*Year-long congregations to be organised on 650th Guru Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji; CM Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurates the celebrations*

*Sant Sammelan, conventions, katha-kirtan programmes and university seminars to be held till February 20, 2027: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial to be constructed at Khuralgarh & Sri Guru Ravidass Vani Study Centre to be set up near Dera Ballan: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*No shortage of funds will be allowed for year-long congregations; whatever Sant Samaj directs will be implemented: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Education & healthcare are our top priorities; on one hand we’re building world-class schools & on other providing cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Prayer to Parmaatma to grant us strength so that every decision of AAP Govt serves interests of people of Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

KHURALGARH, 6th February 2026:Marking a decisive institutional commitment to the legacy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, the Punjab government on Friday formally launched year-long celebrations for the 650th Guru Purb, laying out a clear sequence of religious, cultural and academic initiatives that will run across the state until February 20, 2027. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the commemorations with the announcement of sustained congregations, Sant Sammelans, katha-kirtan programmes, conventions and university-level seminars, while simultaneously unveiling major infrastructure commitments including the expansion of a Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh and the establishment of a Sri Guru Ravidass Bani Research Centre near Dera Ballan at Jalandhar.

Stressing that financial constraints would not be allowed to dilute the scale or spirit of the observances, the Chief Minister assured that all directions of the Sant Samaj would be fully implemented, situating the year-long religious programme within the broader governance framework of the AAP government that prioritises education reform, expanded public healthcare with cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh, and policy decisions guided by public welfare.

Addressing the state-level function organised to commemorate the 649th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated the Sangat and said, “It is our collective duty to spread the message of Guru Ji across the globe. Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji envisioned an egalitarian society free from all forms of discrimination.”

Describing himself as a humble participant in the sacred congregation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that “the state government will leave no stone unturned to celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji in an unsurpassed manner.”

Recalling recent initiatives, the Chief Minister said, “The state government has recently commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji through a series of events. Likewise, year-long programmes have been chalked out to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji in an unprecedented manner.” He added that he felt blessed to be connected to this sacred land, noting that “Guru Ji delivered a powerful message of equality from here and spent more than four years at this place.”

Highlighting steps taken to institutionalise the legacy of the revered Guru, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “To perpetuate the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, the state government has established Chairs at Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University to undertake research.”

He further said, “As guided by the Sant Samaj, the state government will organise a wide range of events to mark the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji. All of us are fortunate to have received this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate Guru Ji’s Parkash Purb.”

Reiterating his government’s commitment to social justice, the Chief Minister said, “We will work tirelessly to ameliorate the woes of the weaker and underprivileged sections of society, in complete consonance with the teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.” He added that “the state government is duty bound to ensure the well-being of the poorest of the poor, for which several path-breaking initiatives are being undertaken,” and said that “with the blessings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, our government has been voted to power with a thumping majority.”

Elaborating on Guru Ji’s philosophy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji gave the message of welfare of entire humanity and equality of all sections of society, thereby laying the foundation of a truly egalitarian social order.” He added, “Guru Ji envisioned an ideal society where no one suffers in any form, and our government is fully committed to carving out such a society based on the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji.”

The Chief Minister further said, “The life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji continue to guide humanity towards building an egalitarian society. Guru Ji was a great spiritual ambassador and a messiah of the poor and underprivileged, who taught us to lead a virtuous and noble life.” He added that “this Parkash Purb is an occasion for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the creation of a society where every human being lives with self-respect and dignity, without any discrimination.”

Referring to Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideology, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In line with the vision of Babasaheb Ambedkar, our government is empowering the weaker sections of society through quality education.” He added that “the Schools of Eminence established by the state government will realise Babasaheb’s dreams by grooming poor but bright students for a prosperous future.”

The Chief Minister also urged the devotees to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of Punjab, saying that “with the blessings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, the state government will soon carve out a new, vibrant and progressive Punjab.”

Highlighting healthcare reforms, the Chief Minister said, “The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is being implemented across Punjab as the state’s largest health reform programme.” He added, “Every family is now entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh. Earlier, this limit was Rs 5 lakh, which has now been doubled.” Bhagwant Singh Mann said that “around 65 lakh families will benefit from this ambitious scheme, which is aimed at the welfare of every section of society.”

Giving a clarion call to the people, the Chief Minister said, “We must follow the path shown by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji to eradicate the various social evils prevailing in society.” He added, “The bani of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji is a lighthouse for entire humanity. Guru Ji showed the world the true path of humanity, and this bani can play a pivotal role in emancipating society from the challenges it faces today.”

Referring to major infrastructure initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government has already constructed a world-class memorial at Khuralgarh at a cost of nearly ₹148 crore as a humble tribute to Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.”

He added that “the memorial includes tourist facilities, multi-level parking, Minar-e-Begumpura, Sangat Hall, a state-of-the-art auditorium and other amenities.” Reiterating Guru Ji’s universal message, he said that “Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji stood for the welfare of entire humanity and equality of all sections of society.”

The Chief Minister further revealed, “The state government has purchased 12 acres of land in villages Faridpur and Nau Gaza in Jalandhar at a cost of ₹10 crore for setting up the Sri Guru Ravidass Adhyan Centre near Dera Ballan.” He said, “This state-of-the-art centre will emerge as a major research hub dedicated to the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji and will serve as a beacon of learning, devotion and propagation of Guru Ji’s bani.”

Addressing the gathering, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia said, “I feel fortunate to have the privilege of visiting the sacred land of Khuralgarh, which bears the footprints of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji.”

He added, “From this land, Guru Ji gave the message of human equality, and today the Punjab government and the Aam Aadmi Party are following this very path by ensuring equal rights for all sections of society.”

Manish Sisodia said that “in Punjab today, while upholding the principle of equality, the government is providing education, healthcare and other facilities to every individual,” adding that “not just Punjab, but the entire country needs such a vision where every person is treated equally.”

Several Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, representatives of the Sant Samaj and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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*Punjab Govt committed to preserving rich cultural heritage for future generations: Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa shaped modern Punjab after Partition through vision of food security & culture: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Green Revolution in Punjab saved India from famine by keeping farmer & grain at centre: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Promoting Punjabi mother tongue & culture is collective duty, not a political act: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 6th February 2026:Placing culture at the centre of Punjab’s identity and continuity, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to preserving the state’s rich civilisational heritage for future generations, while addressing the Mahinder Singh Randhawa Literature and Arts Festival in Chandigarh.

Paying tribute to Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa’s role in shaping modern Punjab after Partition and leading the Green Revolution that saved India from famine by keeping the farmer and grain at the centre, the Chief Minister emphasised that promoting the Punjabi mother tongue, literature and culture is a shared societal duty and not a political act.

Addressing the festival,CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab, since its inception, has been a cradle of civilization. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that we have inherited a glorious cultural heritage along with an unmatched spirit of hard work and resilience.” He said that preserving and celebrating this legacy was essential to ensure that the coming generations remain rooted in their cultural ethos.

Expressing gratitude to the officials of the Punjab Arts Council for organising the festival, the Chief Minister said, “Such endeavours are the need of the hour to keep our younger generations aware of and connected with our rich culture.” He said that platforms like this festival play a crucial role in sustaining Punjab’s literary, artistic and cultural traditions.

Recalling the life and legacy of Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the event had been organised to honour a personality who had sown seeds of hope in the fields of Punjab. “Remembering Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa from the depths of my heart, I consider him the architect of modern Punjab’s destiny after the 1947 Partition,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that hailing from a village in Hoshiarpur district, Dr Randhawa was not only a capable administrator but also a profound philosopher.

Highlighting Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa’s vision, the Chief Minister said, “He was blessed with rare qualities of both head and heart. He believed that if a nation’s stomach is empty, it cannot fight, but if its soul is empty, it cannot live.” the CM said that guided by this understanding, Dr Randhawa established the Punjab Agricultural University on one hand, while on the other he set up the Chandigarh Art Gallery and cultural centres across Punjab.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Whenever we recall the Punjab Agricultural University, our farmers, our litterateurs, and the people displaced during the 1947 Partition, one name that comes to mind, holding their hands, is Dr Randhawa.”

He described Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa as the pioneer of the Green Revolution in Punjab and said that due to his farsighted vision, Punjab saved India from famine during a critical period. “Thanks to Dr Randhawa, the focal point of the Green Revolution was always ‘grain’ and ‘farmer’,” he added.

Stressing that the programme was not a political gathering, the Chief Minister said, “Today’s event is a celebration of the development of the Punjabi mother tongue and language.” He asserted that every individual must promote their mother tongue through every possible medium and said that the state government is duty bound to work tirelessly for this noble cause.

Recalling the influence of literature and culture on his own life, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that poetry, literature, art and culture had played a profound role in shaping his thinking and journey. He also recalled eminent literary and cultural figures including Sant Ram Udasi, Devinder Satyarthi, Rasool Hamzatoz, Narinder Kapoor, Keats, Shiv Batalvi and others, acknowledging their immense contribution to the fields of literature, art and culture.

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*A Dialogue on Media and Elections: CEO Punjab with PU Students*

Chandigarh, February 6:The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab, Ms. Anindita Mitra today held an informative and interactive session with 34 students of Mass Communication from Panjab University. The interaction provided a platform for open dialogue, with students actively engaging on issues related to voter awareness, electoral participation and contemporary communication practices.

The session was marked by enthusiasm and curiosity, as students shared broad ideas on how modern communication tools and outreach methods can be leveraged to enhance public awareness about elections, particularly among young and first-time voters. Discussions also touched upon the evolving role of media and digital platforms in reaching diverse audiences.

Ms. Anindita Mitra highlighted the pivotal role of mass media in a democratic setup, emphasizing its responsibility in disseminating accurate information, shaping public discourse and enabling citizens to make informed choices. She noted that students of mass communication, as future media professionals, would have a significant role in promoting ethical journalism and responsible communication during the electoral process.

The Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab encouraged the students to apply their academic learning and creative skills in fostering informed public engagement and upholding the values of fairness, transparency and credibility in media practices.

Students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact directly with the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab describing the session as insightful and motivating. The interaction underscored the value of continued engagement between electoral authorities and academic institutions in sensitizing youth to civic processes.

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*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Hails Success of OTS-2025 as Punjab Recovers ₹110 Crore & Extends Deadline*

*₹38,477 Crore & Counting: Punjab Taxation Dept’s Unprecedented Relief Surge*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt prioritizes voluntary compliance over litigation: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*OTS-2025 Offers significant waivers & relief to taxpayers with last date extended to March 31: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema urges eligible taxpayers to avail OTS-2025 benefits*

CHANDIGARH, 6th February, 2026:Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday highlighted the strong success of the One Time Settlement of Outstanding Dues, 2025 (OTS-2025), stating that the scheme has already enabled the recovery of ₹110 crore while delivering significant financial relief to the trading community across the state.

In a press communique, Punjab Finance and Excise & Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The Taxation Department has received 7,654 applications since the inception of OTS-2025 on October 1, 2025, resulting in the granting of unprecedented waivers amounting to ₹38,477 crore.” He underlined that the overwhelming response to the scheme clearly reflects “the success of the CM Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government’s policy of prioritising voluntary compliance over prolonged litigation.”

Highlighting the government’s responsiveness to industry feedback, the Finance Minister said that the last date for availing the scheme had been extended from December 31, 2025, to March 31, 2026. “This extension has been granted in view of the positive momentum of the scheme and in response to representations from industry associations,” he said, adding that “the additional time provides eligible taxpayers sufficient opportunity to evaluate their liabilities and opt for settlement in a transparent and simplified manner.”

Reiterating the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to ease of doing business and the creation of a trader-friendly tax environment, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said, “OTS-2025 offers a complete 100 percent waiver of interest and penalty across all categories, which significantly eases the financial burden on businesses.”

He further explained that the scheme also provides substantial slab-wise waivers on the primary tax, stating, “There is a 50 percent waiver for demands up to ₹1 crore, a 25 percent waiver for demands between ₹1 crore and ₹25 crore, and a 10 percent waiver for demands exceeding ₹25 crore.” He added that “similar graded relief is available for demands under Section 14-B of the Punjab General Sales Tax Act, 1948, and Section 51 of the Punjab VAT Act, 2005.”

Appealing to traders and taxpayers to avail the benefit of the scheme, the Finance Minister said, “I urge all eligible taxpayers to make full use of this one-time opportunity to regularise their past dues and contribute to the State’s revenue in a cooperative spirit.” At the same time, he clarified that “while the government remains committed to facilitation, cases where the scheme is not availed may attract action as per law to ensure fairness and discipline within the system.”

He further stated that, apart from government food grain agencies, all taxpayers are eligible to apply under the scheme by submitting Form OTS-01 at the office of the jurisdictional Assistant Commissioner of State Taxes (ACST).

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