by a 33% subsidy on PAU-recommended BT Cotton seeds. Over 52,000 farmers enrolled online for availing the benefit, showcasing strong confidence in government initiatives.

The Agriculture Minister informed that the state government’s push for water-saving Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) technology, backed by an incentive of Rs 1,500 per acre, witnessed widespread adoption. This year area under this technique expanded by 17%, from 2.53 lakh acres in 2024 to 2.96 lakh acres this year, marking a critical step in Punjab’s journey to preserve its groundwater resources. The area under Basmati rice cultivation witnessed a modest increase, rising to 6.90 lakh hectares this year from 6.81 lakh hectares. This uptick underscores aromatic crop’s reputation as a lucrative option for Punjab's farmers, catering to both domestic and export markets.

In a parallel push for crop diversification, the 2025 will be remembered as the year Punjab took concrete steps to break the paddy cycle. A targeted pilot project launched in six districts Bathinda, Sangrur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Pathankot, has yielded positive results as over 11000 acres have been switched from paddy to Kharif maize, supported by an incentive of Rs 17,500 per hectare. Supplemental support of Rs10,000 per hectare for inputs under RKVY, along with the provision of subsidised maize seeds at Rs 100 per kg in SAS Nagar and Roopnagar districts, has laid a strong foundation for scalable change.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated, "Our resolve to empower farmers matched our commitment to sustainable agriculture practices. Schemes like cotton seed subsidy, DSR & crop diversification drove transformative change. Record sugarcane price reflects our pledge to reward farmers' hard work. Punjab Govt eyes 2026 with renewed focus on innovation & eco-friendly farming.”

============================

*Year 2025: A Decisive and Historic Year for Social Justice under the Mann Government — Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Social Justice: Not Just a Policy, but a Moral Responsibility*

*Scholarships Strengthen the Foundation of Education*

*Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Gets a New Identity after 30 Years*

*Skill Development Strong Steps Towards Employment*

*Housing and Safety: Infrastructure Support for Students*

*Ashirwad Scheme: Securing the Future of Daughters*

*SC Sub Plan: Clear Imprint of Social Justice in the Budget*

*Message Against Discrimination: Encouragement to Inter-caste Marriages*

*The Road Ahead: Firm Steps Towards an Inclusive Punjab*

Chandigarh, December 24:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the year 2025 proved to be a historic milestone for the Punjab Government in strengthening social justice, equality and empowerment. Stating this, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during the year, the government took concrete and people-centric decisions that gave new direction to the process of integrating socially and economically disadvantaged sections into the mainstream.

She said that throughout 2025, the government’s approach remained clear that social justice is not a mere policy document, but a moral responsibility. Focused efforts were made to ensure that no child, youth or family is deprived of opportunities due to poverty, caste or social backwardness.

During 2025, the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme emerged as one of the strongest instruments of social justice. Applications from more than 2.62 lakh students belonging to the Scheduled Castes clearly reflected increased trust in government welfare schemes. With a budget provision of ₹245 crore, sincere efforts were made to liberate education from the constraints of poverty.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the renovation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute in 2025 was a symbolic as well as historic step. After nearly 30 years, major construction, repair and strengthening of basic infrastructure were undertaken at a cost of ₹147.49 lakh. In addition, ₹91 lakh was sanctioned for new works, transforming the institute from just a building into a true centre of opportunities.

She added that 2025 opened new avenues of skill development and entrepreneurial thinking for Scheduled Caste students. With the introduction of new courses at the Ambedkar Institute, the focus shifted towards making youth not just job seekers, but job creators.

The Minister further said that approval of two hostels for boys and girls belonging to backward categories at Punjabi University, Patiala, conveyed a strong message that education is not limited to classrooms alone, but safe and secure accommodation is equally essential.

During 2025, the Ashirwad Scheme became a ray of hope for thousands of families. By extending financial assistance to more than 38,000 beneficiaries, the government reaffirmed that daughters are not a burden, but a strength of society.

Allocating ₹13,987 crore from the state development budget exclusively for the welfare of Scheduled Castes remained one of the most significant policy achievements of 2025. This allocation marked a firm step towards translating social and economic development into reality.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that by providing financial assistance for inter-caste marriages during 2025, the Punjab Government delivered a clear message that discrimination has no place in society. This initiative symbolised a change in social mindset beyond mere legal provisions.

Concluding, the Minister said that 2025 firmly established the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to bringing socially and economically weaker sections into the mainstream. The year was not only about achievements, but also about laying a strong foundation for a new, inclusive and socially just Punjab.

========================================

*Year-Ender 2025 : Horticulture Department*

*Punjab Horticulture Department leads the country in strengthening agricultural infrastructure: Mohinder Bhagat*

*Loans worth ₹7,100 crore sanctioned for over 30,000 projects under AIF*

*Area under horticulture in Punjab rises to 5.21 lakh hectares*

*State-of-the-art Horticulture Development Centre coming up at Ladhowal, Ludhiana*

*‘Apna Pind–Apna Bagh’ campaign launched to boost village-level horticulture*

Chandigarh, December 24-Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has intensified efforts to expand the horticulture sector and enhance farmers’ income across the state . Working under the directions of Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat, the Horticulture Department is encouraging farmers to move beyond traditional crops and adopt crop diversification through policy support, financial assistance and modern technology. During 2025, the Horticulture Department achieved several significant milestones and emerged as a frontrunner at the national level in strengthening agricultural infrastructure.

Sharing further details, Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat said that Punjab Horticulture Department once again ranked number one among all states in effective implementation of the centrally sponsored Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. He said the Horticulture Department is functioning as the nodal agency for the scheme in Punjab, ensuring its smooth and transparent execution. So far, loans amounting to ₹7,100 crore have been sanctioned for more than 30,000 agricultural projects under the AIF scheme.

The Minister said that the Mann Government is giving special emphasis to the promotion of horticulture as a key driver of farmers’ income growth. Owing to the continuous and focused efforts of the department, along with increased emphasis on crop diversification, the area under horticulture in Punjab has expanded from 4,81,616 hectares to 5,21,000 hectares.

To further strengthen the sector and familiarise farmers with modern techniques, Shri Bhagat said that a state-of-the-art Horticulture Development Centre is being established at Ladhowal in Ludhiana. The centre will function as a one-stop knowledge hub and play a vital role in motivating farmers to shift from the wheat–paddy cycle towards high-value horticultural crops.

Highlighting a major grassroots initiative, the Minister said the state government has launched the ‘Apna Pind–Apna Bagh’ campaign, giving a new direction to horticulture development. Under this initiative, fruit-bearing plants are being planted on village panchayat lands. The income generated from these orchards will be utilised by the respective panchayats for village development, thereby strengthening the rural economy.

Under the National Horticulture Mission, financial assistance amounting to ₹1,575 lakh has been released to farmers for establishing new orchards, cultivation of vegetables and flowers, mushroom production and beekeeping.

To promote floriculture, the department is providing financial assistance of ₹14,000 per acre under the State Plan Scheme. During the current financial year, a subsidy of ₹17.40 lakh has been disbursed under this scheme.

The Minister further informed that under the Post-Harvest Handling Scheme, a 50 percent subsidy is being provided on plastic crates and carton boxes used for handling fruits and vegetables after harvest. During the current financial year, subsidies worth ₹23.26 lakh have been released under this scheme.

Under the electricity and water conservation scheme, farmers adopting drip irrigation and orchard plantation are being provided an incentive of ₹10,000 per acre, with ₹47.56 lakh released as subsidy during the year. Additionally, a 50 percent subsidy is being given for replacement of polyhouse

cladding material, under which ₹140.51 lakh has been disbursed.

To encourage small-scale mushroom cultivation, farmers are being provided with a subsidy of ₹80,000 per unit, financial assistance of ₹54.66 lakh released during the year.

Shri Bhagat also said that to promote export–import diversification, a Centre of Excellence for onions is being developed at Kheri, Sangrur, under the Indo-Dutch cooperation agreement.

He added that three specialised fruit estates—Pear Estate at Amritsar, Litchi Estate at Pathankot and Guava Estate at Patiala—have been established, which will significantly boost fruit production and farmers’ income in the state.

The Horticulture Minister said that, with a view to providing special relief to flood-affected vegetable growers, the Mann Government is providing a subsidy of 40 percent of their actual cost.

======================================================

*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Approves Recruitment for 532 Posts in Prisons Department*

*475 Warders and 57 Matrons to be Recruited*

*Recruitment Process to Run Alongside Ongoing Selection Process*

Chandigarh, December 24-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday officially approved the direct recruitment of 532 personnel for the Punjab Prisons Department to strengthen jail security and improve administrative efficiency. This recruitment drive includes 475 Warders and 57 Matrons, addressing essential vacancies that have existed for more than one year.

Highlighting that these 532 posts will be filled through the Subordinate Services Selection (SSS) Board, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this process will run alongside the ongoing recruitment of 451 Warders and 20 Matrons that the board is already handling. He said that the approved recruitment also proactively accounts for seven Warder positions that are expected to become vacant due to retirements by December 31, 2026.

While the comprehensive restructuring of the Prisons Department remains under process, the Finance Minister emphasised that the immediate recruitment of these 532 posts is necessary for the department's operational integrity. He said that the Jail Department has been experiencing a staff shortage, which has compelled guarding personnel to work double shifts.

Underscoring the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government's commitment to ensuring that correctional facilities are adequately staffed and that the youth of the state are provided with regular employment opportunities, the Finance Minister said that by authorising this recruitment, the Punjab Government aims to alleviate the burden on current staff while replacing temporary personnel with regular appointments

The Horticulture Minister said that the Punjab Government will continue to launch new initiatives to strengthen the horticulture sector, ensuring sustainable income growth for farmers and contributing to their overall prosperity.

===========================================

*YEAR ENDER-2025: HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT*_

*MANN GOVT FAST TRACKS URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL REFORMS*

*PEOPLE-FIRST POLICIES UNLOCK RELIEF FOR PLOT HOLDERS AND INDUSTRY*

*AMNESTY SCHEME OFFERS RELIEF TO PLOT HOLDERS*

*PAPRA AMENDMENTS PROTECT BUYERS AND CHECK ILLEGAL COLONIES*

*EXTENSION GRANTED TO MEGA AND PAPRA PROJECTS*

*SOP WITH 60 DAY TIMELINE STREAMLINES LICENSING*

*RAJPURA MANUFACTURING CLUSTER GETS ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE*

*EV CHARGING INFRA MADE MANDATORY*

*RENTAL HOUSING PERMITTED IN INDUSTRIAL AND MIXED ZONES*

*DECENTRALISATION ENABLES FASTER REGULATORY APPROVALS*

*SINGLE AUTHORITY CLEARANCE FOR STANDALONE INDUSTRIES AND REGULARISATION POLICY FOR STANDALONE BUILDINGS*

*STATE’S LARGEST ULTRA FILTRATION STP COMMISSIONED*

*MEGA CAMPS AND ONLINE SERVICES IMPROVE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS*

*Chandigarh, December 24:*Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today said that during the year 2025, the department introduced an Amnesty Scheme providing a long awaited window to plot holders who were unable to deposit instalments, complete construction within the stipulated period or deposit Non Construction Fee. The initiative was aimed at settling legacy issues and reinforcing public trust while maintaining planned urban growth.

Highlighting a major citizen centric reform, the Cabinet Minister said that amendments to the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act enabled buyers in unauthorized colonies to get their plots registered without obtaining NOC. Alongside this relief, stringent amendments were brought in to deter illegal development with enhanced punishment and fines for promoters indulging in unauthorized colonies.

To promote investment friendly policies and reduce pressure on developers, the department allowed partial surrender of licences and industrial park projects. Provisions for partial suspension and partial cancellation of licences were also notified, opening fresh avenues for development of industrial parks across the state, he added.

Keeping public interest in focus, the Cabinet Minister said that extensions up to 31.12.2025 were granted for completion of Mega Projects and PAPRA licensed projects. Further relief was extended through a one time provision allowing a maximum extension of five years starting from 31.12.2025 for implementation of such projects.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the Building Rules 2025 have been approved and the notification has been issued. Prepared after due consultation with the general public and stakeholders, these rules provide a strong push to the construction of buildings.

He said that to bring speed and clarity in colony development, a Standard Operating Procedure for grant of licences was framed with a fixed timeline of 60 days, significantly cutting procedural delays and improving predictability for developers.

For effective utilisation of land reserved for Economically Weaker Sections, the department notified a policy to monetise EWS land pockets. The revenue generated will be utilised exclusively for construction and welfare of EWS housing.

Marking a significant stride towards industrial growth, the Cabinet Minister said that an Integrated Manufacturing Cluster at Rajpura under the Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor received Environmental Clearance from the Government of India Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, positioning Punjab firmly on the industrial growth map.

In alignment with the Punjab Electric Vehicle Policy 2022, amendments were carried out in Punjab Urban Planning and Development Building Rules making provision for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and stations in all categories of buildings, he added.

To cater to housing needs of the workforce, amendments in the Rental Housing Policy permitted rental accommodation in standalone projects with a minimum area of 2.5 acres situated in Industrial and Mixed Use Zones of SAS Nagar and New Chandigarh, said the Cabinet Minister.

Ensuring faster and efficient approvals, regulatory powers related to CLU certificates, Completion Certificates and approval of layout and building plans were decentralised. Urban Development Authorities at Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda were empowered to grant approvals at their respective levels.

He said that with a view to accelerate industrial activity, powers for approval of Building Plans and grant of Completion Certificates of standalone industries outside municipal limits were delegated to the Director of Factories, ending the need for multiple departmental clearances. Providing relief to owners of standalone buildings outside municipal limits, urban estates and industrial focal points, a policy was notified for regularisation of constructions made without permission or with deviations at reasonable rates, said the Minister.

To bring transparency and ease in approvals, Online Building Plan Approval System for standalone industries was introduced. In addition, a Unified Single Window Portal was launched to process NoC applications of plots located in illegal colonies within and outside municipal limits.

Strengthening water conservation efforts, a 15 MGD Sewage Treatment Plant with 5 MGD Ultra Filtration was dedicated to the people at Sector-83 SAS Nagar. Set up at a cost of Rs.145.26 crore including eleven years of operation and maintenance, it stands as the largest Ultra Filtration Tertiary Treatment plant in the state enabling reuse of treated water for gardening, road washing, construction and industrial purposes.

To directly address concerns of promoters and developers, the department introduced a dedicated email ID transparency.hud@gmail.com to ensure timely, transparent and hassle free service delivery.

He said that mega camps were also organised this year by development authorities during the year to clear pending cases of individual allottees, promoters and developers.

==================================================

*GULZARINDER SINGH CHAHAL ASSUMES OFFICE AS VICE CHAIRMAN OF ECONOMIC POLICY AND PLANNING BOARD*

*HOLDS BRAINSTORMING MEETING WITH SENIOR PLANNING OFFICERS*

Chandigarh, December 24-Gulzarinder Singh Chahal on Wednesday officially took charge as Vice Chairman of the Economic Policy and Planning Board, Punjab, with the status of Cabinet Rank, in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary Planning Jaspreet Talwar, Additional Secretary Planning Jagjit Singh, and Director Planning Anupam. He expressed his sincere gratitude to National Convenor AAP Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for the opportunity to serve.

Immediately following his assumption of office, the Vice Chairman Chahal held a brainstorming meeting with senior planning officers and said that the Punjab Government is already implementing Stong, pro people policies with positive results on ground and that Punjab is leading the way in India by undertaking revolutionary reforms through well thought out policies. In the meeting he along with senior officers strategised to develop a plan for his new role, focusing on furthering Punjab's development.

During the meeting, he acknowledged that Punjab’s economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture and Medium and Small Enterprises ( MSME) and emphasized that his tenure will focus on providing inputs and recommendations to boost both these sectors further. Chahal also took the opportunity to commend the Punjab Government’s e-Registry initiative, citing it as a successful model of corruption-free governance and transparency that should be replicated across other departments through technology-enabled reforms.

Looking toward the future, Vice Chairman Gulzarinder Singh Chahal highlighted the necessity of embracing the digital economy. He signaled a strong commitment to supporting startups, media and entertainment, while integrating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics into government sectors to improve service delivery.

He added that he will endeavour for close coordination with Niti Aayog and study major policies across Indian states and internationally so that successful policies can be adapted for Punjab while also facilitating investments from Global Punjabis and international Industry leaders to strengthen the states economic growth.

Leveraging his background as an entrepreneur, he concluded that driving innovation and fostering public-private collaborations will be vital in attracting investment and ensuring that the fruits of economic growth reach every citizen of Punjab.