*Bhagwant Mann Govt to provide interest-free wheat loan for Group-IV employees for FY 2026-27, ensuring timely support for essential needs: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*тВ╣10,340 per employee, тВ╣15 crore allocated; repayment structured in easy installments to ease financial burden: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Employees authorised to draw loan amount by May 29*
CHANDIGARH; 22nd April 2026:In a significant step towards strengthening employee welfare, the Bhagwant Mann Government has sanctioned an interest-free wheat loan for Class-IV (Group-D) employees across the state, ensuring financial support for essential household consumption.
Announcing the decision, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The Bhagwant Mann Punjab Government has determined that it is appropriate to provide a minimum interest-free loan amount of тВ╣10,340 to eligible Group-D employees specifically for the purchase of wheat. The calculation for this financial assistance is based on the government’s established standard of an average consumption of four quintals of wheat per family.”
Highlighting the implementation timeline and budgetary backing, the Finance Minister added, “These employees will be authorised to draw this loan amount from the government treasury up until May 29, 2026. To support the seamless execution of this welfare measure, a dedicated budget provision of тВ╣15 crore has been allocated for the 2026-27 financial year.”
Detailing the repayment mechanism, he emphasised that the structure has been designed to minimise financial stress on employees. “The recovery process for the loan has been structured to minimise the financial burden on the employees, with deductions scheduled across eight monthly installments. These installment deductions are set to begin with the June salary, which is paid out in July, guaranteeing that the full recovery of the loan is completed before the current financial year concludes,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s employee-centric approach, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underscored the broader commitment of the administration. “The welfare of our employees remains a top priority for our government, and we will consistently strive to uphold initiatives that guarantee their support and financial well-being,” he added.
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*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann embarks on Finland visit, calls on global Punjabis to contribute to Punjab’s ongoing transformation*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann interacts with Punjabi diaspora, says “Punjab is witnessing rapid development & every Punjabi should be part of this historic move”*
*Punjabi diaspora can act as catalyst in accelerating Punjab’s economic growth: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Every Punjabi must partner in Punjab’s growth story & development journey: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab to explore feasibility of introducing ‘Solein protein’ in Mid-Day Meals & Anganwadi nutrition programmes*
*CM Bhagwant Mann embarks on Finland visit, bats for stronger collaboration between Punjab & Finland*
CHANDIGARH, 22nd April 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, during his visit to Finland, placed the Punjabi diaspora at the centre of Punjab’s next phase of growth, calling on global Punjabis to actively contribute to the state’s ongoing transformation while simultaneously pushing for stronger economic and institutional collaboration between Punjab and Finland.
Engaging with the diaspora, the Chief Minister underscored that Punjab is witnessing rapid development and asserted that every Punjabi must become a partner in this historic journey, describing the global community as a decisive force capable of accelerating the state’s economic momentum.
Interacting with the Punjabi diaspora in Finland, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged them to play an active role in the socio-economic development of Punjab. He said, “Punjab is making rapid development during the current regime and every Punjabi should be a part of this historic move.” He added that the diaspora can act as a catalyst in further propelling the economic development of the state through their expertise.
Advocating deeper collaboration, the Chief Minister said, “There is a need for mutual collaboration between Punjab and Finland in the area of the White Revolution, particularly in dairy systems, animal science and value-added food processing to benefit the farmers of the state in a big way.”
During a visit to the University of Helsinki, the delegation noted that the university’s expertise in food and agricultural sciences can support Punjab in areas such as milk quality, dairy technology, product innovation, sustainable livestock practices and strengthening of value chains.
The delegation also advocated collaboration for academic inputs with applied research and industry-oriented pilots in dairy processing and nutrition, and emphasised that the role of students and researchers in food sciences and agricultural sciences can be a key pillar of collaboration.
Various models for innovation-led learning, where students, researchers and industry work together on real-world challenges, were highlighted. The delegation underlined that Punjab is ready to explore structured exchange programmes, joint research and innovation projects to enable students to gain exposure to applied, interdisciplinary and sustainability-driven approaches in food systems.
The delegation also underscored the need for exchanging expertise regarding food grain management challenges, particularly issues relating to infestation and long-term storage.
The delegation noted that these challenges are critical for ensuring food security and reducing post-harvest losses, and stressed the importance of adopting eco-friendly and low-chemical pest management practices, including use of bio-based treatments, natural repellents, improved hygiene and storage practices and traditional grain protection methods.
The delegation also highlighted the importance of scientific yet simple storage solutions such as improved ventilation, moisture control and safe handling practices, along with promoting sustainable, residue-free approaches through research support and field-level adoption.
The delegation further discussed avenues for student and researcher participation in these domains, including innovation-led projects, applied research assignments, short-term academic engagements and collaborative work in sustainable food systems and green enterprise. It noted that the university ecosystem provides learning opportunities for students and validation, piloting and networking support for innovation initiatives, which can offer useful pathways for future cooperation with institutions from Punjab.
The delegation observed that traditional food production relies on agricultural means requiring massive amounts of water and land, and noted that introducing such innovations can usher in a new era of sustainable food production with vast possibilities. It highlighted that Solein is a natural superfood containing all nine essential amino acids required by the human body, can be produced anywhere, ensures a secure supply of protein and has been successfully tested in multiple food applications with varied tastes and textures.
The delegation stated that the Punjab Government will explore the feasibility of utilising Solein protein in Mid-Day Meal schemes and Supplementary Nutrition Programmes under Anganwadi services. It added that Punjab will collaborate on the usage of this product and technology for exploring options for nutrition programmes and increased productivity. The delegation further noted that Solein is an all-purpose protein which offers endless possibilities for the food industry, adding that it is nutritionally rich, good in taste and produced in Finland at the world’s first production facility producing food out of thin air.
Embarking on his visit to Finland, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also held a detailed meeting with the Indian Ambassador to Finland, Hemant H. Kotalwar, to discuss avenues for boosting bilateral trade and strengthening cooperation between Punjab and Finland.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Finland’s economy is robust and progressive, with key areas of manufacturing including electronics, engineering and forest products driving exports, along with dairy and other sectors.”
Highlighting existing ties, he added, “Punjab has a good partnership with Finland as teachers from the state are sent here for training. We are keen to further strengthen this mutually beneficial partnership to boost the progress of Punjab and prosperity of its people.”
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*From cities to smallest towns, patients billed in lakhs are walking out with zero payment, say doctors*
With over 40 lakh registrations spanning cities & small towns, Punjab’s health scheme sees widening reach and rising utilisation
Healthcare is no longer dictated by affordability, every family now has тВ╣10 lakh cover under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna: Dr Balbir Singh
From Tier-1 to Tier-3 districts, rising utilisation shows Punjab’s health model is scaling rapidly across every region
CHANDIGARH, April 22:Punjab’s healthcare landscape is witnessing a decisive transformation under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, with the AAP Government delivering what it promised: accessible, affordable, and dignified healthcare for every family. For years, high treatment costs forced patients to delay care, skip diagnostics, or abandon medicines midway, pushing families into debt and worsening medical outcomes. That cycle, entrenched across both urban and rural Punjab, is now being broken through systemic intervention.
At the heart of this transformation is the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY), a flagship initiative of the Bhagwant Mann Government that is rapidly reshaping how people access healthcare. In just three months, over 40 lakh health cards have been issued, ensuring coverage of up to тВ╣10 lakh per family annually. The scale of adoption reflects both urgency and trust. On April 21 alone, 28766 registrations were carried out under the scheme, signalling a healthcare system that is now responsive, inclusive, and people-centric.
The impact is visible across districts. Ludhiana leads with 4.20 lakh cards, followed by Patiala with 3.82 lakh cards, and Jalandhar with 2.85 lakh cards. Crucially, the reach of the scheme is not confined to major cities. Tier-2 and Tier-3 districts such as Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Mansa, Fazilka, and Barnala are witnessing steady uptake, demonstrating that the AAP Government’s healthcare push is penetrating deep into smaller towns where the need has long been the greatest.
The most powerful validation, however, is coming from the ground.
At Sub-Divisional Hospital Khanna, Senior Medical Officer Dr Maninder Singh Bhasin emphasised the shift, stating, “Health should not be a privilege. Earlier coverage was limited, but now every resident is included.” He added, “We have done over 200 gall bladder surgeries in recent months. Ideally it costs around тВ╣40,000 to тВ╣80,000, but patients paid nothing.”
Highlighting the scale of change, he further said, “Knee and hip replacements costing over тВ╣1 lakh are now routine. We perform about 10 surgeries daily, all cashless.”
On critical care, Dr Maninder Singh Bhasin noted, “In STEMI heart attacks, every minute matters. With Tenecteplase, a thrombolytic medication used to rapidly dissolve blood clots during acute heart attacks, we restore blood flow quickly. We have saved close to 100 patients so far.”
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Karan Chopra from Barnala echoed similar trends, stating, “Patients earlier delayed surgery for months. Now they come earlier. Savings per surgery are тВ╣1–1.5 lakh.”
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh underscored the vision driving this transformation, stating, “Healthcare should not depend on a patient’s ability to pay or travel. With the Sehat card under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, every family is covered up to тВ╣10 lakh annually. Our goal is to ensure the best possible treatment reaches every household without financial burden.”
The Bhagwant Mann Government is not merely expanding healthcare infrastructure but redefining the very relationship between citizens and the system. By removing financial barriers, it is ensuring that medical decisions are guided by need, not cost. Doctors across Punjab point out that the most profound change is psychological: a visible reduction in fear, as families now seek treatment at the earliest signs of illness instead of waiting for conditions to worsen.
This is governance that directly touches lives. This is reform that restores dignity. And this is the Bhagwant Mann Government delivering healthcare as a right, not a privilege.
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*PUNJAB STATE TO CONDUCT CIVIL DEFENCE AIR RAID/BLACKOUT MOCK EXERCISES ACROSS STATE ON APRIL 24*
*— MOCK DRILLS TO BE CONDUCTED TO TEST CIVIL DEFENCE PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE*
CHANDIGARH, April 22:In order to test the Civil Defence Preparedness in the state, the Punjab State will conduct a Civil Defence Air Raid/Blackout Mock Exercise on April 24, 2026, at 2000 hrs (8PM).
The exercise is being conducted in all districts of the state as per the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.
The Mock Exercise will commence with an Air Raid Warning Signal, which will be disseminated through sirens featuring a high-low pitch for a duration of two minutes. During the course of the exercise, a simulated blackout will be enforced in specific areas identified by the respective Deputy Commissioners-cum-Controllers, Civil Defence. The general public in these identified areas is instructed to switch off all non-essential lighting during the blackout period. However, essential services shall remain fully functional throughout the drill.
The exercise will conclude with an "All Clear" signal, characterised by a continuous high-pitch siren for two minutes, marking the formal termination of the drill.
During this Mock Exercise, various critical emergency functions will be simulated to test field coordination, including Fire Response Operations, Search & Rescue Operations, First-Aid and Medical Assistance, evacuation of injured persons, as well as traffic and crowd control measures.
The State Government has appealed to the general public not to get panic, emphasising that this is a routine procedural drill designed solely to evaluate and enhance the Civil Defence Preparedness in the state.
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PPCB launches Mission Clean Air Mandi Gobindgarh under the National Clean Air Programme
Chandigarh, April 22:The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), under the National Clean Programme (NCAP), convened a high-level meeting on Mission Clean Air Mandi Gobindgarh at Mandi Gobindgarh.
The meeting was presided over by Chairperson Reena Gupta and Member Secretary Dr. Lavneet Kumar Dubey, and co-convened with the district administration, including Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sona Thind and Additional Deputy Commissioner Pooja Siyal, along with senior officials from all key stakeholder departments, including Municipal Council, PWD, NHAI, PSIEC, Forest Department, and the Water Supply & Sewerage Department.
Mandi Gobindgarh, identified as a non-attainment city for not meeting prescribed ambient air quality standards, is a priority city under NCAP. During the meeting, PPCB presented findings from its field surveys and the Source Apportionment Study, which identified road dust, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and improper solid waste management as the major contributors to air pollution. Based on these findings, PPCB outlined a set of actionable, time-bound recommendations for stakeholder departments to address key issues including road infrastructure gaps, waste management deficiencies, traffic congestion, and industrial emissions.
Chairperson PPCB emphasized that the initiative is a collaborative, mission-mode effort aimed at achieving measurable improvements in air quality, and not a fault-finding exercise. While PPCB is leading the initiative, close coordination and active support from the district administration and all concerned departments will be critical to its success. It was decided that progress will be monitored over the next 12 months through quarterly review meetings, with the Regional Office, Fatehgarh Sahib, leading on-ground implementation, regular field inspections, and inter-departmental coordination.
The meeting was followed by field visits to three induction furnace industries that have installed advanced air pollution control systems for secondary emissions, developed by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology. PPCB reiterated its commitment to facilitate the adoption of these technologies across the remaining industrial units in the cluster, which is expected to significantly reduce particulate emissions and improve air quality in Mandi Gobindgarh.
Mission Clean Air Mandi Gobindgarh reflects a focused, data-driven and collaborative approach towards achieving sustained air quality improvement in Punjab.