*Our Govt Is Following Ideals Of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Our Govt’s Every Decision Reflects Vision & Guidance Of Our Martyrs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Our Govt Will Leave No Stone Unturned To Fulfil Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh’s Dreams: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Govt To Spend ₹24.99 Crore On Heritage Complex Dedicated To Shaheeds At Hussainiwala: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Our Aim Isn't Only To Develop Hussainiwala But Also To Make It Tourist Destination: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Grand Heritage Entrance Gate, Heritage Corridor, Wall Paintings Along With Beautification Of Parks & Memorials To Be Developed: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

HUSSAINIWALA; 15th August 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that the life, philosophy and supreme sacrifice of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev continue to guide every decision of his government, which is committed to turning their vision of a free, progressive and prosperous Punjab into reality. Paying floral tributes to the martyrs at Hussainiwala, he said the government will leave no stone unturned to fulfil Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh’s dreams, while ₹24.99 crore is being spent on a dedicated Heritage Complex to preserve their glorious legacy and transform Hussainiwala into a major tourist destination.

During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These iconic leaders sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and its people. This place is sacred for every countryman as the mortal remains of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru and Shaheed Sukhdev, after their martyrdom, were cremated unceremoniously by the Britishers here. This place has been inspiring the youth of the country for selfless service towards the nation.”

Expressing his gratitude for visiting the sacred land, the Chief Minister stated, “I am blessed to have visited this sacred land for paying tributes to the legendary martyrs who laid down their lives at the altar of the national freedom struggle. Our government is leaving no stone unturned for realising the dream of Shaheed-e-Aazam Bhagat Singh. The nation will always be indebted to this martyr who sacrificed his life at a young age of 23 years for emancipating the country from the clutches of British imperialism.”

Highlighting the impact of Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice on the youth, he said, “The Shaheedi of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh at a young age had motivated the youth to join the national freedom struggle, thereby leading to the independence of the country. Shaheed-e-Aazam will remain a source of inspiration for millions of youth to render selfless service to the nation. I call upon the youth to follow the footsteps of Shaheed Bhagat Singh to make India a progressive and prosperous country.”

On the Hussainiwala Heritage Complex, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The work on the Hussainiwala Heritage Complex has been started and an amount of ₹24.99 crore will be spent on this project. This project is a humble effort to honour our great martyrs and aims to preserve the glorious legacy of freedom fighters for future generations. The main objective is to develop the heritage area at Hussainiwala, and the construction of this heritage complex will also boost tourism.”

Detailing the features of the project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This project will include a grand heritage entrance gate for the complex, a heritage corridor on both sides dedicated to the lives of martyrs, along with wall paintings and beautification and landscaping of parks and memorial areas. Likewise, thematic representation of historical events and personalities, a 3D mapping show on the old bridge to showcase historical narratives and installation of a musical fountain setup will also be there.”

Listing other facilities to be provided at the complex, the Chief Minister stated, “The complex will also have a dedicated play area for children, recreational and comfortable spaces for senior citizens, an on-grid solar power plant and provision of an RO plant for clean drinking water.”

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*Punjab Government under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Committed to Building the ‘Rangla Punjab’ Envisioned by Martyrs: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Finance Minister unfurls the Tricolour in Ludhiana on the 80th Independence Day; pays homage to the supreme sacrifices of martyrs*

*Punjab achieves major milestones in education, healthcare, economy, public welfare, agriculture, and infrastructure: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Distinguished achievers from various fields honored on the occasion*

Chandigarh/*Ludhiana, August 15*:On the occasion of the nation's 80th Independence Day, Punjab's Minister for Finance, Planning, Transport, Excise, and Taxation, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, unfurled the Tricolour and extended warm greetings to citizens. Remembering the unmatched sacrifices of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Shaheed Udham Singh, Shaheed Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Dr. Diwan Singh Kalepani, and all freedom fighters, he stated that Punjabis led from the forefront in India's freedom struggle. He affirmed that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is following the ideals of the martyrs and Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which led to installing their portraits in government offices and setting up a statue of Shaheed Bhagat Singh at Mohali Airport.

Finance Minister Cheema stated that the Punjab Government increased the ex-gratia grant for next-of-kin of martyred personnel from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, covering Agniveers and martyred police personnel as well. Monthly financial assistance for Dharmi Faujis was raised to ₹12,000, freedom fighter pensions were increased to ₹11,000 per month, and a 1% reservation was provided for their legal heirs in government jobs. Preserving religious heritage, ₹100 crore was allocated for the 650th Parkash Purab celebrations of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, and a ₹37-crore Bani Research Centre is being constructed at Dera Sachkhand Ballan. In addition, 650 acres of bagichi’s, Shobha Yatras, and awareness vans have been launched. Major events also include marking the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, staging religious plays like Humare Ram, and enabling over 4 lakh pilgrims to visit sacred shrines under the ‘Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme.’

Highlighting financial strengthening to support public services, he said Punjab registered a 20% growth in GST revenue during the first four months of the current financial year, and in July, the state achieved a 16.23% SGST cash growth—the highest in the country. He added that the budget for the ‘Rangla Punjab Development Scheme’ for this financial year has been increased to ₹1,170 crore.

On the education revolution, he stated: "Punjab schools have introduced AI and entrepreneurship curricula. 118 Schools of Eminence are being developed, teachers are receiving training in Singapore and Finland, over 15,000 students have access to free bus services, fee hikes in private schools have been capped at 5%, and ITI seats have expanded to 52,000. Students have also achieved top ranks in JEE and NEET exams."

Emphasizing employment generation for youth, Minister Cheema said over 69,000 government jobs have been provided since April 2022, a dedicated bill was passed for outsourced employees, and workers' wages saw a 15% increase.

Outlining initiatives in healthcare, the Finance Minister said: "Through the ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana’, 65 lakh families receive free medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh annually. Over 6 crore people have benefited from 1,090 Aam Aadmi Clinics, 356 hi-tech ambulances have been deployed, and more than 11,000 classes are conducted daily under ‘CM Di Yogshala’."

On public welfare and women's empowerment, Cheema noted: "Under the ‘Mukh Mantri Mavan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana’ with a ₹9,300 crore budget, women receive ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per month. Additionally, free bus travel for women, the Ashirwad Scheme, ‘Meri Rasoi’ ration kits, the Farishtey Scheme, the closure of 21 toll plazas saving commuters money, and 300 units of free power ensuring zero electricity bills for 90% of households have all been delivered."

On agriculture, the state’s primary economic driver, he said: "Punjab provided the country’s highest State Agreed Price for sugarcane at ₹416 per quintal, canal irrigation expanded to 60.30 lakh acres, stubble burning incidents fell by 53%, and agricultural tubewell power remains completely free."

In industry, the state received ₹1.83 lakh crore in investment proposals, registered 13.53 lakh new MSMEs, implemented the new Industrial Policy 2026, and extended the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme deadline up to September 30, 2026.

Regarding law and order, under the ‘War on Drugs’, over 75,000 drug peddlers were arrested, and more than 59,000 criminals were detained under ‘Assault on Gangsters’. The Road Safety Force helped reduce accident fatalities by 53%. The anti-corruption helpline has also led to penalties for hundreds of corrupt individuals.

The Minister highlighted the construction of 45,000 km of roads, adding 1,279 new buses to the state fleet, Airport Volvo services, and launching 56 digital transport services. Administrative reforms include 437 doorstep citizen services under ‘Sarkar Tuhade Dwaar’, Easy Registry, plot registry without NOC requirements, piped water access to 100% of rural homes, and reclaiming 14,200 acres of government land from illegal encroachments.

Terming the hike in the sports budget to ₹1,744 crore a historic step, he said: "Cash rewards and jobs were provided to athletes, the traditional bullock cart races at Kila Raipur resumed after 11 years, and Punjab is hosting the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy."

Speaking on Ludhiana district, Cheema said development in the industrial city gained momentum this year with the construction of the Halwara Airport terminal building and the launch of 2 daily flights between Halwara and Delhi. He noted: "School of Eminence Kidwai Nagar and School of Eminence Miller Ganj are providing high-standard, future-ready education to students from all backgrounds. Robotics labs at PAU School and School of Eminence Inderpuri are training students in coding and robotics, sharpening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills."

The Finance Minister added that 80 new Aam Aadmi Clinics are being established in Ludhiana, with 37 already functional and the remaining 43 opening within a month. Civil Hospital Ludhiana secured the 1st rank in the Kayakalp assessment. The MCH wing is adding 100 beds, a CCU with 75 beds is under construction, and District Hospital Ludhiana is on track to become a 500-bed facility by the end of the year. The cancer care unit is operational and offering chemotherapy.

In public welfare programs, Ludhiana led the state with over 5 lakh women registering under the ‘Mukh Mantri Mavan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana’. Programs like Project Ummeed, Cafe Spice, assistive aid camps, and de-addiction drives are making Ludhiana an inclusive model of development. Sports infrastructure in the city has seen upgrades including a high-end gym, renovation of Shastri Badminton Hall, construction of a weightlifting hall, a shooting range revamp completing in 1 month, and a modern indoor volleyball stadium opening within 4 months.

Distinguished contributors across various sectors were honored during the ceremony.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included MLAs Madan Lal Bagga, Jiwan Singh Sangowal, Rajinderpal Kaur Chhina, Daljit Singh Grewal, Ashok Parashar Pappi, and Kulwant Singh Sidhu; Mayor Inderjit Kaur; Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Parashar; Deputy Mayor Prince Johar; Chairman Navjot Singh Jarg; Chairman Tejpal Singh Gill; District and Sessions Judge Harpreet Kaur Randhawa; Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain; Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma; Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ojasvi Alankar; District President Jatinder Singh Khangura, among others.

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*80th Independence Day*

*Jails, NRI Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh unfurls tricolour at Hoshiarpur*

*Punjab Government committed to realising dreams of freedom fighters*

*650th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji to be celebrated on a large scale*

*Underlines need of unified efforts to transform state into ‘Rangla Punjab’*

*Punjab shines on map of education and healthcare in country*

*Punjab becomes first state to resolve issues of NRIs through online*

*Announces holiday in all schools of Hoshiarpur district on Monday*

Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur, August 15:Punjab Jails, NRIs and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh on Saturday unfurled the National Flag at the Police Lines Ground here to mark 80th Independence Day. He emphasised that unified efforts should be made to transform the state into a ‘Rangla Punjab’.

The Minister assured that the Punjab Government would provide all possible support to realise the dreams cherished by the great martyrs of the country.

After unfurling the national flag, inspecting the parade and releasing tricolour balloons, Jails and NRIs Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh while addressing the district-level Independence Day function said that the Punjab Government had carried out immense development and welfare works for every section and sector of the society during the past four and a half years. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab had set new milestones in the fields of education and healthcare thus securing a leading place on the national map in these sectors.

Paying tributes to Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Udham Singh, Madan Lal Dhingra, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Diwan Singh Kalepani and other freedom fighters, Dr Ravjot Singh said that Punjab had always played a pivotal role in safeguarding country’s unity and integrity and Punjabis had made the maximum sacrifices during the freedom struggle.

Listing the achievements of the Punjab Government, Dr Ravjot Singh said that Punjab government had undertaken several initiatives for the welfare of armed forces personnel, families of martyrs and ex-servicemen. He said that the ex-gratia amount for the next of kin of martyred soldiers had been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore. The pension being provided to the family members of freedom fighters in the state had also been increased from Rs 9400 to Rs 11000. He said that under the Mukh Mantri Maawan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, financial assistance of Rs 2274.42 crore had been transferred to the accounts of more than 74.59 lakh women across the state so far. He said that 28734 self-help groups had been formed during the past four years through government initiatives, providing self-help support to nearly three lakh women.

Under the Ashirwad Scheme, assistance of Rs 51000 is provided, and during 2025-26, more than 62000 beneficiaries received assistance amounting to Rs 318.32 crore. Talking about the Mukh Mantri Meri Rasoi Scheme, Dr Ravjot Singh said that licences had been issued to 2,800 new depot holders, thus enabling ration card holders to get free ration from nearby depots without going faraway. He said ration kits were also being provided under the Meri Rasoi Scheme, containing essential household kitchen items. Regarding the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, he said that free treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh was being provided at more than 900 government and empanelled private hospitals.

Dr Ravjot Singh said that the Aam Aadmi Party Government would make all out efforts to wipe out drugs from the state so that future generations could remain free from this menace. He said that the state’s Sadak Surakhya Force had saved more than 25000 people by providing immediate first aid at spots. He said that this year, 361 students from government schools qualified for JEE Mains, 64 students for JEE Advanced and 882 students qualified for the NEET examination.

The Cabinet Minister also said that the Public Works department had constructed 45000 kilometres of roads in the state. He said the Punjab Government was adding 1279 new buses in the existing fleet making the total number of government buses to 3546 which would be the biggest increase during the last two decades.

Dr Ravjot Singh said that 437 citizen services were being provided through Sewa Kendras. People could also avail these services by calling 1076 also. He said that through the Easy Registry project, more than 3.70 lakh land registrations had so far been completed in a transparent manner. On reforms in the Jails department, Dr. Ravjot Singh said the government’s objective was to transform jails into centres of reform, rehabilitation and reintegration, enabling inmates to rebuild their lives and return to society as responsible citizens. He said that free electricity was being provided to 14 lakh agricultural tubewells and an amount of Rs 9992 crore had been earmarked for this purpose during 2025-26. He added that uninterrupted power supply of more than eight hours had been ensured for farmers during the paddy season. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party Government had made arrangements for irrigation through canal water for 60.30 lakh acres across the state by incurring Rs 7200 crore.

NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said that Punjab had become the first state in the country to resolve the issues of NRIs through an online system. He said that NRIs could send their grievances through WhatsApp number 90560-09884. He said that so far, 21103 documents of Punjabis settled abroad had been counter-signed through the online system.

The Cabinet Minister also said that the Punjab Government would celebrate the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji on a massive scale, for which a budget of Rs 100 crore had been earmarked. Under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme, the people are being taken to the holy places for darshan. He said that in view of the 650th Parkash Purb of Guru Ravidas Ji, the State Government was setting up baggichis (nurseries) on the name of Guru Sahib were being established over 650 acres of land across Punjab. A campaign was already underway to plant 6.50 lakh saplings and distribute 6.50 lakh commemorative flags in every district. He said that in Hoshiarpur, 53 Nanak Baghichis, six sacred forests and around 5,000 saplings along roadsides were being planted.

At the conclusion of the district-level Independence Day function, Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh announced a holiday in all schools of Hoshiarpur district on Monday, August 17.

During the function, the Cabinet Minister, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain, SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik and Parade Commander DSP Kulwant Singh, inspected the parade. The parade led by Parade Commander DSP Kulwant Singh and Second-in-Command Inspector Jasvir Kaur, comprised contingents of Punjab Police personnel, the Women Wing of PRTC Jahan Khelan, Punjab Police Women Wing, Punjab Home Guards, NCC 12 Punjab Battalion, Girl Guides, Scouts and the PRTC Jahan Khelan band also took a march past.

On the occasion, MLA Bram Shanker Jimpa, MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill, MLA Karamvir Singh Ghuman, MLA Dr Ishank Kumar, Mayor Praveen Saini, Chairman BACKFINCO Punjab Sandeep Saini, Chairman District Planning Committee Karamjit Kaur, Chairman Improvement Trust Gurwinder Singh Pabla, Chairman Market Committee Hoshiarpur Jaspal Singh Chechi, Senior Deputy Mayor Surinder Kumar, Deputy Mayor Sandeep Chechi, District and Sessions Judge Rajinder Aggarwal, and other officers were also present.

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Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Tarunpreet Singh Sond pay floral tribute to Shaheed Master Karnail Singh Issru

Punjab government's strict action against drugs and gangsters continues: Harpal Singh Cheema

Legacy of Shaheed Karnail Singh Issru is an inspiration for youth: Tarunpreet Singh Sond

Cabinet Ministers Cheema and Sond honour Shaheed Master Karnail Singh Issru’s nieces Jaswinder Kaur and Narinder Kaur

Chandigarh / Issru, Khanna (Ludhiana), 15 August:On the martyrdom day of Shaheed Master Karnail Singh Issru, Punjab Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Tarunpreet Singh Sond paid floral tributes to the martyr at a state-level function held at his native village, Issru, today. The martyr had attained martyrdom while liberating Goa from Portuguese rule.

They laid wreaths at the statue of Shaheed Karnail Singh Issru and also honoured his nieces, Jaswinder Kaur and Narinder Kaur.

Paying tribute to Shaheed Master Karnail Singh Issru, Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that Punjabis have always made sacrifices for the unity, integrity, and peace of the country. He said that by making a significant contribution to the freedom of Goa, Shaheed Master Karnail Singh set an example of Punjab’s bravery and patriotism.

Harpal Singh Cheema said that in the year 2022, the people of Punjab gave a historic mandate to the Aam Aadmi Party, and the government was formed under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He stated that the government has implemented five guarantees made to the people. Due to up to 300 units of free electricity, nearly 90 percent of households are receiving zero electricity bills. Schools of Eminence, international-level training for teachers, and the outstanding results of government schools are proof of a major transformation in the education sector.

He said that the Bhagwant Singh Mann government provided an ex-gratia amount of ₹1 crore to the families of martyrs, free treatment under the health insurance scheme, road development, sports stadiums, increased employment opportunities for youth, and gave 70,000 government jobs.

Cheema said that the Punjab government is taking strict action against drugs and gangsterism, and is connecting the youth with sports and employment.

Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that the legacy of sacrifice received from the Sikh Gurus, especially Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, has always inspired Punjabis to stand for humanity and truth. He said that this very spirit strengthened Punjab’s significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle. Remembering the sacrifices of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Shaheed Karnail Singh Issru, he called upon the youth to take inspiration from their lives.

The minister said that the AAP government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken several important initiatives in health, education, and agriculture. Aam Aadmi Clinics, Schools of Eminence, cashless healthcare facilities up to ₹10 lakh, and supplying canal water to farmlands are major steps in this direction. He also mentioned the government’s stern drive against drugs.

Sond stated that a grant of ₹2.17 crore has been released so far for the overall development of village Issru. With this amount, development works including sports grounds, an Anganwadi centre, a rural library, pond cleaning, a Panchayat Ghar, and an SC Dharamshala are being carried out. He assured that there will be no shortage of funds for the development of the native village of Shaheed Karnail Singh Issru.

On this occasion, Chairman of Punjab Genco Limited Navjot Singh Jarg, Chairman District Parishad Ludhiana Jagroop Singh Seh, Chairman Market Committee Doraha and District President Rural Gurdarshan Singh Koohli, Chairman Block Samiti Khanna Lakhvir Singh Gill, President Municipal Council Khanna Jatinder Pathak, District Parishad Member Master Avtar Singh Daihru, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khanna Dr. Darpan Ahluwalia, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Khanna Jashanpreet Kaur Gill, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Khanna Swati Tiwana, Executive Officer Charanjit Singh, Naib Tehsildar Gurcharan Singh, BDPO Khanna Satwinder Singh Kang, Sarpanch Jatinderjot Singh Issru, along with officials from various departments and a large number of Aam Aadmi Party leaders and workers were present.