*Punjab Government gives special priority to welfare of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers: Dr. Baljit Kaur*

*Assures consideration and resolution of all genuine demands*

*Anganwadi Workers playing vital role in child health, nutrition and maternal care*

Chandigarh, April 18:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of every section of society, with special emphasis on the well-being of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. Continuous and concrete efforts are being undertaken to address their concerns and strengthen their working conditions. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.

On Saturday at Punjab Bhawan, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, in the presence of Director, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Ms. Shena Aggarwal, and Deputy Director Ms. Sumandeep Kaur, interacted with Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. She said that Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are an integral part of the department and are playing a crucial role in delivering government schemes to children, women and families at the grassroots level. She assured that all genuine demands of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers would be considered sympathetically and resolved expeditiously.

During the meeting, the demands raised by the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers were heard attentively by Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. She directed the concerned officials to ensure prompt and effective resolution of the issues being faced by them.

The Minister further stated that the demands requiring consideration at the government level will be placed before the newly constituted Sub-Committee and taken up for resolution on priority.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further highlighted that Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are playing a significant role in strengthening child health, nutrition and early childhood education, while also creating awareness among mothers. She added that their door-to-door outreach in both rural and urban areas is contributing significantly towards building a strong and healthy society.

The Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government remains committed to enhancing the dignity and welfare of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, and appropriate decisions will continue to be taken in future, as required.

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

*‘We just kept going’: A Punjab family’s journey through cancer, debt, fears, and Bhagwant Mann Govt's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna*

*Treatment worth over ₹8 lakh covered under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, Patiala driver’s mother recovers from cancer*

CHANDIGARH/PATIALA, April 18:The journey from Patiala to Sangrur may appear short on a map, but for Gurpinder Jeet Singh, a driver from Patiala, it became a long and difficult passage marked by repeated hospital visits, rising medical expenses, and the struggle to save his mother’s life. His 65-year-old mother, Baljit Kaur, was diagnosed with uterine cancer after initially suffering from weakness and loss of appetite, setting off months of treatment, uncertainty, and financial stress for the family.

Recalling the early signs of illness, Gurpinder Jeet Singh said, “She gradually stopped eating. Even drinking water became difficult.” He added that after visiting local clinics, she was referred to Rajindra Hospital, where tests confirmed the diagnosis and treatment began immediately, but expenses rose rapidly.

Detailing the financial strain, Gurpinder Jeet Singh said, “In the first few weeks, we spent over ₹60,000. As a driver, arranging more money was difficult. I started thinking about loans and selling belongings.” He further stated that doctors advised chemotherapy followed by surgery depending on her response, and during this period of consultations across hospitals, he came to know about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

Explaining how the scheme changed the course of treatment, Gurpinder Jeet Singh said, “Someone at the hospital mentioned it. I didn’t believe it at first, but I checked and completed the formalities.” He added that after verification, the family was enrolled under the scheme, which provides cashless treatment across government and empanelled private hospitals, requiring only basic identification for enrolment.

Following registration, Baljit Kaur continued chemotherapy and later underwent surgery, with doctors emphasising that uninterrupted treatment was crucial. She underwent around 12 chemotherapy sessions before an eight-hour surgery and remained in the ICU on ventilator support for several days before stabilising. Recalling those moments, Gurpinder Jeet Singh said, “She was in the ICU for days. We just waited outside.”

He further shared that she was later discharged after observation and is now recovering at home, with gradual improvement. Estimating the overall cost of treatment, Gurpinder Jeet Singh said that chemotherapy, surgery, ICU stay and medicines would have cost around ₹8–10 lakh, with most expenses covered under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, though some medicines had to be purchased separately due to non-availability at the hospital.

Highlighting the biggest relief for the family, Gurpinder Jeet Singh said, “The biggest relief is that we didn’t have to stop treatment because of money.”

Today, Baljit Kaur is back home and recovering slowly, eating a little more, speaking a little more, and regaining strength with each passing day. The treatment, worth more than ₹8 lakh, including chemotherapy, surgery, ICU care, medicines, and hospital stay, was largely covered under the scheme, easing what once seemed like an insurmountable burden.

For the family, this journey reflects both the harsh reality of serious illness and the critical role of accessible healthcare support in ensuring that financial constraints do not come in the way of life-saving treatment. The road from Patiala to Sangrur remains the same in distance, but for this family, it became the path where despair gave way to dignity, relief, and hope.

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

*World Liver Day 2026: Lancet warns of global liver disease surge, Punjab braces with Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, expanded screening*

*As MASLD cases climb worldwide & projected to rise sharply by 2050, Punjab expands its healthcare response with cashless Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna*

CHANDIGARH, April 18:As the world marks World Liver Day on April 19 with the theme “Solid Habits, Strong Liver,” a stark warning from The Lancet on the rapid global surge of liver diseases has brought the crisis into sharp focus, with cases of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease projected to rise steeply by 2050.

Against this alarming backdrop, Punjab is moving decisively to confront the challenge head-on, strengthening its healthcare response through expanded screening and the cashless Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, positioning itself at the forefront of India’s fight against a silent but fast-escalating epidemic driven by modern lifestyles.

Across the world, liver disease is emerging as a silent epidemic. Health experts estimate that nearly one in three adults is affected by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a condition that often develops without symptoms until advanced damage occurs. A Lancet study warns the burden could rise from 1.3 billion cases in 2023 to 1.8 billion by 2050, an increase of 42 per cent. India reflects a similar pattern, with urban populations and high-risk groups showing rising prevalence.

In Punjab, doctors say the challenge is intensifying due to a combination of hepatitis C infections, alcohol consumption, and rapidly changing diets. Dr Virendra Singh, Director at the Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (PILBS), said, “Alcohol remains one of the leading causes of severe liver damage in India and frequently worsens outcomes when combined with viral hepatitis. Fatty liver disease is now emerging as a major contributor alongside alcohol and hepatitis C. Long-term consumption of ultra-processed foods, deep-fried items, and trans fats is accelerating the problem.”

Doctors are also witnessing a worrying shift, where younger patients are increasingly presenting with liver conditions, driven by rising alcohol use and persistent hepatitis C transmission, reflecting changing behavioural and lifestyle patterns in the state.

On the healthcare front, Dr Singh stated, “Punjab has strengthened its referral systems, enabling earlier detection of liver disease compared to previous years. Rural access to screening and specialist care has also improved, although late presentation remains common due to the largely silent progression of fatty liver disease.”

To address financial and access barriers, the state has expanded coverage under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY), which provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh annually for all families in govt and empanelled private hospitals. Dr Singh informs that when a patient is admitted, majority of tests and medicines are covered under the scheme, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. The scheme covers diagnostics, hospitalisation, and specialist care. He said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has helped many patients get better treatment and has been a game-changer for many.

Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh has also noted, “The scheme reduces out-of-pocket expenditure, preventing delays in diagnosis and treatment.”

Expanded screening under public health programmes is expected to improve early detection and slow disease progression. Experts stress that early-stage MASLD can often be reversed through lifestyle changes such as improved diet, regular physical activity, and reduced alcohol intake.

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

*World Liver Day 2026: Lancet warns of global liver disease surge, Punjab braces with Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, expanded screening*

*As MASLD cases climb worldwide & projected to rise sharply by 2050, Punjab expands its healthcare response with cashless Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna*

CHANDIGARH, April 18:As the world marks World Liver Day on April 19 with the theme “Solid Habits, Strong Liver,” a stark warning from The Lancet on the rapid global surge of liver diseases has brought the crisis into sharp focus, with cases of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease projected to rise steeply by 2050.

Against this alarming backdrop, Punjab is moving decisively to confront the challenge head-on, strengthening its healthcare response through expanded screening and the cashless Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, positioning itself at the forefront of India’s fight against a silent but fast-escalating epidemic driven by modern lifestyles.

Across the world, liver disease is emerging as a silent epidemic. Health experts estimate that nearly one in three adults is affected by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a condition that often develops without symptoms until advanced damage occurs. A Lancet study warns the burden could rise from 1.3 billion cases in 2023 to 1.8 billion by 2050, an increase of 42 per cent. India reflects a similar pattern, with urban populations and high-risk groups showing rising prevalence.

In Punjab, doctors say the challenge is intensifying due to a combination of hepatitis C infections, alcohol consumption, and rapidly changing diets. Dr Virendra Singh, Director at the Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (PILBS), said, “Alcohol remains one of the leading causes of severe liver damage in India and frequently worsens outcomes when combined with viral hepatitis. Fatty liver disease is now emerging as a major contributor alongside alcohol and hepatitis C. Long-term consumption of ultra-processed foods, deep-fried items, and trans fats is accelerating the problem.”

Doctors are also witnessing a worrying shift, where younger patients are increasingly presenting with liver conditions, driven by rising alcohol use and persistent hepatitis C transmission, reflecting changing behavioural and lifestyle patterns in the state.

On the healthcare front, Dr Singh stated, “Punjab has strengthened its referral systems, enabling earlier detection of liver disease compared to previous years. Rural access to screening and specialist care has also improved, although late presentation remains common due to the largely silent progression of fatty liver disease.”

To address financial and access barriers, the state has expanded coverage under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY), which provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh annually for all families in govt and empanelled private hospitals. Dr Singh informs that when a patient is admitted, majority of tests and medicines are covered under the scheme, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. The scheme covers diagnostics, hospitalisation, and specialist care. He said the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna has helped many patients get better treatment and has been a game-changer for many.

Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh has also noted, “The scheme reduces out-of-pocket expenditure, preventing delays in diagnosis and treatment.”

Expanded screening under public health programmes is expected to improve early detection and slow disease progression. Experts stress that early-stage MASLD can often be reversed through lifestyle changes such as improved diet, regular physical activity, and reduced alcohol intake

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

*Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat reviews progress of Defence Services Welfare Department*

*Punjab Government committed to welfare of ex-servicemen and their families*

Chandigarh, April 18:Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat on Friday evening presided over a high-level review meeting with senior officers at the Punjab Civil Secretariat to assess the progress of works being carried out by the Defence Services Welfare Department. Principal Secretary Sumer Singh Gurjar and Director Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.) were present.

During the meeting, officers apprised the Minister that substantial progress has been achieved in cases concerning ex-servicemen and their families. They said that most families of soldiers martyred in various wars have already been provided compensation by the Punjab Government. The remaining cases and their current status were also reviewed in detail. The Minister was further informed that the process of filling vacant posts is being expedited, while the departmental budget and other key issues were also discussed.

Chairing the meeting, Mr. Bhagat directed officers to ensure the time-bound disposal of all pending cases concerning ex-servicemen and their families. He said the Punjab Government holds the highest regard for soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation and reaffirmed that every effort is being made to safeguard the welfare and interests of ex-servicemen and their families.

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

*PSEB PUSHES “CREATORS, NOT CONSUMERS” AGENDA AS 2-DAY AI CONFERENCE CONCLUDES*

•*From Data Privacy to Academic Integrity: PSEB joins Google, Intel & IKG PTU to drive responsible AI in Punjab Schools*

*• Ethical use key to build 'Creators of AI', says Dr. Amarpal*

Chandigarh, April 18:Marking a decisive step towards embedding AI into Punjab’s education ecosystem, the two-day National-Level Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI), organised by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) here at CII Northern Region Headquarters, concluded today with hands-on workshops by Google and Intel.

Bringing together policymakers, educators, and technology leaders, the conference served as a collaborative platform to chart a responsible roadmap for AI in classrooms- focused on enhancing learning quality, expanding access, and preparing students as creators, not just consumers, of technology.

Chairman PSEB Dr. Amarpal Singh, IAS (Retd.), emphasised the ethical use of AI, stating that it can be leveraged to enhance learners’ creativity and problem-solving skills. In today’s digital age, where AI-enabled devices have become constant companions, students were urged to make thoughtful, ethical choices about the tools they adopt much like choosing good friends as companions. He encouraged students to use AI responsibly and within a clear legal and ethical framework, ensuring that technology enhances learning without compromising core values.

A Sessions led by Google spotlighted AI’s transformative role in education, with a strong focus on sensitisation and awareness-building. The discussions underscored that key stakeholders across the academic ecosystem, from teachers to administrators, are already engaging with and adopting AI-driven approaches, signalling strong readiness for this transition.

A major highlight of the conference was Intel’s hands-on workshop on “AI in the Workplace,” which drew enthusiastic participation from over 112 attendees. The session delivered practical training on deploying AI tools within a government framework, with strong emphasis on data privacy, responsible usage, and safeguards to prevent inadvertent sharing of organisation-specific or sensitive information.

Another key workshop “AI in Schools for School Leaders” conducted by IKG PTU, was tailored for principals and school heads. It focused on integrating AI tools into institutional leadership and academic management, while underscoring the critical need to identify AI-generated content for equipping schools to uphold academic integrity in an AI-enabled environment.

A student-focused workshop “AI in Education” conducted by Neeev AI, imparted hands-on skills in AI-based applications. The session introduced students to practical use cases and fostered early, foundational understanding of AI, encouraging them to experiment responsibly with emerging tools.

The Chairman said that students were also sensitised on how AI tools are developed, the processes behind them, and the diverse skill sets required to build such technologies. This exposure deepened their understanding and inspired many to explore future pathways in AI and other emerging fields. Notably, the most enthusiastic participation came from Punjab’s students, whose curiosity, adaptability and eagerness to engage with emerging technologies highlighted the immense potential for AI-driven learning in the years ahead.

Dr. Amarpal expressed appreciation for Elix Events for ensuring the smooth conduct of the two-day conference