*After 70 years, in Hoshiarpur’s Kandi region to get modern roads; CM Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurates ₹150 crore worth of development works*
Link roads in Tanda Urmur will be renovated & upgraded to high standards: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*PWD to construct high-level bridge on link road connecting Hoshiarpur-Dasuya Road to Gurdwara Rampur Khera: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*State-of-art Health & Wellness Centres being built in Kandhalan Shekhan, Rajpur, Dhugga Kalan, Prempur, Giljian and Jahura villages: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Tanda Urmur region suffered political discrimination for 70 years; previous governments carried out no development: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Akali Dal is guilty before Sri Guru Sahib; voting for them is equivalent to disrespecting Sri Guru Sahib: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
TANDA (HOSHIARPUR); 15 April 2026:Ending decades of neglect in Punjab’s Kandi belt, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday rolled out a ₹150 crore development push in Tanda Urmur, announcing modern road infrastructure, a high-level bridge, and a network of state-of-the-art health facilities for villages that had remained deprived for nearly 70 years. Positioning the intervention as a decisive break from prolonged political discrimination under previous regimes, the Chief Minister asserted that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government is committed to delivering long-denied basic infrastructure and dignity to the region.
The Chief Minister also held the Akali Dal responsible for betraying public trust and disrespecting Sri Guru Sahib, framing the moment as both a developmental correction and a moral reckoning for Punjab’s politics.
Sharing a few snippets from the event, CM Bhagwant Singh stated on X: “Today, I participated in the state-level event held on the occasion of the inauguration of various development projects worth ₹150 crore in Tanda, Hoshiarpur district. Our government is taking the state's infrastructure and health facilities to new heights.”
The Chief Minister further wrote: “Projects worth ₹141.88 crore for the renovation of the area's link roads have been dedicated to the people. At the same time, a 'High Level Bridge' will be constructed at a cost of ₹2.39 crore for the convenience of the congregation heading to Gurdwara Rampur Kheda Sahib. In a major expansion of health facilities, 'Health Wellness Centers' are being established in 6 villages at a cost of ₹3.30 crore, and an 'Urban Primary Health Center' is being set up in Garhdiwala at a cost of ₹1.35 crore.”
“Additionally, a water supply project worth ₹1.54 crore has also been started in Talwandi Daddian village. The government of the common man is committed to turning the dream of a vibrant Punjab into reality and providing quality facilities to every citizen,” the post concluded.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the development works, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Magnificent roads will be built in the Kandi area of Hoshiarpur after 70 years. Link roads in Tanda Urmur will be renovated and upgraded. The PWD will construct a high-level bridge on the link road connecting Hoshiarpur–Dasuya Road to Gurdwara Rampur Khera.”
He further stated, “Modern Health and Wellness Centres are being developed in six villages of Kandhala Shekhan, Rajpur, Dhugga Kalan, Prempur, Giljian, and Jahura villages.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “For 70 years, the Tanda Urmur area suffered due to political discrimination as the previous governments failed to carry out development works. Our government has taken several path breaking initiatives to ensure progress of the area and prosperity of its people. No stone is being left unturned for the noble cause as the Punjab Government is committed for holistic development of every nook and corner of the state.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The Punjab Government has so far opened 990 Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state including 576 clinics in rural areas and 414 clinics in urban areas.” He said, “In these new clinics 107 medicines are being provided free of cost and 47 types of diagnostic tests are being conducted free,” adding, “Another 400 clinics will soon be opened to ensure healthcare facilities are available near every citizen’s home.”
The Chief Minister added, “In the last 75 years none of the previous regimes bothered to give such facilities to the common man but the AAP government has opened these clinics for all.”
Listing the achievements of the state in the education sector, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab secured the top position in the National Achievement Survey 2024,” adding, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for all Punjabis that the state surpassed even Kerala in this survey.”
He said, “In the last few years 740 students have cleared JEE and 1284 have cleared NEET. 118 Schools of Eminence are being established and 60 have been already opened. These schools are helping talented students fulfill their dreams. The objective is to provide education based on students’ abilities and interests so they can achieve great success. For the first time 24 lakh parents have participated in the mega PTMs.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “All the streams, including Medical and Non-Medical, are being offered to the students in the government schools.” He added, “Coaching for prestigious exams like Armed Forces Preparatory, NEET, JEE, and CLAT is also provided.” He said, “As education is the panacea of all the ills confronted by the society, the Punjab Government has prioritized education and has taken path breaking initiatives in the education sector to transform the lives of people.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “No freebie or concession cards can eliminate poverty or other social maladies in the state but education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living.” He added, “Education is the light that illuminates the world by dispelling the darkness,” adding, “The Punjab Government is laying special thrust on it.” He said, “Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has been launched under which health cards are being issued to all 65 lakh families in Punjab.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Every family is entitled to free treatment up to ₹10 lakh and over 30 lakh beneficiaries have already received health cards.” He added, “1.65 lakh people have received free treatment under this scheme,” adding, “People should take maximum benefit of these cards.” He said, “For the first time in the history of the state more than eight hours of uninterrupted power had been supplied to farm tube wells during paddy season.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Farmers are now receiving electricity during the daytime for irrigation for the first time, which has transformed their lives.” He added, “The AAP Government is judiciously utilizing every single penny of the state exchequer for the well being of the people of the state.” Talking about Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, he said, “The Punjab Government has also started this scheme for giving ₹1000 per month for other category women and ₹1500 for SC category women above 18 years.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The tax money of people belongs to the state and they are judiciously spending it on the welfare of people. The taxpayers money is coming back to people through development, schools, hospitals, and roads. Though the AAP Government has fulfilled all its guarantees but then also efforts for progress of Punjab will further continue.”
He said, “From this stage the talks are being made on education, health, power, agriculture and other sectors whereas on the stages of other parties claims are being made for grabbing power.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “These opportunist leaders are baffled as people are not giving them any sort of response,” adding, “Their agenda is confined to the welfare of their families rather than that of people. They say that the students should be taught in the schools whereas the Akalis and Congress want to divide people.” He added, “The Punjab Government has launched the first of its kind initiative in the country, a dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force to ensure enhanced security and to save precious lives on the State and National Highways.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Akali Dal is guilty of disrespecting Sri Guru Sahib ji. Voting for them means endorsing that disrespect. The sins of these leaders are unpardonable and they can never be forgiven by the people for their long saga of misdeeds. These are opportunist leaders who change their colors and their stance, like a chameleon, as per their convenience and vested political interests.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those who are responsible for the sacrilege appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and admitted their crime in the full public glare. However, as it doesn’t suit their political ambitions they took a U-turn after some time and said that some people were playing in the hands of central agencies to defame them. The entire state knows the real face of these leaders who have always misled the people through their political gimmicks.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Rather than empowering these people by making them officers through quality education the Akalis just ensured that the students of poor doesn’t study and remained confined upto Atta Dal scheme only. Generations of the weaker sections were at the mercy of the Badals through their ill conceived Atta Dal scheme. These people backstabbed the people of underprivileged and economically weaker sections of education.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Everyone knows that this family was a stooge of Britishers and was conferred the title of Sir by them for hobnobbing against the patriots who fought for the country. The family had feted General Dyer, the perpetrator of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, by hosting a dinner for him after this heinous incident. Such acts had always exposed their anti-national and anti-Punjab mindset and character.”
The Chief Minister asserted, “Not only this, the family also ensured that General Dyer was also bestowed siropa and forgiveness at Golden Temple. History cannot be wiped out and the dubious characters of Badal’s ancestors are etched on the pages of history. The hands of this family are drenched with the blood of the patriots and the role of these traitors in backstabbing the nationalists can never be forgotten.”
He added, “In Congress every leader is aspiring to become the head of the state. They have more Chief Ministers than ordinary workers to work in the polls. The Congress party is a divided house that will collapse due to their infighting. It is a pity that the top Congress leaders who come to unite these leaders squabbling for power are not even aware how to pronounce their names.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP Government is working wholeheartedly for people and has provided free electricity to 90% of households, jobs to over 65,000 government youth without corruption, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh daily, and is building infrastructure. At the time when the AAP Government had assumed charge, only 22% canal water was being used for irrigation. Today 71% canal water is being used and it will be enhanced to 90% by the coming paddy season.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These people had ignored the interests of Punjab for their vested political interests,” adding, “Due to this reason only they had been completely rejected by the people.” He said, “The so called Punjab Bachao Yatra of Akali Dal is actually parivar bachao yatra,” adding, “After looting the state for 15 years, they must explain from whom they are trying to save Punjab.”
He said, “Those who cannot find even five members for constituting a committee of their party are day dreaming to win 117 seats in the state.” He added, “These leaders had patronized the gangsters in the state and infused drugs in the veins of the youth by shielding the drug smugglers,” adding, “Akali Dal is a party of political deadwoods who have been rejected by the people time and again.”
The Chief Minister noted, “Akalis may misuse religion but people will not get swayed away by it,” adding, “They are building castles in the air to mislead people but Punjabis will not be misled.” He said, “People will never forgive the Akalis for their sins and will teach them a befitting lesson again,” adding, “They had always backstabbed Punjab and its people.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Traditional political parties are envious as they cannot digest that the son of a common man is governing Punjab effectively.” He added, “People have lost faith in these parties due to their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance,” adding, “Previous rulers were more concerned about their families than Punjab and Punjabis due to which they have been shown the door.”
In his address, AAP Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia said, “The overwhelming response of the people reflects their love for AAP and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.” He added, “He is the most popular and hardworking Chief Minister of Punjab who is working wholeheartedly for the people.”
Cabinet Ministers Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Dr Ravjot, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia and others were present on the occasion.
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*OPD and IPD services started at Community Health Centre, Lehragaga*
*Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr. Balbir Singh and Barinder Kumar Goyal inaugurate services*
*First step taken towards opening a Medical College and Hospital at Lehragaga*
*Major boost to the economy of Lehragaga constituency*
*Chandigarh/Lehragaga, April 15:*Punjab Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr. Balbir Singh and Barinder Kumar Goyal today inaugurated OPD and IPD services at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Lehragaga. This marks the first step toward the Punjab Government’s historic decision to establish a Medical College and Hospital at Lehragaga, while also ensuring immediate access to healthcare facilities for the public.
The CHC, which was previously in a dilapidated condition, has now been renovated and upgraded. With the availability of specialist doctors, OPD and IPD services have been made operational. This facility will benefit Lehragaga as well as nearby villages and towns within a radius of 50 kilometers.
Addressing a press conference at CHC Lehragaga, Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that these medical services will be managed by the Janhit Trust’s unit, Acharya Vidyanand Jain Institute of Medical Sciences and Research. He added that this initiative will establish Lehragaga’s identity not only in Sangrur but across the world.
On this occasion, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh clarified that the institution is not being handed over to private hands in any form. The government remains committed to providing better healthcare services to the people. The services have been entrusted to the Janhit Trust’s unit, whose sole objective is to serve humanity and not to earn profit.
The Health Minister further stated that due to the relentless efforts of the Punjab Government, the closed Baba Hira Singh Bhattal Institute of Engineering and Technology is being revived as a Medical College and Hospital. This medical college will cater to both Moonak and Khanauri regions and hospitals in these areas will also function under its framework.
He added that earlier the region faced a severe shortage of specialist doctors and healthcare facilities, but under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, special focus is being given to this area. The establishment of the medical college and hospital will not only improve healthcare services but also accelerate economic development and generate large-scale employment opportunities. The Health Minister also honoured the specialist doctors who will be serving at the Community Health Centre.
On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal expressed gratitude to Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh for their support in bringing the medical college project to this stage.
He further informed that nursing classes will begin at the medical college next year, along with MD and MS courses.
The Minister said that earlier many capable students from the region could not pursue careers in medicine due to a lack of facilities, but now they will be able to fulfill their dreams.
He emphasized that in the past, due to the absence of emergency services, people often had to travel to Sangrur or Patiala, sometimes resulting in loss of lives due to delays. Now, such situations will be avoided with improved medical facilities available locally.
He also stated that admissions and seat allocation in the upcoming medical college, to be established by the Jain community, will strictly follow the guidelines and notifications issued by the State Government. The fee structure for all categories will also be regulated as per government norms.
The medical college will be established with an intake capacity of 100 MBBS seats and a minimum of 440 beds. The objective is to provide quality medical education to residents and to develop Punjab as a hub of medical education.
On this occasion, Chairman of Janhit Trust Dr. Dharampal Jain, Trustee Dr. Rajnish Jain, SDM Rakesh Prakash Garg, Civil Surgeon Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, Municipal Council President Kanta Goyal, Gaurav Goyal, along with other dignitaries, officials and a large number of people from the city and nearby villages were present.
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*Money Can’t Buy Health, But Sehat Card Can Secure It: Clearing Myths Around Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana*
*Around 39 lakh Sehat Cards issued, Bhagwant Mann Govt rapidly expands free, cashless treatment across Punjab: Dr Balbir Singh*
*Don’t wait for emergency, Bhagwant Mann Govt urges early registration while clearing misconceptions around Sehat Cards & cashless treatment*
CHANDIGARH, April 15: The Bhagwant Mann Government's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana (MMSY) has emerged as one of India’s most expansive public healthcare protection schemes, providing universal cashless medical coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family per year across Punjab.
The scheme has expanded rapidly since rollout, with around 39 lakh Sehat Cards already issued, and enrollment continuing across districts through Camps, CSC Centres, Suvidha Kendra, and Public Entities. According to recent government updates, the programme is designed to cover around 65 lakh families, benefiting nearly 3 crore residents of Punjab.
On this, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana is a major step toward financially protected healthcare, enabling families to access critical and life-saving treatment without upfront costs. Residents are encouraged to register early to ensure uninterrupted access to cashless healthcare when needed most.”
The Health Minister informs, “The objective is to move Punjab towards a universal cashless and digitally integrated healthcare ecosystem, thus ensuring that there are no delays in treatment due to financial constraints.”
The scheme integrates more than 2,300 empanelled procedures and provides treatment across more than 850 government and empanelled private hospitals in Punjab and Chandigarh, ensuring wide access to advanced care. Major treatments covered include cardiac procedures, cancer care, dialysis, orthopaedic surgeries such as knee replacements, neonatal care, and long-term chronic disease management, all delivered cashlessly within approved package rates.
As per official data, over 1.09 lakh beneficiaries have already availed treatment worth nearly ₹340 crore under the scheme in the 2026 policy year, reflecting early adoption and utilisation across districts.
The Sehat Card benefits every family in Punjab regardless of caste, religion, gender, or economic background. However, several myths persist that need clarification.
*Myth 1: It is just a continuation of older schemes*
Fact: It is an expanded universal coverage model, increasing benefits from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per family annually with broader eligibility.
*Myth 2: Only poor families are eligible*
Fact: It is a universal health programme for all eligible residents.
*Myth 3: Cashless treatment has hidden costs*
Fact: Treatment is fully cashless within approved government package rates, including surgery, diagnostics, hospitalisation, medicines, and post-care at government and empanelled private hospitals.
*Myth 4: It works only in limited hospitals*
Fact: It is valid across hundreds of government and empanelled private hospitals in Punjab and Chandigarh.
*Myth 5: Coverage is symbolic*
Fact: It provides up to ₹10 lakh annual coverage with over 2,300 treatment packages.
*Myth 6: Registration is only for emergencies*
Fact: The Bhagwant Mann government insists on early registration in order to avoid delays during emergencies as verification and card issuance take time.
Families in Punjab are urged to verify eligibility and complete registration at the earliest.
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*GURMEET KHUDIAN HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO VETERINARY OFFICERS, INSPECTORS & DAIRY DEVELOPMENT INSPECTORS*
*• 1257 vacancies filled in Animal Husbandry Dept since 2022, says Khudian*
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 15:In a major push to strengthen the animal husbandry sector in the state, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian handed over appointment letters to three Veterinary Officers, one Veterinary Inspector and 16 Dairy Development Inspectors (Grade 2).
He also revealed that a total of 1257 recruitments have been made in the department over the past four years. The Minister further shared that since 2022, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has appointed 619 Veterinary Officers and 579 Veterinary Inspectors through a transparent and merit-based process. In addition, he said, 16 Clerks (Sadar office), 2 Milk Recorders, 7 Laboratory Assistants, 7 Computer Operators/Enumerators/Punchers, 1 Machine Operator, 1 Incubator Operator, 2 Legal Clerks, and 8 Stenotypists have also been recruited.
A total of 14 Clerks and 1 Laboratory Assistant have also been appointed on the compassionate grounds, the Animal Husbandry Minister added.
Congratulating the newly recruited officials, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian exhorted them to discharge their duties with utmost diligence and dedication so that livestock farmers and dairy owners across Punjab can benefit from timely and quality veterinary services. He encouraged the appointees to remain steadfastly committed to the welfare of the farming community and uphold the highest standards of public service.
CM Mann led Punjab Government has not only filled these vacant posts but has done so with complete transparency, said S. Khudian, while emphasising that the induction of these new recruits will significantly strengthen livestock healthcare services, boost dairy productivity and enhance disease prevention and control mechanisms in Punjab’s rural areas.
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Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak takes stock of wheat procurement operations at Sarna Dana Mandi (Rajan Ki Mandi), initiates procurement process
4 LMT Wheat arrival till now in mandis across Punjab, Procurement going on full pace: Lal Chand Kataruchak
Chandigarh/Pathankot, April 15:The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today took stock of the wheat procurement operations at the Sarna Dana Mandi (Rajan Ki Mandi) under Bhoa constituency and formally initiated the procurement process. He also interacted with the farmers and other stakeholders on the occasion.
The Minister in his address on the occasion said that the wheat procurement has commenced in the State w.e.f. April 1st and robust arrangements have been ensured in all the mandis. The Punjab Government is fully committed to ensure that no farmer faces any kind of hurdle in the mandis.
Divulging more, the Minister said that the procurement agencies are regularly visiting the mandis and are taking stock of all the arrangements. He further added that earlier due to inclement weather there occurred some issues but now with the improvement in weather the wheat arrival in the mandis has picked up pace. He also mentioned that till now over 4 LMT of Wheat has arrived in the mandis out of which 80000 MT stands procured and the pace of procurement is gathering steam with each passing day. This time Punjab has got the target to procure 122 LMT but the State has made foolproof arrangements for 132 LMT, added Mr. Kataruchak.
Giving further assurances, the Minister said that the promise made by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann with the farmers to procure every single bale of grain would be fulfilled at any cost and the payments would be made into the accounts of the farmers within 24 Hours of the produce having been procured. The arrangements regarding are also complete in the mandis.
The Minister further pointed out that the officers connected with the procurement have been directed to further solidify the arrangements in every Mandi so as to ensure a successful and hassle free season.
On the occasion, Chairman Market Committee Pathankot Vikas Saini, District Food Supply Controller Raj Rishi Mehra, Chairman Block Samiti Gharota Pawan Kumar and Members Zila Parishad Nitin Thakur & Bhupinder Singh were also present.
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*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema mandates May 15 deadline for completion of development works under first phase of Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme*
*Mandatory field visits ordered to monitor quality & pace of development works on ground: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Minister Harpal Singh Cheema chairs high-level meeting with DCs across Punjab; directs to appoint district nodal officers for real-time progress tracking*
CHANDIGARH, 15th April 2026:Punjab Finance and Planning Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema issued unequivocal directives on Wednesday to all Deputy Commissioners, mandating the completion of development works under the first phase of the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme by May 15, 2026.
Emphasising CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led government's robust financial commitment, the Finance Minister confirmed an allocation of sufficient funds for the scheme, noting that funds for the second phase have also been released. He urged all district administrations to ensure that these resources are utilised efficiently and strictly within the designated timeframes, as there is absolutely no dearth of funds.
To guarantee the highest standards of execution, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directed the Deputy Commissioners to mandate regular field visits by concerned departmental officers. He said, “This measure aims to closely monitor both the quality and the pace of the ongoing development initiatives on the ground.”
For major infrastructure works that may unavoidably extend beyond the May 15 target, the Finance Minister ordered the immediate submission of revised, strict timelines to ensure their completion at the earliest possible date.
Reinforcing the need for transparency and digital accountability, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha instructed the Deputy Commissioners to appoint dedicated nodal officers at the district level. He said, “These officers will bear the responsibility of uploading real-time status reports of all development works directly onto the Rangla Punjab Portal. Any concerned personnel who have yet to receive portal training must attend a specialised training session conducted by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) tomorrow.”
These instructions were delivered during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Finance Minister, and attended by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Special Chief Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Sarvjit Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Planning Jaspreet Talwar, Additional Chief Secretary, Technical Education & Industrial Training, Vikas Pratap, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Kumar Rahul, Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayats, Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Local Government, Manjit Singh Brar, Secretary, Education, Sonali Giri, Secretary, Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board, Kumar Amit, Special Secretary, PWD, Hargunjit Kaur, and MD, Punjab Health System Corporation, Amit Talwar. Deputy Commissioners from across all districts participated in the proceedings via video conferencing.