CONTINUING HIS JAPAN TOUR, CM FIRMS UP INVESTMENT WORTH RS 500 CRORE ON THIRD DAY

*PUNJAB INKS MOU WITH AICHI STEEL CORPORATION, THE STEEL ARM OF TOYOTA*

Chandigarh, December 4:On third day of his visit to Japan, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday roped in investment worth Rs 500 crore as Japandese steel giant Aichi Steel agreed to expand its collaboration with Vardhman Special Steels in the state.

Aichi Steel and Vardhman Special Steels signed an MoU in the presence of the Chief Minister, who visited the company today.

The Chief Minister said that it is Red letter day for the state as the Aichi Steel Corporation better known as the steel arm of Toyota has inked this MoU to give fillip to the industrial development in the state. He said that Aichi Steel, which already holds about 24.9% stake in Vardhman is a key technology partner, symbolising a strong and evolving Indo-Japan partnership in Punjab’s industrial ecosystem. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Japanese Steel Giant will study future factory operations in Punjab, including a feasibility assessment for an investment of about ₹500 crore.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister assured fulsome support and cooperation to Government of Punjab to strengthen and expand Aichi Steel’s collaboration with Vardhman Special Steels in the state. He emphasised that Punjab places high priority on helping existing Japanese companies grow their business and operations in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that technical cooperation from Aichi group along with expertise of Vardhman group will herald a new era of Industrial Revolution in the state.

The Chief Minister also extended an invitation to Aichi’s leadership to participate in the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, on March 13-15, 2026 at the Indian School of Business, Mohali for encouraging deeper engagement and expanded investments. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the summit will showcase Punjab’s progress, bring together leading industrial players, and present new opportunities for partnership and

collaboration. He expressed hope that Japanese investors will join this summit in a big way and further accelerate the industrial development of the state.

The Chief Minister said that the goal of state government is to create new opportunities for our youth and a stable, reliable environment for investors. Recalling Punjab’s ties with Japanese industry, he said that these relations are already strong and growing, adding that several well-known companies of Japan have placed their trust in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these partnerships reflect the confidence that Japanese investors place in Punjab’s stability, skills, and commitment to growth.

The Chief Minister said that to take this partnership to the next level, the Punjab government is showcasing Punjab’s industrial strengths, exploring new areas of collaboration, and deepening long-term engagement with Japanese industry. He said that Punjab today stands among India’s most business friendly states and the Government of India has recognised Punjab as a Top Achiever in the 2024 Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) rankings. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this achievement reflects the focus of the state government on ease of doing business, transparency, and responsive governance.

The Chief Minister said that this vision is simple and clear to make Punjab a preferred destination for global industry by offering stability in policy, speed in decision-making, and a governance system that respects the time and trust of investors. He said that Punjab’s approach is based on partnership and working closely with industry, by understanding their needs and ensuring that the government becomes an enabler of growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that Punjab has strengthened its infrastructure, expanded its industrial capacity and opened new avenues for investment.

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*CM Mann’s Japan Visit Lays Foundation for Future-Ready Punjab: Harjot Singh Bains*

•*₹400-CR Toppan deal signals new era of growth, says Bains*

Chandigarh, December 4:Punjab's Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's ongoing visit to Japan has yielded significant results, with the state poised to receive substantial investments and forge strategic partnerships, said S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of Education and Information & Public Relations, Punjab.

He said that CM Mann led delegation's visionary diplomacy would integrate Punjab's human capital with emerging opportunities, driving growth and development in the state.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's concerted efforts have led to a landmark investment deal with Toppan Speciality Films Private Limited (TSF), a Japanese industry leader, investing Rs 400 crore in Punjab. This MoU marks a significant milestone in Punjab's journey as a premier global investment destination, ahead of the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit 2026.

He said that the Toppan agreement reflects CM S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision of aligning industrial growth with educational empowerment. The Skilling Excellence Centre will enhance industry-aligned skills, boosting youth employability and driving Punjab's economic growth, positioning the state as the skill capital of North India. This strategic outreach, sharing our governance successes and visionary blueprint, creates unparalleled global visibility for Punjab. It would signal to the world that Punjab is not only open for business but is forging future-ready partnerships that invest in both cutting-edge infrastructure and its people.

S. Bains further highlighted that the Punjab delegation successfully showcased the state’s unprecedented governance reforms, including the FastTrack Punjab single-window system, auto-deemed approvals and the progressive Punjab Right to Business Act. These measures, underpinned by the New Industrial Policy 2022 and guided by 24 sector-specific committees chaired by industry captains, have already facilitated over ₹1.4 lakh crore in on-ground investments through Invest Punjab.

The state government invites investors and partners worldwide to join Punjab’s unstoppable growth story at the upcoming Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit, S. Bains added.

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11 ITIs TO BE ESTABLISHED INSIDE JAILS UNDER “EMPOWERING LIVES BEHIND BARS: REAL CHANGE – THE NEW PARADIGM OF CORRECTIONAL JUSTICE” INITIATIVE

— CJI to Launch Historic Reform from Central Jail Patiala, Offering Certified Skills to 2,500 Inmates across all 24 jails

Chandigarh, December 4: The High Court of Punjab and Haryana, in collaboration with the Department of Prisons, Punjab, and the Department of Technical Education & Industrial Training, Punjab, is launching a major correctional reform initiative titled “Empowering Lives Behind Bars: Real Change – The New Paradigm of Correctional Justice” on December 6, 2025 at Central Jail, Patiala. The programme will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Mr. Justice Surya Kant, in the presence of Judges of the Supreme Court of India, Judges of the High Court, and senior State officials.

The initiative aims to transform Punjab’s prisons into centres of learning and rehabilitation by providing nationally certified vocational training to 2,500 inmates across all 24 jails, supported by the Punjab Skill Development Mission.

Under this initiative, 11 ITIs will be established inside Jails which will offer NCVT-certified long-term courses in trades including welding, electrician, plumbing, sewing technology, cosmetology, COPA, and bakery.

Apart from this, NSQF-aligned short-term courses in tailoring, jute and bag making, bakery, plumbing, mushroom cultivation, computer hardware, and other skills will also be offered. Training under national standards with certified faculty, modern workshops, a ₹1,000 monthly stipend, and NCVET/NSQF certification.

A strong reintegration framework ensures post-release continuity through Government ITIs, placement support via DBEE, access to MSME schemes, counselling, and issuance of Good Conduct Certificates. Hands-on learning is strengthened through jail factories in carpentry, tailoring, welding, bakery, and fabrication.

Complementary reforms in Punjab jails include operational petrol pumps in nine jails, sports and yoga programmes, the Prison Inmate Calling System (PICS), Radio Ujala, and platforms for creative expression.

On the same day, the Punjab State Legal Services Authority will also launch a one-month statewide Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign, “Youth Against Drugs,” inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India. Running from 6 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, the campaign will mobilise communities and institutions to combat drug abuse through awareness, legal education, and rehabilitation outreach.

These initiatives reflect the High Court’s commitment to rehabilitative justice, dignity, and safer communities, enabling inmates to move from custody to capability and fostering a drug-free society.

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PIL FILED ALLEGING VIRAL AUDIO: COURT SEEKS CLARIFICATION ON MAINTAINABILITY

CHANDIGARH, December 4:-The Punjab Government, represented by the Learned Advocate General Mr. Maninderjit Singh Bedi, has strongly opposed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court concerning the ongoing Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis elections in Patiala district. The petition relies on an alleged audio recording of a conference call, which went viral.

The State has raised fundamental objections regarding the petition's maintainability in constitutional courts.

Appearing before the Hon’ble High Court, the Learned Advocate General, relying on established Supreme Court precedents, submitted that PILs in election-related matters are not maintainable. He contended that such petitions, often driven by political motivations, should not be entertained by constitutional courts.

The State's opposition was further reinforced when it was pointed out that the petitioners' reliance on a purported representation to the Election authorities was undermined by the fact that the said representation was issued on the official letterhead of political parties. This, the State argued, clearly indicates the partisan nature of the petition and further weakens its maintainability as a genuine PIL.

Taking note of the State’s submissions, the Hon’ble High Court has sought a detailed explanation from the petitioners to clarify how the petition is maintainable in light of these legal objections. The matter is now listed for further hearing on Monday.

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