*Overwhelming response continues on second Day of Kila Raipur Rural Olympics 2026*

*80,508 Visitors in 2 Months as Bhagwant Singh Mann Govt’s Wildlife Conservation Drive Gains Momentum: Lal Chand Kataruchak*

*Record Footfall at Chhatbir Zoo Reflects Success of Punjab Govt’s Wildlife Awareness Campaign: Lal Chand Kataruchak*

*Country’s Longest Walk-in Aviary, Solar Upgrades Boost Chhatbir Zoo’s Appeal: Lal Chand Kataruchak*

*Punjab Declares 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries Plastic-Free, Five Wetlands Selected for Priority Development: Lal Chand Kataruchak*

*From Critical Care Unit to Solar Plant, Bhagwant Mann Govt Strengthens Wildlife Infrastructure: Lal Chand Kataruchak*

CHANDIGARH, February 18:The Bhagwant Singh Mann Government’s sustained efforts to promote wildlife conservation and public awareness are yielding visible results, with visitor footfall at the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhatbir witnessing a significant rise. Sharing the details, Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that in just the first two months of the year, the zoo recorded 80,508 visitors, reflecting growing public engagement with wildlife preservation.

On this, Punjab’s Minister for Forests and Wildlife Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, our government has worked consistently to sensitize people towards nurturing and preserving wildlife. The response from the public has been extremely encouraging.”

The Forests and Wildlife Minister informed, “The Chhatbir Zoo received 48,719 visitors in January alone, while 31,789 people visited in February to witness the diverse species of birds and animals in the serene and well-maintained surroundings.”

Highlighting the conservation-focused initiatives undertaken at the zoo, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “As part of our commitment to conservation and protection of wildlife, several pathbreaking initiatives have been implemented at the Chhatbir Zoo.” He added, “The country’s biggest and longest walk-in aviary has become a major centre of attraction. Alongside this, an ultra-modern dinosaur park has been set up to enhance the educational and recreational experience for visitors.”

Detailing infrastructure upgrades, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “In the 1,200-metre wildlife safari area, the boundary wall has been strengthened and a 260 kV solar plant has been installed to promote clean energy usage.” He further stated that “a critical care unit has been constructed at the lion safari to provide specialised treatment for carnivorous animals, and an open-air Zoo Education Plaza has been developed for visitors, particularly school children.”

Expanding on the broader conservation agenda, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “The Indus River Dolphin has been declared the State Aquatic Animal of Punjab, and 13 wildlife sanctuaries across the state have been declared plastic-free.” He added that “five wetlands of the state, namely Harike, Ropar, Kanjhli, Keshopur and Nangal, have been included among the 100 wetlands selected by the Union Government for priority development.”

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt Enforces Strict Accountability to Strengthen ‘Sikhya Kranti’, Show-Cause Notices Issued to 6 Teachers*

*• Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains Conducts Surprise Inspection in Machhiwara, says Zero Tolerance for Negligence Under Bhagwant Mann Govt*

*• Students Struggling With Basics Prompt Strict Action at Government Primary School, Machhiwara: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Education Paramount for Bhagwant Mann Govt, Dereliction of Duty Will Invite Action: Harjot Singh Bains*

CHANDIGARH, February 18:In a clear demonstration of its uncompromising commitment to improving classroom standards, the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government has taken swift and decisive action after Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains conducted a surprise inspection at Government Primary School in Machhiwara and identified serious lapses. During the visit, the Punjab Education Minister found gaps in school management and observed students struggling with basic questions, prompting immediate corrective measures.

The Punjab School Education Department subsequently issued show-cause notices to six teachers, including the BRC, Head Teacher, an Associate Teacher, three ETT Teachers and an IEAT Teacher.

The action highlights the Bhagwant Mann government’s focus on strengthening learning outcomes under Punjab’s ongoing “Sikhya Kranti” reforms. Reaffirming a strict zero-tolerance approach to negligence, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that education remains a top priority for the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government and that accountability at every level is essential to ensuring that students receive the quality education they deserve.

Expressing strong displeasure over the lapses, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated, “Not an iota of negligence will be tolerated. Children’s future is being shaped in the classrooms. Education is paramount for Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government and strict action will be taken against any dereliction of duty.”

Notably, the Punjab Education Minister has been on a surprise inspection spree, visiting government schools across the state to assess academic standards, student attendance, mid-day meals and infrastructure upkeep. The surprise visits highlight Punjab Govt's commitment to further improve the public education system, keeping students at the forefront.

Sharing a clip from his inspection on X, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated: “Conducted a surprise visit to Government Schools in Machhiwara Sahib and reviewed academic standards and overall functioning. Nothing is more important to us than our children’s education. Any teacher found negligent or derelict in duty will face strict action. Show cause notices have been issued to all the teachers of the Primary School today. No compromise will be tolerated when it comes to students’ learning.”

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*Vigilance Bureau nabs Lineman of PSPCL red handed accepting bribe of Rs 5000/-*

Chandigarh February 18, 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Lineman Balveer Singh(Fauzi), posted at Sub Divisional office of PSPCL Attowal district Hoshiarpur, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 5000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Tanuli district Hoshiarpur.

He said that the complainant is engaged in agricultural work and applied for shifting the route of electricity wire from the meter to his house. In this connection, complainant met accused lineman Balveer Singh(Fauzi) who demanded bribe of Rs. 5000/- in lieu of shifting the route of electricity wire from the meter to his house. In this regard, the complainant had recorded the conversation of demanding illegal gratification by the accused Lineman Balveer Singh (Fauzi).

After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 5000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Mohali and further investigation into this case is under progress.

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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan condoles demise of Punjabi Poet Navrahi Ghugyanvi

Chandigarh, February 18, 2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed grief over the demise of renowned Faridkot based Punjabi Poet Navrahi Ghugyanvi. His unwavering dedication towards poetry will always inspire us and remain in our heart.

Speaker Sandhwan deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing away and he prayed to the God to grant peace to the departed soul. Almighty may give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of distress.

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*Central Government heed to advice given by the doctors of Apollo Hospital: Kultar Singh Sandhwan*

*Central Government urgent intervention needed to resolve the issues of farmers at the earliest*

*Trade deal ink by US- India should be terminated immediately*

Chandigarh February 18,2026:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that the central government should heed to the advice given by the expert doctors of Apollo Hospital and should be sensitive towards the issues of farmers of India. He added that trade deal with the US will cause huge loss to the farmers of India. He stated that the central government is acting indifferently towards the leading issues of the farmers which is very unfortunate and condemnable.

He said that our government stands shoulder to shoulder with the Indian farmers and we will raise our voice against this trade pact and protest against the anti-farmer policies of the central government.

Sandhwan highlighted that as per Apollo Hospital doctor advice imported apples are less nutritious than domestic Indian varieties because they lose 40–85% of nutrients, particularly Vitamin C, during long-term storage and transport. They looks shinny but are inferior in quality. In contrast with Kashmiri or Himachali apples which is offering better health benefits at lower costs. Imported apples are less nutritious than the domestic harvest. We end up paying a premium price for an inferior quality imported apples. He expressed hope that the central government would listen to these issues and resolve them soon.

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*Punjab to get major boost in horticulture with Rs 1,300-crore investment to increase farmers’ income: Mohinder Bhagat*

*State to adopt Maharashtra model; MoU signed to strengthen FPOs*

Chandigarh, February 18:Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Wednesday said that Punjab is set to witness a major positive change in the horticulture sector with a proposed investment of about Rs 1,300 crore, which will help increase farmers’ income and create new opportunities in value addition and exports.

Addressing a press conference here, the Minister shared the outcomes of his recent visit to Sahyadri Farmers Producer Company Limited in Nashik, Maharashtra. He said Punjab will adopt successful practices from the Maharashtra horticulture model so that farmers in the state can earn better profits through organised farming, processing and better market linkages. An MoU was also signed with Sahyadri to strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Punjab through training and institutional support.

Bhagat said the visit was very useful as the delegation studied how farmers can work together through FPOs to improve production, grading, packaging, processing and exports. He informed that Sahyadri is working with thousands of farmers over more than 30,000 acres and exports fruits and vegetables to 42 countries, which shows how collective efforts can bring prosperity to farmers.

The Minister said the delegation visited modern packhouses, processing units, research farms and training centres, where they interacted directly with farmers and experts. He said Punjab farmers can benefit from scientific crop planning, better quality control and strong market connections, which were key features of the model studied during the visit.

Talking about the MoU, the Minister said it will help in forming strong farmer groups in Punjab, providing training, technology support and guidance so that farmers can benefit from working collectively and get better prices for their produce.

Bhagat reiterated that the Punjab Government is fully committed to promoting crop diversification towards horticulture, increasing value addition and creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers, adding that Punjab has the potential to emerge as a leading horticulture hub in the country.

On this occasion, Commissioner Agriculture Babita Kaler, Director Horticulture Shailender Kaur, Deputy Director Horticulture Harpreet Singh Sethi, Assistant Director Horticulture Rupinder Kaur, Assistant Director Horticulture Balwinderjit Kaur and other senior officers were present.

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*384 Flying Squads, MATQ App & Section 144: Bhagwant Mann Govt Ensures Fair & Secure Board Exams for 8.18 Lakh Students*

*• Punjab Govt sets up 6,792 Exam Centres, 5,600+ Officials to Guarantee Smooth Conduct of Board Exams: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Examinations Are Celebration of Knowledge, Appear Fearlessly & Honestly: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• First-of-Its-Kind MATQ App Introduced for Real-Time Question Paper Tracking, Zero Leakage Risk: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Transparent Education Vision of Bhagwant Mann Govt Taking Shape as Board Exams Begin Across Punjab: Harjot Singh Bains*

CHANDIGARH, February 18:As over 8.18 lakh students begin their Class 8, 10 and 12 Board examinations across Punjab, the Bhagwant Mann Government has enforced an unprecedented security and monitoring framework to guarantee fairness, discipline and zero tolerance for malpractice.

With 384 flying squads, including special teams conducting surprise inspections, strict imposition of Section 144 within 100 metres of exam centres and the launch of the first-of-its-kind MATQ App for real-time tracking of question papers, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has operationalised a robust, technology-driven system to eliminate leakage risks and ensure transparency.

Backed by 6,792 examination centres and the deployment of over 5,600 officials on ground, the state’s education machinery is working in mission mode to conduct smooth, credible and secure examinations, reflecting the government’s clear commitment to transparent and accountable governance in education.

Extending his best wishes to students, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “Examinations are a celebration of knowledge. I urge all students to appear in exams fearlessly, with full confidence and honesty. Your hard work today will illuminate your tomorrow and steer Punjab towards progress.”

Highlighting the scale of preparations, the Education Minister stated, “With over 8.18 lakh students appearing in the Board exams across the state, the Punjab School Education Board has set up 6,792 examination centres, including 2,307 for Class 8, 2,367 for Class 10 and 2,118 for Class 12 across Punjab. To ensure smooth conduct at the ground level, 2,469 Superintendents and 3,193 Deputy Superintendents have been deployed.” He added, “To curb malpractices and cheating in exams, 384 flying squads, including 111 special teams, will conduct surprise inspections.”

Emphasising the government’s push for transparency and accountability, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “Ushering in a new era of accountability and discipline in education, the state government has introduced the MATQ App, a first-of-its-kind tech initiative, for real-time tracking of question papers, ensuring foolproof security and zero leakage risk.” He further stated, “To further sterilise the examination environment, Section 144 has been strictly imposed within a 100-metre radius of all examination centres, prohibiting the gathering of unauthorised individuals.”

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Education Minister asserted, “The Bhagwant Mann Government’s vision for transparent education is taking shape. Exams are being conducted smoothly across Punjab, with a strong focus on quality and fairness.”

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PWD Minister Reviews Ongoing Road Projects, Orders Completion Before Rainy Season

Harbhajan Singh ETO Directed for Weekly Targets, Strict Quality Monitoring and Timely Bill Submission

Chandigarh, February 18:Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO today conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing road infrastructure works across the state at a high-level meeting held at Punjab Bhavan, Chandigarh.

Taking stock of the head-wise progress of projects being undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD), the Minister emphasized the need for timely completion of all works well before the onset of the rainy season. He directed officials to draw up weekly targets for expediting bituminous works and ensure their early completion.

The Minister instructed that these weekly targets be monitored daily by the respective Chief Engineers and reviewed periodically at his level to ensure accountability and efficiency. He stressed that the people of Punjab must be provided with durable and high-quality road infrastructure without delay.

Reiterating the firm commitment of the Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to provide better and world-class road infrastructure to commuters and travelers, Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO stated that strengthening and modernizing the state’s road network remains a top priority of the government. He added that improved connectivity will facilitate safer and smoother travel while accelerating economic growth and regional development.

Categorically directing officers to make all-out efforts to achieve both financial and physical targets within the stipulated timeframe, the Minister made it clear that no compromise on quality would be tolerated. He warned that strict action would be initiated against any official or contractor found negligent in executing road construction works.

Issuing further directions, the Minister instructed that paving activities be commenced immediately, as environmental conditions are currently conducive for pre-mix and carpeting works. He also announced that routine surprise inspections would be conducted to ensure adherence to prescribed engineering standards and to maintain transparency in execution.

Underscoring his personal commitment to quality infrastructure, PWD minister stated that he would personally inspect construction works at various road sites across the state to ensure transparency, accountability and timely completion of projects.

To streamline financial procedures and prevent last-minute rush at treasuries, the Cabinet Minister directed that all contractor bills be submitted in time..

The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretary Ravi Bhagat, Engineer-in-Chief Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineer Anil Gupta and other senior officers of the PWD.