*₹1.70 Crore Financial Assistance Provided to 4,056 Pregnant and Lactating Women: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Government Provides ₹6,000 Assistance for Birth of Second Child if the Child is a Girl*

*36,154 Women Registered Under the Scheme So Far During FY 2026-27*

Chandigarh, July 22:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, continues to take people-centric initiatives to promote the welfare of women and ensure the health and well-being of mothers and children. As part of these efforts, financial assistance amounting to ₹1.70 crore has been provided to 4,056 pregnant and lactating women during the current financial year, said Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the scheme, eligible women receive ₹5,000 as maternity assistance for the birth of their first child. The amount is released in two instalments, with ₹3,000 paid in the first instalment and ₹2,000 in the second.

The Cabinet Minister further informed that for the birth of a second child, if the child is a girl, the Government provides ₹6,000 as financial assistance in a single instalment. She added that the entire amount is transferred directly into the beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and timely delivery of benefits.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that 4,056 pregnant and lactating women have already received financial assistance during the current financial year. She further informed that 36,154 women have been registered under the scheme so far during FY 2026-27.

She emphasized that the scheme is not merely a financial assistance programme but also a significant initiative aimed at strengthening maternal health, improving nutrition, and ensuring better care for newborns. She said the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that no mother is deprived of essential healthcare services due to financial constraints and that every child receives a safe and healthy start in life.

Reiterating the Government's commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Mann Government remains fully dedicated to the welfare of women and children and is making every effort to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reach every eligible beneficiary.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt's Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana Empowers Women Even Beyond 100 Years of Age*

*I Will Spend This Money on My Daughters & Buy Hearing Aid for Myself: Bharbhur Kaur, 109-Year-Old Beneficiary*

*No Govt Has Ever Done Anything Like This Before: Bharbhur Kaur, 109-Year-Old Beneficiary*

*I've Never Seen Any Govt Give Such Dignity to Women of Punjab: Mukhtiar Kaur, 110-Year-Old Beneficiary*

*At This Age, Money Becomes Your Companion; You Need It for Everything: Jasmel Kaur, 102-Year-Old Beneficiary*

*I Will Keep This Money With Me & Spend It Wherever I Wish: Angrej Kaur, 102-Year-Old Beneficiary*

CHANDIGARH, 22 July 2026:For Punjab’s women centenarians, the financial assistance provided by the Bhagwant Mann government under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana is much more than a monetary benefit. It has become a source of dignity, independence and reassurance in the twilight of their lives. Some are unable to walk, while others can barely hear or speak. Yet, despite the challenges that come with crossing the century mark, these women are fully aware that the financial assistance they receive is theirs to spend as they choose. That sense of ownership has brought them immense satisfaction.

Many beneficiaries say they first learnt about the scheme through neighbours and relatives. Determined not to miss the opportunity, they persuaded their children and other family members to accompany them to the nearest Anganwadi centres to complete the formalities. The assistance is particularly meaningful because it is provided in addition to their old-age or widow pension.

At 109, Bharbhur Kaur of Sangrur completed the application process with the help of her great-granddaughter-in-law and now withdraws the money from the bank with her assistance. She has kept the money safely in her wallet. “I will spend part of this money on my daughters, who are also in their 50s, and use the remaining amount to buy a hearing aid for myself. I am hard of hearing, but otherwise I am healthy. I can still do all the household work. I have no knee pain or any other ailment. No government has ever done anything like this before,” she said.

Mukhtiar Kaur (110) of Kotkapura has also received the financial assistance. Though she is hard of hearing, she speaks clearly and says she spent the money on household needs. “I have never seen any government before that has given such dignity to the women of the state,” she said.

At 102, Jasmel Kaur of Faridkot has spent much of her life caring for her family. The assistance she received was put to equally thoughtful use. “Main kuchh paisa apni davai-booti te kharch kita ate kuchh paisa apne jawai de ilaj vaste apni beti nu ditta,” she says. (“I spent some money on my medicines and gave a part of it to my daughter to help with the treatment of my son-in-law.”) “I am happy that the Bhagwant Mann Government is paying so much attention to women,” she said with a smile. “At this age, money becomes your companion. You need it for everything. Every breath is difficult now.”

In Moga, Pritam Kaur (102) is frail and hard of hearing. Speaking very little because of her age, she lets her son, Sikander Singh, explain how the ₹3,000 assistance has improved her life. The family purchased a wheelchair, enabling her to move around the house with greater ease, while the remaining amount was spent on medicines. For Pritam Kaur, the support has made everyday life a little more comfortable.

Equally delighted is Angrej Kaur (102). Though she has difficulty hearing, her enthusiasm is unmistakable. “Main taan apne kol rakhangi eh paisa. Jithe dil karega, uthe hi kharch karangi,” she said confidently. (“I will keep this money with me and spend it wherever I wish.”) She bought medicines and a new suit for herself and also spent part of the amount on her granddaughter—a gesture that reflects her enduring spirit of giving even at the age of 102.

The age-related ailments, physical limitations and quiet resilience of these women underscore the significance of the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana. For these remarkable centenarians, the financial assistance is not merely an amount credited to their bank accounts. It is recognition of lives well lived, a source of financial independence and a reminder that they continue to matter. In their own quiet ways, these women demonstrate that dignity, respect and the freedom to make their own choices remain invaluable at every stage of life.

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*Suchetak Rangmanch presents Punjabi adaptation ‘Waqt Tainu Salaam Hai’ to a full house at Tagore Theatre*

*Such plays based on social themes give strong message to shun superstitions: Chairman Punjab State Food Commission Bal Mukand Sharma*

Chandigarh, July 22:Theatre group *Suchetak Rangmanch* staged the Punjabi play *‘Waqt Tainu Salaam Hai’* at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, drawing praise for its strong social message and artistic execution. The play is a Punjabi adaptation of the noted work by C.T. Khanolkar.

The performance was attended by Dr. Zora Singh, Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University and Dr. Tajinder Kaur, Pro-Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University as Chief Guests.

Bal Mukand Sharma, Chairman, Punjab State Food Commission and Dr. Gaurav Soni of Botanic Healthcare were present as Guests of Honour, along with several other dignitaries from the community.

Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma while appreciating play, its Director and artists highlighted that this kind of play with social theme gives strong message against superstitions and live life practically.

Directed by Anita Shabdeesh and translated into Punjabi by Shabdeesh, the play held the audience with its engaging narrative, powerful acting, and meaningful theme. It was widely appreciated by theatre lovers, artists and guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Zora Singh commended the group for using theatre to spread awareness and inspire positive change in society.

The organizers thanked the Chief Guests, dignitaries, media, supporters and the audience for their overwhelming response, which made the evening a success. Suchetak Rangmanch reiterated its resolve to continue staging meaningful plays that both entertain and convey important social messages.

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SIR 2026: CEO Punjab Anindita Mitra Honours trailblazer EROs(Electoral Registration Officers) for Early Completion of House-to-House Enumeration Phase

Chandigarh, July 22, 2026:To acknowledge and encourage excellence in electoral management, the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Mrs. Anindita Mitra, IAS, today awarded Certificates of Appreciation to the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) for their exceptional dedication and commitment in successfully completing the House-to-House Enumeration Phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026, well ahead of the prescribed timelines.

This landmark achievement reflects the collective efforts of district administrations in ensuring accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in the electoral process. Dharamkot Assembly Constituency (District Moga), under the leadership of Sh. Gurwinder Singh Johal, PCS, emerged as the first AC in the State, to complete the House-to-House Enumeration exercise. It was followed by Sh. Sunil Phogat, IAS Balachaur (District SBS Nagar); Sh. Tarsem Chand, PCS, Dirba (District Sangrur); Sh. Gagandeep, PCS ,Nihal Singh Wala (District Moga); Sh. Amrik Singh Sidhu, PCS, Bagha Purana (District Moga); Sh. Satwinder Pal Ranike, PCS,Moga (District Moga); Smt. Ismat Vijay Singh, PCS ,Dhuri (District Sangrur); and Sh. Vipan Bhandari, PCS,Banga (District SBS Nagar).

Lauding the collective efforts of the District Election Officers, EROs, AEROs, Supervisors and BLOs, Mrs. Mitra stated that this milestone reflects their collective dedication and mission-oriented working.

Speaking on the occasion, the CEO commended the officers for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic processes. She emphasized that the successful completion of this phase marks a significant step towards building a robust and fully digitized electoral roll, thereby empowering citizens and enhancing voter confidence.

The CEO further urged all districts to maintain the same spirit of dedication in the upcoming phases of SIR 2026.

She also appealed to Electors of Punjab who are yet to submit their enumeration forms to their Booth Level Officers to do so well before the last date of 3rd August, thereby ensuring their names are included in the draft electoral rolls to be published on August 13, 2026.

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*Punjab Becomes 1st State in India to Introduce Artificial Intelligence as Mainstream Subject From Class I to XII: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Punjab Is Moving From Leading Green Revolution to Leading Artificial Intelligence Revolution: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• AI Will Bring Artificial Intelligence Education to 25,172 Schools & Benefit 31.5 Lakh Students Across Punjab: Harjot Singh Bains*• Punjab’s Students Will Learn to Innovate With AI, Create With AI & Lead Technology-Driven Future: Manish Sisodia*

*• Punjab Has Set National Benchmark in AI Education & Is Preparing Students to Lead Technology-Driven Future: Manish Sisodia*

CHANDIGARH; July 22:In a landmark move to transform school education, Punjab has become the first state in India to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a mainstream subject from Class I to XII. The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) will roll out the curriculum in a phased manner under the ‘Sarbat.AI’ project, making it one of the country’s largest statewide AI education missions and positioning Punjab as a national leader in future-ready learning.

Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, along with former Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia, launched the project in the presence of education experts, technology partners and senior officials of the School Education Department.

Taking to X, Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated: “From today, Artificial Intelligence is a core subject in every PSEB school across Punjab. Every child — city or village — will learn the skills the world’s leading nations are racing to teach theirs. Punjab moves first, again — becoming the first state to make AI a mainstream subject from Class 1 to Class 12. This is the Punjab Arvind Kejriwal envisioned and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann is building on the ground, every single day.”

Addressing the gathering, Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “Today marks the beginning of a new era in Punjab’s education system. Punjab has become the first state in India to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a mainstream subject from Class I to XII. We are moving from leading the Green Revolution to leading the Artificial Intelligence Revolution.”

“This initiative will equip our students with future-ready skills while fostering innovation, ethical AI, entrepreneurship and responsible digital citizenship. We want every child in Punjab to be prepared not only for the jobs of tomorrow but also to become creators and innovators in the technology-driven world,” he said.

The Education Minister said, “The curriculum has been developed after studying international best practices from Singapore, Finland, the UAE and the United States. It has been aligned with UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) ’s Ethical AI Framework to ensure that our students learn the responsible, safe and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence while meeting global standards.”

Explaining the implementation plan, Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “Phase I will begin with Classes VIII to XII by integrating AI into the Computer Science curriculum in government and affiliated private schools. Students will learn through live online classes, recorded lectures, project-based learning, continuous assessments and a dedicated Learning Management System. In Phase II, AI education will be expanded to Classes I to VII, ensuring that every child in Punjab receives age-appropriate AI education from the foundational years.”

Highlighting the scale of the initiative, he said, “The programme builds on the success of PSEB’s AI Pilot Programme conducted in collaboration with FA-AI, which culminated in a statewide AI Hackathon. Student innovations developed during the pilot have demonstrated the immense potential of our children, and some of these projects are being showcased today.”

“The programme will be implemented technologically by Neeev AI and strengthened through strategic collaborations with Google, Intel, Canva and FA-AI to enhance AI literacy, teacher capacity building, innovation and workforce readiness,” he added.

Minister Harjot Singh Bains further said, “Our objective is to ensure equitable access to AI education for every classroom, every teacher and every learner across Punjab. This programme will eventually benefit 25,172 schools and nearly 31.5 lakh students. In Phase I, 12,424 Computer Science teachers will lead implementation, while more than two lakh teachers across all disciplines will be progressively trained to integrate AI into teaching, learning and assessment.”

Lauding the PSEB and the School Education Department, the Minister said, “This transformative project reflects the visionary leadership of AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, who have consistently demonstrated how sincere intent can transform the lives of children through quality education.”

Minister Harjot Singh Bains further said, “While countries like China and South Korea have already embedded AI in their primary school curricula, Punjab has chosen to lead India in this direction. Today, Punjab ranks first in education in the country. We are moving beyond outdated software drills to impart genuine future-ready skills. We have already equipped our schools with computers, smart panels and the necessary infrastructure. Punjab, once known as the nation’s breadbasket, will now emerge as the cradle of future talent. In the next five to eight years, Punjabis will be leading institutions across the world.”

Addressing the gathering, former Delhi Education Minister and AAP Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia said, “Punjab has scripted history with the launch of this project and has established itself as a national benchmark for AI education. This initiative reaffirms the state’s commitment to preparing students not merely to use Artificial Intelligence but to innovate with it, create with it and lead in the technology-driven future.”

Initiating the panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence, Manish Sisodia also expressed concern over the recent examination paper leaks in the country and the ongoing protests in the national capital. He stressed the need to strengthen examination integrity through technology-driven reforms and robust educational systems.

PSEB Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh said, “Artificial Intelligence has now been integrated as a core part of Punjab’s compulsory Computer Science curriculum. Learning outcomes in Computer Science will now be reflected on students’ board certificates. The question is not whether AI will shape education, but how we shape it with responsibility and foresight.”

The panel discussion featured Arjun Bedi from Neeev AI, Shweta Khurana from Intel, Hemant Bhalla from Google, Pradeep Jhunjhunwala from Amazon Web Services, Sagari Chatterjee from Canva and Ayushi Anand from FA-AI, who shared suggestions on strengthening AI education and ensuring examination integrity.

Director School Education (Senior Secondary) S.S. Bal, Director SCERT Kiran Sharma and other senior officials of the School Education Department were also present on the occasion.

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*Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Ensures CashlessTreatment for 2,300 Diabetes Patients, Covering Nearly ₹6.5 Crore*

*Punjab’s Working-Age Population Bears Brunt of Rising Diabetes Burden, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Data Reveals*

*Diabetes No Longer Disease of Old Age, Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Data Sounds Alarm Over Rising Cases Among Adults Aged 36 to 60*

*Preventing Diabetes Is Far Easier Than Treating Its Consequences; Do Not Wait for Complications: Dr. Balbir Singh*

CHANDIGARH, July 22: Diabetes rarely begins with a medical emergency. It often starts without a warning, with constant thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, unexplained tiredness, numbness in the feet or a wound that refuses to heal. These warning signs are frequently ignored until serious complications require hospitalisation, intensive care, surgery or dialysis.

Punjab’s latest health data under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana reveals that diabetes is no longer confined to old age. Increasingly, it is affecting people in the middle of their working lives, placing a growing burden on families, employers and the healthcare system.

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes cases continue to rise globally due to unhealthy diets, increasing consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks, physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption. Long working hours, inadequate sleep and chronic stress have further increased the risk of developing the disease.

Data shared by the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab, under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, a universal healthcare scheme led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, as on 21 July 2026,records 2,300 diabetes-related treatment-episodes worth nearly ₹6.5 crore (₹6,49,99,151.6). Adults between 36 and 60 years accounted for the highest number of cases (1,123), followed by senior citizens above 60 years (809), youth aged 17–35 years (243) and children aged 0–16 years (125). The data indicates that diabetes is increasingly affecting Punjab's economically productive population while also impacting younger age groups.

The treatment data also highlights the severity of cases reaching hospitals. Diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication caused by dangerously uncontrolled blood sugar, accounted for the highest number of treatment claims.

Diabetic foot, resulting from long-term nerve and blood vessel damage, emerged as the second major condition requiring treatment. Several patients also required dialysis, blood transfusions, CT and MRI scans, intensive care and diabetic foot surgery, reflecting the advanced stage of disease at the time of hospitalisation.

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said the figures should serve as a warning for every household. “These are not people who have reached the twilight of life. They are the state's workforce, the people raising families, running businesses, paying loans and supporting ageing parents. When diabetes pushes this age group into hospital, the impact stretches far beyond the patient," he added.

He urged people not to ignore early warning signs and to undergo regular blood sugar screening. “Preventing diabetes is far easier than treating its consequences. Do not wait for complications to occur. Hospitals can save lives, but they cannot give people back the years lost to neglect,” Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said.

While Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana continues to provide financial protection by covering treatment costs, health experts emphasise that prevention remains the most effective strategy. Timely diagnosis, regular screening, healthy eating, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco and harmful alcohol use can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes and its potentially disabling complications.

*What the Diabetes Data Reveals:*

•Adults aged 36–60 years accounted for thehighest number of diabetes-related cases(1,123), followed by senior citizens above 60 years (809), youth aged 17–35 years (243) and children aged 0–16 years (125).

•Punjab's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana has covered 2,300 diabetes-related treatment episodes worth nearly ₹6.5 crore (₹6,49,99,151.6) as on 21 July 2026.

•Diabetic ketoacidosis was the most frequently claimed treatment package, indicating many patients reached hospitals with dangerously uncontrolled diabetes.

•Diabetic foot emerged as the second major complication, reflecting long-term nerve and blood vessel damage.

•Many patients required advanced care, including dialysis, ICU treatment, blood transfusions, CT/MRI scans and diabetic foot surgery.

•Early screening, healthy lifestyles and timely management remain the most effective ways to prevent serious diabetes complications.

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*Ensure Benefits of Horticulture Schemes Reach Every Single Farmer: Bhagat Directs Officers*

*Punjab Government Committed to Welfare of Farmers and Enhancing Their Income*

Chandigarh, July 22:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously working to make horticulture a profitable occupation and enhance the income of farmers. In line with this objective, Cabinet Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat chaired a review meeting with senior officers of the Horticulture Department to assess the progress of various departmental projects.

During the meeting, Additional Secretary Mr. Latif Ahmed and Director Mr. Manish Kumar briefed the Cabinet Minister in detail on the departmental administrative affairs, budget, farmer-centric subsidy schemes, progress of ongoing development works, and other important issues.

The Cabinet Minister directed the officers to ensure that the benefits of various horticulture schemes being implemented by the State Government reach all eligible farmers in a transparent and timely manner.

He also instructed the officers to establish direct contact with farmers at the field level so that they become aware of the government schemes and more eligible farmers can avail themselves of these benefits.

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*AMAN ARORA CALLS FOR FOOLPROOF DATA SECURITY SYSTEM TO PROTECT CITIZEN TRUST*

*• Good Governance & IT Dept. hosts State-level consultative workshop on 'Strengthening Cybersecurity Frameworks for State Data'*

*• Public trust in government digital services must be upheld at all costs, stresses Aman Arora*

CHANDIGARH, July 22:In a bid to ensure transparent and secure digital governance, Punjab Good Governance and Information Technology (GG&IT) Minister Mr Aman Arora on Wednesday emphasised the urgent need to establish a foolproof data security ecosystem across all state government departments.

Addressing the State-Level Consultative Workshop on “Strengthening Cybersecurity Frameworks for State Data” organised by the Department of Good Governance & Information Technology (DGGIT) here, Mr. Aman Arora termed technology a double-edged sword, noting that while it offers immense benefits, it also brings significant risks that necessitate wise data management.

"Data is the new public asset and safeguarding citizen records and state databases is fundamental to maintaining public trust in digital governance. As Punjab expands its digital footprint across social welfare schemes, land records and citizen services, securing our digital perimeter and ensuring compliance with national frameworks like the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, remains our top priority,” stated Mr Aman Arora.

The GGIT Minister said that whenever a common man visits a government facility or fills out a form to avail public services, they do so with absolute trust that their personal data is safe and secure. This trust of the common citizen must not be broken at any cost, he said, while directing department officials to work as a unified team, conduct deep brainstorming, and continuously upgrade and evolve state systems to counter emerging digital threats on a daily basis.

The Minister assured full support from the state government and the department for any measures needed to strengthen cybersecurity protocols.

The workshop was organized in alignment with conceptual frameworks issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, to evaluate state-level cybersecurity readiness, assess critical data assets, and prepare recommendations for the upcoming National Departmental Summit.

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Additional Chief Secretary DGGIT Dr DK Tiwari highlighted the technical and operational measures currently deployed across Punjab's digital infrastructure, including the State Data Centre (SDC) and State Wide Area Network (SWAN). He stressed the necessity of a unified defence mechanism, urging all government departments to adopt "Secure-by-Design" principles, conduct regular vulnerability assessments, and appoint Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs).

The workshop featured technical presentations and context-setting sessions delivered by representatives from the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and Dr. Marshal R, Scientist D from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), alongside key industry perspectives on AI-driven data security and perimeter defense from Airtel and on implementation approach of DPDP Act from Varonis.

During parallel breakout sessions led by State e-Mission Team (SeMT), representatives from various state departments deliberated on key national themes, including risk-based security assessments, incident response through dedicated State CSIRTs, legacy application modernisation, and alignment with national security guidelines and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.

Meanwhile, the strategic solutions and inputs compiled during the workshop will be formulated into a comprehensive state report by the Department of Good Governance & IT and submitted to MeitY, Government of India, to represent Punjab's recommendations for the framework at the upcoming National Departmental Summit to be held in New Delhi.

Director DGGIT Mr. Vishesh Sarangal, Special Secretary Home Mr. Parminderpal Singh, Deputy Secretary Information & Public Relations department Mr. Deepankar Garg and other senior officials of the state government were also attended the workshop.