Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri Felicitates Newly Appointed Punjab Government Board Chairpersons
Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur/Garhshankar, July 18-A grand felicitation ceremony was held at Shivalik Palace in Garhshankar to honour the newly appointed chairpersons of various Punjab Government welfare boards. On the occasion, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker and Garhshankar MLA S. Jai Krishan Singh Rouri congratulated the newly appointed chairpersons on their new responsibilities and urged them to make public service their highest priority.
The chairpersons honoured at the event included Jaskaran Tambar (Saini Welfare Board), Daljit Singh (Sain Samaj Welfare Board), Jaspreet Flora (Ramgarhia Welfare Board), Parveen Kumar (Rajput Welfare Board), Dalwinder Pal Singh (Khatri Arora Welfare Board), Pastor Kulwinder Singh (Christian Welfare Board), Ismail Khan (Muslim Development Board), Balwinder Singh Dabb (Prajapat Welfare Board), Rajvarinder Singh Thind (Kamboj Welfare Board), Vikas Kanda (Goldsmith Welfare Board), Harmesh Lal (Gujjar Welfare Board), Rajeev Kumar Sharma (Brahmin Welfare Board), Pradeep Loi (Dalit Development Board), Goldy Bhushan (Sports Welfare Board), Jeet Ram (Bazigar and Tapriwas Welfare Board) and Bhushan Kumar Aggarwal (Aggarwal Welfare Board).
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is firmly committed to public welfare, transparent governance and inclusive development. He said the appointment of the new chairpersons would strengthen the functioning of the various boards and help ensure that government welfare schemes reach every section of society more effectively.
S. Rouri further stated that the success of these boards depends on the vision, integrity, and dedication of those leading them. He urged the newly appointed chairpersons to stay closely connected with the people, give priority to addressing their concerns and work with full commitment to implement the government's policies effectively.
The newly appointed chairpersons thanked the Punjab Government and Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri for the trust placed in them and assured that they would uphold the dignity of their offices while making public service their foremost priority.
Among those present at the event were in-charge Charanjit Singh Channi, Garhshankar Market Committee Chairman Baldeep Singh Saini, MC Prince Chaudhary, Block President Gulshan Thakur, representatives of village panchayats, leaders and workers of the Aam Aadmi Party, social workers, representatives of various organisations and a large number of prominent citizens.
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*CJI Surya Kant launches Comprehensive youth recovery and rehabilitation campaign in Punjab*
3-month drive to focus on rehab, treatment and social reintegration_
*Chandigarh, July 18*Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Saturday launched the Comprehensive Youth Recovery & Rehabilitation Campaign in Punjab, a state-wide initiative aimed at tackling substance abuse among youth.
The campaign was inaugurated in the presence of the Acting Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court and other High Court judges.
The spokesperson of Punjab State Legal Services Authority said the 3-month drive will be run in mission mode by all District Legal Services Authorities from July 18 to October 31, 2026.
He further said that the objective of the campaign is to support vulnerable youth through structured rehabilitation, prevent substance abuse, ensure access to treatment and facilitate long-term social reintegration so that affected individuals can lead healthy and drug-free lives.
He said that special focus will be given to incarcerated persons suffering from substance dependence to help them overcome addiction with dignity.
He said that for this initiative a three-phase plan has been designed. In Phase 1: July 18-31* - Institutional preparation, capacity building, district mapping and identification of vulnerable areas and individuals. In Phase 2: Sept 1-30 - Voluntary counseling, family counseling and referrals to government de-addiction centres by DLSAs. Confidentiality of beneficiaries will be maintained and in Phase 3: Oct 1-31- Post-treatment rehabilitation and follow-up. Recovered youth will be linked with schools, colleges, vocational training, skill development, employment exchanges and sports/yoga to prevent relapse.
The spokesperson said a multi-sectoral network involving the Health Department, Prison Department, education and skill development agencies, police, civil society and community leaders will implement the campaign.
Spokesperson added that the drive will not end in October and will be repeated every quarter for long-term supporThe Punjab State Legal Services Authority appealed to parents, teachers, youth groups and healthcare professionals to join the effort to build a drug-free Punjab.
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CEO PUNJAB APPLAUDS DHARAMKOT AND GARHSHANKAR ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES FOR ACHIEVING 100% DIGITIZATION MILESTONE UNDER THE ONGOING SIR 2026 AND FINISH 16 DAYS BEFORE THE LAST DATE OF HOUSE TO HOUSE PHASE OF SIR
DEDICATED AND COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS OF DEO, ELECTORAL REGISTRATION OFFICER (ERO), AND BOOTH LEVEL OFFICERS (BLOs) ARE THE REASON FOR THIS ACHIEVEMENT: CEO ANINDITA MITRA
CEO URGES ELECTORS TO JOIN JULY 19 SPECIAL CAMPS AS PUNJAB ADVANCES TOWARDS COMPLETION OF THE HOUSE TO HOUSE PHASE OF SIR 2026
Chandigarh, July 18:The Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Ms. Anindita Mitra, has lauded the remarkable achievement of Dharamkot and Garhshankar Assembly Constituencies which have successfully completed 100% digitization of electoral records and processes under the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) 2026. This milestone reflects Punjab’s steady progress towards strengthening transparency, efficiency, and modernized electoral management.
Highlighting the role of field staff, the CEO Mrs Mitra emphasized that the dedicated and collaborative efforts of the District Election Officer (DEO), Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been the cornerstone of this success. Their commitment, accuracy, and teamwork ensured seamless execution of digitization tasks, setting Dharamkot and Gharshankar as an model Constituencies for the state.
Ms. Mitra further urged electors across Punjab to actively participate in the upcoming Special Camps scheduled on July 19, 2026, as the state advances towards the completion of the House to House Enumeration Phase of SIR 2026.
She reiterated that citizen participation is vital to ensuring an inclusive and error free electoral roll. This achievement of Dharamkot and Garhshankar Constituencies stand as a testament to the values of coordination, dedication, and result oriented performance, reinforcing Punjab’s vision of a robust and digitally empowered electoral system.
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*Punjab Government Strengthens Legal Protection for Senior Citizens; Dignity, Care and Speedy Justice to Be Ensured*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government Fully Committed to Protecting the Rights and Welfare of Every Senior Citizen*
*Caring for Parents Is a Legal Responsibility, Says Social Security Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Maintenance Tribunals to Ensure Speedy Relief; Strict Action Against Neglect of Elderly Parents*
*Act Safeguards Property Rights and Strengthens Institutional Care for Senior Citizens*
Chandigarh, July 18:Reaffirming the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to ensuring a life of dignity, security and respect for every senior citizen, Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today said that the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in protecting the rights and welfare of senior citizens across the State. She described the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 as a landmark legislation that provides a robust legal framework to safeguard elderly citizens against neglect, abandonment and financial insecurity.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that children and legal heirs are legally as well as morally responsible for maintaining parents who are unable to support themselves. She said the Act empowers senior citizens to claim monthly maintenance through a simple, affordable and time-bound mechanism, sparing them lengthy legal proceedings while ensuring speedy justice without unnecessary harassment or procedural delays.
Highlighting the Government's dedicated support system for the elderly, the Cabinet Minister said that the Elder Line (National Helpline 14567) is operational across the State to provide immediate assistance to senior citizens facing emotional, legal or physical distress. She said the toll-free helpline is more than just a telephone number—it is a dependable support system where every concern of senior citizens is heard with empathy and addressed promptly.
Emphasising that the health, well-being and awareness of senior citizens remain among the Government's highest priorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur directed departmental officials to organise special awareness campaigns at the district level to educate senior citizens about their legal rights and welfare entitlements. She also called for the active involvement of local NGOs and eminent members of society in these outreach initiatives. The Minister further said that the Punjab Government regularly organises special health camps across the State to ensure that senior citizens receive quality healthcare services and free medical check-ups close to their homes, enabling them to lead healthier and more dignified lives.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that parents and senior citizens seeking maintenance or legal protection under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 may file their complaints with the office of the District Social Security Officer or before the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), who functions as the Maintenance Tribunal under the Act. She said the SDM, in the capacity of the Maintenance Tribunal, is empowered to hear such cases and ensure timely redressal of grievances, thereby safeguarding the legal rights and welfare of senior citizens.
Explaining the legal safeguards under the Act, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Maintenance Tribunals have been established to provide speedy relief to senior citizens. Applications may be filed not only by parents themselves but also through authorised representatives or recognised Non Government organisation (voluntary organisations), making the grievance redressal mechanism simple, accessible and senior citizen-friendly.
The Minister further stated that the Act contains stringent provisions against those who neglect or ill-treat senior citizens. If an elderly person transfers property on the condition that the recipient will provide care and maintenance but the recipient fails to honour that commitment, the Maintenance Tribunal has the authority to declare such transfer or gift deed void. She added that the Act also provides for the establishment of old age homes and the appointment of Maintenance Officers to further strengthen institutional support for senior citizens.
Making an emotional appeal to the people of Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that senior citizens are the foundation of every family and the custodians of society's values and traditions. Caring for them is not merely a legal obligation but also a reflection of Punjab's rich cultural heritage and moral ethos. She reiterated that the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to ensuring that every senior citizen in the State lives with dignity, security, independence and the respect they deserve.
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt stands firmly with over 2,100 MGNREGA employees; Rural Development Minister writes to Union Agriculture Minister demanding regularisation*
*Modi Govt Cannot Abandon Thousands of MGNREGA Employees After 18 Years of Service: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
*Centre Should Have Regularised MGNREGA Employees Instead of Replacing the Scheme After 18 Years: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
*Employees Who Strengthened Rural Development Programmes for Nearly Two Decades Should Not Be Forced to Protest Merely to Safeguard Their Livelihoods: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
*Modi Govt Cannot Evade Its Responsibility by Burdening States With Additional Financial Liabilities: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
*Centre Must Formulate Uniform National Policy Ensuring Job Security & Regularisation of MGNREGA Employees: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Will Continue to Fight for Rights of Its Employees: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
CHANDIGARH; 18th July 2026:Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Saturday wrote to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking the regularisation of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) employees under the newly introduced VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission) scheme and urging the Centre to formulate a uniform national policy guaranteeing their job security.
Reaffirming that the Bhagwant Mann Government stands firmly with over 2,100 MGNREGA employees in Punjab, the Minister questioned the Centre’s decision to shift the financial burden of the new scheme onto states while leaving employees’ future uncertain, demanded the immediate release of pending salaries, and asserted that employees who have strengthened rural development programmes for nearly two decades cannot be abandoned after 18 years of service.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday at Punjab Bhawan, Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said, “This is a very sensitive issue, and it is entirely related to the BJP-led Central Government. However, all the opposition parties, whether it is the Congress, the Akali Dal or the BJP in Punjab, are trying to divert the issue and mislead people so that the entire matter is blamed on the Punjab Government. It is very important that the truth and the facts are placed before the people.”
The Rural Development and Panchayat Minister said, “The MGNREGA scheme was introduced in India around 2005 under an Act through which the Central Government was to provide employment to every household. The scheme has been implemented in Punjab for nearly 18 years, and employment has been provided to people in villages under this Act.”
The Minister said, “To provide employment under this scheme, around 2,000 to 2,100 employees, including Technical Assistants (TAs), Gram Rozgar Sahayaks (GRSs) and Computer Operators, have been working under this completely Central Government scheme for the last 18 years.”
He said, “Instead of taking care of these employees and regularising their services, not only in Punjab but across the country, the BJP-led Central Government discontinued the existing MGNREGA scheme and announced that a new scheme would come into force from July 1.”
Raising questions over the decision, Tarunpreet Singh Sond said, “The biggest question is how the hard work put in by these employees over the last 18 years can be wiped out in a single moment. They worked under a Central Government Act and a Central Government scheme for all these years. The Punjab Government had no role whatsoever in this scheme.”
The Minister said, “The salaries of these employees were paid entirely by the Central Government because it was a 100 percent Central Government scheme. But instead of protecting their rights, the Centre discontinued the scheme, forcing nearly 2,100 employees to sit in protest.”
He pointed out, “The employees have made it clear that they do not want to shift to the new scheme because after serving for 18 years, they have no certainty about when they will be regularised. Their demand is justified.”
Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said, “I want to make it absolutely clear that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the entire Council of Ministers and the whole government stand firmly with these 2,100 employees who have been working under the Central Government’s MGNREGA scheme. We stand shoulder to shoulder with them. The Centre has openly violated their democratic rights by making them work for 18 years and then discontinuing the scheme.”
The Minister asserted, “As Punjab’s Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, I have written to Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Through this letter, I want to tell the Central Government that it should wake up, recognise the rights of these employees and regularise them after the years they have devoted to a Central Government scheme.”
*Rural Development & Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond Writes to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan*
The Government of India has abruptly discontinued the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and, in its place, launched the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) scheme on July 1. Under this new scheme, the financial burden has been shifted by the Union Government to all the State Governments across the country.
The hardworking employees who have been serving under MGNREGA for the past two decades have now been compelled by the Government of India to continue under the new scheme on a contractual basis. In my home state of Punjab, these employees are on strike as the discontinuation of MGNREGA by the Government of India has put their livelihoods at risk.
The primary reason behind their protest and strike is that more than 2,100 contractual employees, including Technical Assistants, Computer Assistants and others, who have been serving for the last 18 years, are demanding that their services be regularised under the new scheme.
The Punjab Government supports their demand. At the same time, it urges you to make a provision under the new scheme for the regularisation of all these employees. This is not an issue confined to Punjab alone. Employees across the country are facing the same situation.
We demand that the Union Government provide permanent employment to these employees across the country. The Punjab Government stands firmly with them in this regard.