*Legal fraternity must act as vanguard to protect Constitution & democratic values: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision of justice & equality must guide India’s institutions today: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*National debt has surged from ₹55 lakh crore to ₹212 lakh crore under Union Government: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Post-election LPG price hike exposes flawed economic priorities of Centre: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Punjab sets national precedent with reservation policy for Law Officers under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Legal fraternity must act as vanguard to protect Constitution & democratic values: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision of justice & equality must guide India’s institutions today: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*National debt has surged from ₹55 lakh crore to ₹212 lakh crore under Union Government: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Post-election LPG price hike exposes flawed economic priorities of Centre: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Punjab sets national precedent with reservation policy for Law Officers under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH; 2nd May 2026:Speaking on the eve of Labour Day at a seminar held at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema called upon the legal fraternity to act as the guardians of India’s democratic values while defending the constitutional framework envisioned by Babasaheb Ambedkar. The event, organised by the Law Officers of the Office of the Advocate General, Punjab, brought together members of the legal community to reflect on the enduring relevance of constitutional principles.

Paying rich tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted his unparalleled contribution as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a visionary economist who played a foundational role in shaping key financial institutions of the country. Emphasising the relevance of his ideas in the present context, he stated, “Babasaheb Ambedkar not only gave India its Constitution but also laid the economic foundations that continue to guide the nation today. His vision of justice, equality, and institutional integrity must remain our guiding force.”

Raising concerns over threats to democratic institutions, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underlined the increasing need for legal professionals to actively safeguard constitutional values. He said, “The true spirit of the Constitution’s preamble is currently under threat, making the role of lawyers in defending democratic institutions more crucial than ever.”

He further noted that recent political developments and defections across several states, including Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat, and Goa, along with attempts involving AAP Rajya Sabha Members, reflect a worrying pattern that demands vigilance from the legal community.

Turning to the economic situation in the country, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema pointed to what he described as serious fiscal mismanagement by the Union Government. He stated, “The national debt has ballooned alarmingly from ₹55 lakh crore in 2014 to a staggering ₹212 lakh crore today,” adding that such trends raise serious concerns about the long-term economic stability of the country.

Criticising the recent hike in commercial LPG cylinder prices, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “A steep increase was implemented immediately following the conclusion of elections in four states.” He added that such decisions place an unjust burden on common citizens and reflect flawed economic priorities.

Highlighting governance reforms in Punjab, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasised the steps taken under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to institutionalise transparency and social justice. He said, “Punjab has set a national precedent by implementing a reservation policy for the engagement of Law Officers within the Advocate General’s office.” Recalling his own advocacy for the measure during his time in opposition, he expressed satisfaction that the Punjab Government has fulfilled this commitment in line with the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar.

In his concluding remarks, Harpal Singh Cheema commended the Law Officers and Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi for their consistent efforts in defending the state’s policies before the Hon’ble High Court. He stated, “I commend the Law Officers and the Advocate General for their steadfast dedication in defending the state’s policies. I urge you to continue formulating robust, legally sound arguments to protect the pro-people initiatives and welfare policies of the Bhagwant Mann Government.”

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

*Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Crosses ₹465 Cr in Treatments; More than 42 Lakh Cards Issued*

*Government Urges Citizens Not to Delay Enrolment; Camps Intensified to Ensure Maximum Coverage*

Chandigarh, April 2:The Punjab Government has shared an important update about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, a healthcare scheme aimed at helping families get affordable medical treatment. So far, it has crossed ₹465.36 crore in treatments, with over 42 lakh health cards issued, and 2.77 lakh treatments provided across beneficiaries, showing that many families are trusting and using Sehat card.

Even with this strong progress, the government is asking all eligible people who have not yet registered to do so as soon as possible. They have stressed that medical emergencies can happen anytime, and early registration can help families avoid financial stress during such times.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the scheme is making healthcare easier to access for everyone in Punjab. He mentioned that spending over ₹465.36 crore on treatments on around 2.77 lakh pre-authorisation requests received and crossing 42 lakh registrations shows that people believe in the scheme. He also appealed that those who have not enrolled yet should not delay, as the scheme provides financial security when it is needed most.

One of the key features of this scheme is that it is open to everyone. There are no limits based on age, gender, or income. This makes it one of the most inclusive healthcare programs in the country.

To help more people register, the government is organising daily registration camps in villages, towns, and cities. These camps are being set up at convenient places like Gurudwaras, Panchayat Ghars, temples, and community centres. Trained staff are present at these locations to guide people, check documents, and complete registration on the spot. This makes the process easy for everyone.

The government has also cleared some common misunderstandings. The scheme is not only for poor families, it is for all Punjab residents. Registration is simple and help is available at camps. Treatment is cashless in both government and empanelled private hospitals. Under this scheme, each family gets up to ₹10 lakh per year for medical treatment, including major surgeries and serious illnesses.

The registration process is simple. People can visit any camp or centre without an appointment, carry basic documents like Aadhaar Card and Voter ID, and complete the process with help from staff. Once done, they will receive an SMS confirmation.

The Punjab Government continues to encourage families in Punjab to register, so that no one has to compromise on healthcare due to lack of money.

---------