*Punjab CEO Reviews various aspects of Electoral Roll Management*

- Chaired a VC with all DCs of State

Chandigarh, February 5:Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab Ms. Anindita Mitra chaired a video conference last evening, with all District Election Officers-cum-Deputy Commissioners to review the progress of activities related to electoral rolls.

During the meeting, the CEO Punjab took stock of voter mapping activities and reviewed district-wise progress to ensure systematic coverage, accuracy, and timely updation of electoral information.

The status of collection and disposal of electoral forms was also reviewed, with special emphasis on resolving cases involving blurred photographs and gibberish entries. District officials were directed to ensure prompt disposal of such cases strictly in accordance with prescribed procedures.

A detailed discussion was held on the pendency of applications on ERO Net, and the Chief Electoral Officer stressed the need for continuous monitoring and expeditious disposal to maintain the integrity and cleanliness of electoral rolls.

The CEO further emphasised the importance of spreading awareness about the “Book a Call” feature on ECI Net, under which Booth Level Officers (BLOs) provide call-back assistance to electors for transparent and time-bound grievance redressal.

Issues related to Demographical Similar Entries (DSE) were also reviewed, and districts were instructed to undertake careful verification to prevent duplication and ensure the uniqueness of elector records.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt removes financial barriers for orphaned & visually impaired youth in technical education*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt waives ITI fees for orphans & visually impaired students in COPA trade: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Punjab Govt approves 100% fee waiver for COPA-VI course across 9 govt ITIs: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 5th February 2026:In a major pro-people decision aimed at empowering underprivileged sections of society, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved a proposal to waive training fees for orphans and visually impaired students enrolled in the Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA-VI) trade across Government Industrial Training Institutes.

Confirming the decision after clearing the official file, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The move reflects the Bhagwant Mann Government’s firm commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier to the professional growth of vulnerable students.”

The Minister stated that students coming from orphanages and schools for the blind will now be eligible for a 100 percent fee waiver for the COPA-VI trade, and this benefit will be implemented across nine government institutions currently running the course.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Harpal Singh Cheema noted, “While the fee waiver involves a revenue commitment, the government views it as a vital investment in human capital rather than a financial burden. The proposal was discussed in detail during the budget meetings held on January 29, 2026, where the administrative department’s recommendation was thoroughly examined and approved to ensure that technical education remains accessible to every segment of society.”

“Our government is dedicated to making Punjab a leader in skill development and digital literacy,” Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said. “By removing the financial burden for our specially-abled and orphaned youth in the COPA-VI trade, we are providing them a fair platform to acquire technical expertise and secure a dignified livelihood in the rapidly growing IT sector.”

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*Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema hosts high-level Canadian delegation to strengthen Alberta–Punjab economic ties*

*Talks on investment, technology and innovation as Canadian delegation meets Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Invest Punjab showcases Punjab’s investment potential to Canadian delegation during this meeting*

Punjab open to innovation-driven global collaborations focused on sustainable development: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Canadian delegation keen to understand Invest Punjab’s operational framework, appreciates Punjab Govt’s industrial approach: Alberta Govt Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney*

CHANDIGARH, 5th February 2026:Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday evening hosted a high-level Canadian delegation at Punjab Bhawan, following a formal request from the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi, with discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation and deepening economic engagement between the state of Punjab and the province of Alberta.

The Canadian delegation was led by Minister of Indigenous Relations for the Government of Alberta Rajan Sawhney was accompanied by Stakeholders Administrator from the Office of the Premier Jatinder Singh Tatla, Senior Advisor to the Leader of the United Conservative Party of Alberta Happy Mann, Executive Director of Executive Operations in the Department of Indigenous Relations Genevieve Turcotte, along with Jagroop Khalon, Jaswinder Grewal, and Puneet Kumar Goyal.

During the meeting, officials from Invest Punjab made a detailed presentation showcasing the wide range of investment opportunities available in the state. Through a comprehensive video and PowerPoint presentation, the delegation was briefed on Punjab’s industrial ecosystem and the state government’s efforts to ensure a smooth and industry-friendly Ease of Doing Business environment.

Minister of Indigenous Relations for the Government of Alberta Rajan Sawhney said, “The delegation is keen to understand the operational framework of Invest Punjab and appreciated the proactive approach adopted by the Punjab Government to promote industrial growth.”

“The visit to Punjab forms an important part of the delegation’s broader India mission linked to India Energy Week, during which meetings are being held with senior government leaders and private sector stakeholders across major Indian centres to explore avenues of collaboration,” she stated, adding that technology and innovation are key sectors where Alberta and Punjab can align their strengths for mutual development.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reaffirmed Punjab’s commitment to building long-term international partnerships that go beyond trade and focus on sustainable development and shared prosperity. “Punjab is open to meaningful collaborations that create value for both regions and strengthen economic ties through innovation-driven growth,” he stated.

The Finance Minister was joined in the discussions by senior officials including Chairman of Milkfed Narinder Singh Shergill, Additional Chief Secretary of Finance Alok Shekhar, Secretary of Industries Mohinder Pal, Additional CEO of Invest Punjab Rubinderjit Singh Brar, and Special Secretary of Power Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar. The engagement reflected a shared intent to work towards a strong and enduring economic corridor between Alberta and Punjab based on cooperation, innovation, and mutual trust.

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