*From Chalkboards to Smart Classrooms: Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Sikhya Kranti Scripts Historic Digital Revolution in Punjab’s Govt Schools*
*• ₹400 Crore Digitalisation Project to Establish Computer Labs in 5,000 Schools; Interactive Flat Panels in Nearly 3,700 Schools Under Historic Digital Expansion*
*• Never before has such unprecedented digital infrastructure rollout been undertaken in Punjab’s Govt schools; we’re preparing every child for future: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*• Interactive Flat Panels & computers will fundamentally transform classroom teaching and learning; digital classrooms are cornerstone of Punjab Sikhya Kranti: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• Digital Classrooms Are Cornerstone of Punjab Sikhya Kranti’s Systemic Reform: Harjot Singh Bains*
*• By March 20, Every School in Every District of Punjab Will Receive New Digital Equipment: Harjot Singh Bains*
CHANDIGARH, February 26:In one of the largest technological overhauls in Punjab’s educational history, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Thursday announced a massive ₹400 crore digitalisation project under the Punjab Sikhya Kranti, stating that the Bhagwant Mann Government has initiated an unprecedented transformation that will equip government schools with state-of-the-art technology and fundamentally redefine classroom teaching across Punjab.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann termed the initiative a transformational milestone in Punjab’s education journey and said, “This is a historic intervention. Never before in the history of Punjab’s government schools has digital infrastructure been rolled out at such scale. Under Punjab Sikhya Kranti, we first strengthened classrooms and improved learning outcomes. Now we are ensuring that every child has access to modern digital tools. Our students must be prepared not just for today, but for the future.”
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that the ambitious initiative will replace outdated hardware and phase out obsolete computer systems while ensuring that all government Senior Secondary Schools, High Schools and Middle Schools are equipped with the latest digital infrastructure.
Sharing details of the historic intervention, Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “As many as 38,649 brand-new desktop computers equipped with the latest software are being deployed across 5,012 government schools. These will be distributed to all Senior Secondary and High Schools, as well as 50 percent of Middle Schools, ensuring that students have access to the latest hardware and technology.”
He further informed that dedicated computer labs will be established in 5,000 government schools, ensuring that all Secondary and Senior Secondary government schools have fully functional computer labs. “To foster interactive learning, we are installing 8,268 Interactive Flat Panels in 3,694 schools. Every Senior Secondary and High School will receive these panels, with larger schools receiving four, five or even eight units based on student strength. This massive infusion of technology ensures that digital literacy and smart learning are no longer the privileges of private institutions but the fundamental right of every student in Punjab’s public school system,” he said.
Describing the move as a decisive shift from traditional chalkboards to technology-driven smart classrooms, the Education Minister noted, “The move would phase out obsolete computer systems. For too long, our students were working on computers so outdated that they barely functioned, still running on old versions of Microsoft Paint. We are changing it permanently.”
He emphasised that implementation has already begun and is not a future promise. “This is not just an announcement for tomorrow; deliveries have already begun in schools today. By the 20th of March, every school in every district of Punjab will receive their new equipment,” he said.
Minister Harjot Singh Bains reiterated that the mass-scale rollout marks a structural shift in pedagogy and said, “This mass scale rollout of Interactive Flat Panels and computers is a game changer. It will fundamentally change how lessons are delivered, understood and experienced. Punjab Sikhya Kranti is about systemic reform, and digital classrooms are a crucial pillar of that transformation.”
The Education Minister further informed that School Heads have been directed to organise School Level Unboxing Celebration Programmes between 21st February and 20th March by inviting parents, School Management Committees, village panchayats, retired teachers and ex-servicemen to witness the inauguration of this new digital era. “We want the community to see the change in the government education system. Often, people look at government schools from the outside and do not realise the transformation inside. Let the parents see that their children are learning with the latest technology, perhaps even better than private schools in the area. This will build confidence in our public education system,” he said.
Responding to a media query regarding TET qualifications, Harjot Singh Bains said, “I want to assure every teacher. Your jobs are secure. No one will lose their job.” He said he understands the anxiety among experienced teachers who have been serving for 20 to 25 years and assured that legal solutions are being explored. He added that he remains in constant touch with teacher unions and is exploring every legal avenue, reiterating that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government stands firmly with its teachers.
The initiative is being implemented with strict monitoring, safe installation protocols and transparent utilisation of public resources, ensuring that the digital transformation is delivered effectively on the ground.
With Punjab Sikhya Kranti steadily transitioning government schools from traditional classrooms to smart, technology-enabled learning spaces, the Bhagwant Mann Government has positioned Punjab’s students at the forefront of digital preparedness, ensuring that they are equipped with the competencies essential for higher education, employment and leadership in a rapidly evolving world.
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*BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL LAUNCHES CRUSHER OWNER MINING SITES IN PUNJAB TO STREAMLINE MINOR MINERAL SECTOR*
*44 APPROVED CRUSHER MINING SITES TO BE OPERATIONALISED BY MARCH 31, 2026; REMAINING 119 TO BE ROLLED OUT IN PHASED MANNER BY THIS YEAR ACROSS PUNJAB*
*MANN GOVT COMMITTED TO AFFORDABLE SAND AND ZERO TOLERANCE AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL*
*Chandigarh, February 26:*Marking a decisive push towards transparent and regulated mineral extraction, Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today launched Crusher Owner Mining Sites in Punjab starting from district Pathankot. Sh. Goyal asserted that this initiative will ensure adequate availability of sand and aggregates in the market and further tighten enforcement to curb illegal mining across the State.
On the occasion, agreements for two Crusher Owner Mining Sites were signed in the presence of the Mining and Geology Minister, crusher owners, land owners and senior departmental officials. The Cabinet Minister informed that these two sites together will cover an area of 4.46 hectares. With the signing of these agreements, the Department has operationalised a structured framework that links mineral extraction directly with registered crushing units under approved mining plans and environmental safeguards.
He said, "Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Government is firmly committed to providing sand and other minerals at affordable prices to the people of Punjab. The operationalisation of Crusher Owner Mining Sites and Land Owner Mining Sites will significantly enhance the authorised supply of minor minerals, which in turn will stabilise and rationalise market rates."
Sharing progress under the new mining policy, the Cabinet Minister informed that total 138 applications for Crusher Owner Mining Sites and 25 applications for Land Owner Mining Sites have been received across the State. Out of these, 44 sites covering 305.59 hectares fall within the approved District Survey Report. Environmental clearance for 14 sites covering 79.74 hectares has already been secured. Clearance for all 44 approved sites is expected by 31 March 2026, following which these sites will be made operational in a phased manner.
Sh. Goyal stated that 44 approved mining sites will be operationalised by March 31, 2026 as part of the government’s time-bound action plan to augment the legal supply of minor minerals across the State. The remaining 119 sites will be rolled out in a phased manner by this year after completion of all statutory approvals and environmental clearances. He said, this calibrated expansion will ensure steady availability of sand and gravel and aggregates in the market, strengthen regulatory oversight and further curb illegal mining activities across Punjab.
The Mining and Geology Minister asserted that increased legal supply will not only strengthen revenue generation for the State exchequer but also improve regulation of the mining sector. The Cabinet Minister categorically stated that the Mann Government follows a zero tolerance policy against illegal mining and strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in unlawful activities.
Explaining the framework, the Cabinet Minister said that a Crusher Owner Mining Site is operated by a registered crusher owner on his own land, leased land or land held through valid Power of Attorney, strictly as per the approved mining plan, District Survey Report and environmental clearance. While a Land Owner Mining Site allows a land owner to undertake mining on eligible land subject to statutory approvals and environmental compliance.
He reiterated that in future, the department will fast-track statutory clearances, ensure strict adherence to environmental norms and work in close coordination with stakeholders to promote sustainable mining practices. The initiative, the Cabinet Minister added, will support infrastructure development and contribute to economic growth across Punjab.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Chief Engineer (Mining) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta, senior officers of the department and representatives of crushers.
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*GURMEET KHUDIAN HANDS OVER 40 TABS TO SEED CERTIFICATION OFFICERS TO STREAMLINE SATHI PORTAL OPERATIONS*
*•Terms it as a major step towards digitisation in seed certification*
*•Real-time data entry, GPS location & digital signatures to ensure transparency in seed certification process, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian*
Chandigarh, February 26:In a significant move to bring transparency and momentum to the seed certification process, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has equipped its field staff with modern handheld computers (Tabs) to ensure all work of the SATHI portal is conducted online.
Marking this milestone as a vital step towards complete digitisation, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Thursday handed over 40 Tabs to Seed Certification Officers and Assistant
The Agriculture Minister emphasised that equipping field officers with these handheld computers will eliminate manual paperwork and enhance accountability, and will ensures real-time data entry directly from the field during inspections.
Furthermore, he said that the exact geographical location of the field can be recorded through GPS to ensure transparency, while instant photography will allow crop conditions to become part of the official report on the spot. The transition to digital input will also avoid errors caused while writing by hand and enable the instant generation of digital reports that can be shared immediately with farmers or higher authorities, he added.
To further secure the process, S. Khudian said that digital signatures of the farmers will be taken directly on the Tab screen. Field mapping will be done using GPS to ensure that the observation pertains to the correct seed field, and as per the form available on the Tab, details including crop type, isolation distance, diseases, and number of off-type plants will be recorded digitally, he said.
The Agriculture Minister emphasised that this digitisation initiative would not only bring transparency to the seed certification process but also ensure that farmers receive quality certified seeds in a timely manner.
Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind, Director Mr. Gurjit Singh Brar, Director- PSSCA Mr. Narinder Benipal and other senior officers of the department were also present on the occasion.
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*No Compromise on Women’s Dignity; Immediate and Strict Action Against Obscene & Derogatory Representation: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Issues Clear Directions to Media Against Indecent Depiction of Women: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Violation of Women’s Dignity Will Not Be Tolerated in Punjab: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Stricter Monitoring of Advertisements & Social Media; Legal Action to be Ensured Against Violators*
*District Officials, SSPs Directed to Act Promptly on Obscene Content Cases: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Safeguarding Women’s Honour & Security Is Top Priority of Bhagwant Mann Govt: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
CHANDIGARH, 26th February 2026:Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has expressed serious concern over multiple instances of obscene and derogatory portrayal of women in advertisements coming to the notice of the department, asserting that the Punjab Government will not tolerate any violation of women’s dignity and honour.
Addressing the issue, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, “It is a matter of serious concern that several instances of obscene and derogatory portrayal of women through various advertisements have come to the notice of the department. The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 strictly prohibits any indecent or derogatory depiction of women.”
She further said, “Portraying women in an obscene or derogatory manner through advertisements, publications, paintings or any other media platform is a punishable offence under law, and strict legal action will be taken against those found violating the provisions of the Act.”
The Minister categorically underlined that safeguarding the dignity, honour and safety of women remains among the foremost priorities of the Punjab Government. “The dignity, honour and safety of women are among the top priorities of the Punjab Government, and any violation of the law in this regard will invite stringent legal action as per the prescribed provisions,” she stated.
Issuing clear directions to media platforms, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “All TV channels, websites, web-based applications, newspapers and other audio-visual media platforms must ensure that no content or advertisement depicting women in an obscene or derogatory manner is broadcast, published or printed. Dissemination of such content amounts to a violation of law, and any individual or organization involved will face strict legal consequences.”
The Minister further directed strict administrative vigilance across Punjab. “All District Programme Officers in Punjab are directed to take suo motu cognizance of such cases and ensure prompt action on complaints received, strictly in accordance with the relevant legal provisions,” she said, adding that “such cases will be reviewed periodically at both the Punjab and district levels by the Deputy Commissioners.”
She also clarified that instructions have already been issued to all Senior Superintendents of Police in Punjab to extend necessary support to ensure effective enforcement of the law.
Reiterating the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “The Punjab Government remains fully committed to safeguarding women’s rights, dignity and security, and is continuously taking effective measures to strengthen awareness and respect towards women in society.”
Describing the move as a decisive step forward, she added, “This initiative of the Punjab Government is a significant step towards the creation of a safe, respectful and dignified society.”
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*Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora inaugurates Cargill's largest South Asia facility of animal feed manufacturing at Wazirabad, Mandi Gobindgarh*
*₹300 Crore Cargill Dairy Feed Plant Inaugurated at Wazirabad Industrial Park, Boost to Punjab’s Dairy & Agro-Industrial Growth: Sanjeev Arora*
*Punjab Emerging as Preferred Investment Destination Under AAP Govt : Sanjeev Arora*
*Largest Dairy Feed Plant in South Asia to Strengthen Farmers’ Income & Milk Production: Sanjeev Arora*
*Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026 to Put Punjab Among India’s Top Industrial States: Sanjeev Arora*
CHANDIGARH, 26th February 2026:Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann Government’s firm commitment to industrial growth and investor facilitation, Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power and Local Government Sanjeev Arora on Thursday inaugurated the newly established dairy feed plant of Cargill Private Limited at the Industrial Park, Wazirabad in Mandi Gobindgarh. The state-of-the-art unit has been set up with an investment of ₹300 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjeev Arora said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is witnessing substantial industrial investments through the Invest Punjab initiative. These investments are generating employment opportunities for the youth and accelerating Punjab’s overall economic development.”
The Minister added, “Growing investor confidence clearly reflects that Punjab is emerging as a preferred destination for investments, particularly in the agriculture and food processing sectors. The Punjab Government remains fully committed to providing every possible support and ensuring a business-friendly ecosystem through progressive policies and a peaceful industrial environment.”
Spread over 15 acres, the Cargill plant has an annual production capacity of 4.5 lakh metric tonnes and is the largest dairy feed plant in South Asia. After Bathinda, this marks Cargill’s second major unit in Punjab, further strengthening the agro-industrial value chain of Punjab. The management of Cargill Private Limited commended Sanjeev Arora for his consistent efforts in facilitating the establishment of the plant.
Highlighting the direct benefits to farmers, Minister Sanjeev Arora said, “This plant will greatly benefit dairy farmers by ensuring the local availability of high-quality cattle feed, thereby improving milk yield, quality and farmers’ income. The scientifically developed feed will enhance animal health and productivity, helping Punjab’s dairy sector scale new heights.”
Expressing confidence in the future of the dairy sector, he said, “Just as Punjab is known as the food bowl of India, it will soon emerge as a leading supplier of milk to other states as well.”
Interacting with the media, Minister Sanjeev Arora informed, “The upcoming Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, scheduled from March 13 to 15 at Mohali, is expected to attract large participation from national and international investors. The Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to position Punjab among the top industrial states of India. Industry in Punjab is steadily progressing and industrialists have expressed satisfaction with the proactive policies of the Punjab Government.”
Earlier, local MLA Lakhbir Singh Rai said, “The establishment of the Cargill plant will generate employment opportunities for nearly 1,000 youth in the region. The availability of superior-quality feed will significantly improve animal health and milk quality in the area.”
On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sona Thind, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pooja Syal Grewal, David Webster, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Rishi Verma, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, Chair of Asia Pacific region, Adriano Marcon, President, Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health, and Ravinder Balain, Senior Managing Director, Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health, India and President, Cargill India were also present.
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt to honour 14,100 women entrepreneurs across Punjab on 18 March: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
*₹25,000 each for top 100 women entrepreneurs at State level function: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
*Punjab slashes Self Help Groups NPA from 18% to 2.16% under AAP Govt: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
*58,000 Self Help Groups empowering 6 lakh rural women across Punjab: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
*2,90,213 women added to SHGs in 4 years, almost equal to 11 year total earlier: Tarunpreet Singh Sond*
CHANDIGARH, 26 February 2026:The Bhagwant Mann Government will honour 14,100 women entrepreneurs across constituencies, districts and at the state level as the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (PSRLM) marks International Women’s Day on 18 March, with ₹25,000 each for 100 top entrepreneurs and a sharp drop in Non Performing Assets of Self Help Groups from 18 percent to 2.16 percent.
Announcing large scale celebrations and detailing financial and organisational gains since 2022, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said the government has expanded Self Help Groups, boosted funding, and strengthened rural women’s economic power across the state.
Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated, “From each constituency, 100 Self Help Group women entrepreneurs will be felicitated with awards across the state. A total of 11,700 women entrepreneurs will be awarded. Similarly, from 23 districts, 2,300 women entrepreneurs, 100 from each district, will be honoured. At the state level, a committee will select the top 100 women entrepreneurs of Punjab, and each of them will be awarded ₹25,000. In total, 14,100 women entrepreneurs will be awarded by the state.”
Elaborating on the achievements of the Punjab government, the Punjab Minister stated, “A total of 28,734 Self Help Groups have been formed from 2022 to 2026, compared to 29,053 Self Help Groups formed between 2011 and 2022 during the previous regimes. Similarly, 2,90,213 Self Help Group members have been added in just four years from 2022 to 2026, whereas 2,97,083 members were added over eleven years from 2011 to 2022.”
Highlighting organisational expansion, he added, “A total of 2,427 village organisations have been formed from 2022 to 2026, compared to 1,806 village organisations formed between 2011 and 2022. Likewise, ₹53.03 crore has been issued as revolving fund to Self Help Groups from 2022 to 2026, whereas ₹28.59 crore was issued as revolving fund between 2011 and 2022.”
Detailing financial support, the Minister shared, “₹84.88 crore as Community Investment Fund has been issued from 2022 to 2026, compared to ₹105.72 crore issued between 2011 and 2022. Apart from this, Self Help Groups have availed loans amounting to ₹631.76 crore from 2022 to 2026, whereas ₹171.13 crore was availed between 2011 and 2022. Our government has drastically reduced the Non Performing Assets of Self Help Groups to 2.16 percent from 2022 to 2026, compared to 18 percent between 2011 and 2022. In view of this, it is crystal clear that the achievements of the present government are significantly higher than those of previous governments.”
Explaining the objective of the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission, he further said, “The main objective of PSRLM is to make women from rural poor families economically strong by connecting them with Self Help Groups. Today, women in rural areas are successfully playing their role in savings, credit management, small enterprises, cottage industries, agricultural allied activities and service sectors. Many women have become entrepreneurs in their villages, creating employment opportunities and becoming a source of inspiration for other families.”
Highlighting the scale of outreach, Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond revealed that there are a total of 58,000 Self Help Groups to date, with about six lakh rural women associated with them. The Punjab government has provided ₹30,000 as revolving fund, ₹50,000 as Community Investment Fund, and a loan facility at 7 percent rate of interest is being availed by these beneficiary women. So far, about ₹802.89 crore of bank loans have been taken by the members, with a Non Performing Asset rate of only 2 percent. This shows that women are repaying loans on time with financial discipline. Even during the floods, the government provided about ₹18 crore of assistance without interest to purchase 3,000 cattle.
Emphasising holistic support, the Minister said, “Through PSRLM, women are not only being connected with financial assistance, but also with training, market linkages, banking assistance and social security schemes. These efforts are not only increasing the income of rural families but also improving their social status. We appeal to everyone to connect the maximum number of women with Self Help Groups to make them economically strong so that the dream of ‘Sashakt Mahila, Sashakt Punjab’ can be fulfilled.”
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*All pending Pensioner Sewa Portal issues must be cleared by March 31, 2026, strict action against defaulting banks: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Punjab Govt has fixed March 31 deadline to clear Pensioner Sewa Portal backlog, follow-up review on March 15: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Banks must ensure full compliance with mandatory Jeevan Pramaan Patra & eKYC norms: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Delay in uploading e-scrolls, PPO PDFs and JPP requests will not be tolerated: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt committed to protecting pensioners’ dignity & financial security: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH, 26th February 2026:Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with various banks at Punjab Bhawan to address and resolve the substantial backlog of issues pending on the Pensioner Sewa Portal (PSP). Expressing serious concern over repeated delays and missed timelines, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema fixed a strict deadline of March 31, 2026 for clearing all pending matters and made it clear that no further laxity would be tolerated.
During the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that banks had earlier failed to adhere to committed schedules, prompting the Punjab Government to grant extensions at their request. “Despite these allowances, heavy backlogs persist across major financial institutions. This situation is unacceptable. All pending issues related to the Pensioner Sewa Portal must be resolved by March 31, 2026,” he stated.
Announcing a follow-up review meeting on March 15, the Minister issued a stern warning. “The Punjab Government will take strict action against any bank that fails to clear all pending issues by the March 31 deadline. Pensioners cannot be made to suffer due to administrative inefficiency,” he said.
Highlighting non-compliance with the Punjab Government’s instructions dated October 31, 2025, which mandated the acceptance of only Digital Life Certificates through Jeevan Pramaan Patra (JPP), Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that certain banks had not fully implemented the directive. “To remove any communication gap, the government has provided banks with a specific message and letter template. Banks must forward this message through their updated contact databases so that pensioners are fully aware of the mandatory JPP and eKYC requirements. This collaborative outreach is vital for successfully completing the process,” he said.
Emphasising the state’s Door Step Delivery (DSD) initiative aimed at assisting pensioners in completing their JPP and eKYC at home, he stressed the importance of active bank cooperation. “Given the rising threat of cyber frauds and digital arrests, many pensioners may still prefer the security of visiting physical bank branches instead of utilising DSD services. Therefore, branch-level readiness is essential,” he said.
Reinforcing these directives, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Alok Shekhar laid down strict operational guidelines during the meeting. “Banks must upload accurate e-scrolls and promptly remove any discrepancies flagged by District Treasury Officers. Delays in compliance will not be entertained,” he said.
In addition, Alok Shekhar directed banks to supply all pending PPO PDFs, approve provisional pensioners, and upload manual life certificates accepted prior to the October 31, 2025 cut-off in a strictly time-bound manner. He further instructed financial institutions to expedite the integration of their internal software with the Pensioner Sewa Portal.
Other key administrative tasks discussed during the meeting included marking Non-Resident Indian pensioners on the portal, uploading their notarised Life Certificates, and processing all JPP requests currently pending at the bank level.
Concluding the meeting, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to the welfare of pensioners. “All banks must immediately implement the necessary system modifications to prevent any undue rejections or unwarranted acceptances of JPPs going forward. The dignity and financial security of our pensioners remain our top priority,” he said.
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*All pending Pensioner Sewa Portal issues must be cleared by March 31, 2026, strict action against defaulting banks: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Punjab Govt has fixed March 31 deadline to clear Pensioner Sewa Portal backlog, follow-up review on March 15: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Banks must ensure full compliance with mandatory Jeevan Pramaan Patra & eKYC norms: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Delay in uploading e-scrolls, PPO PDFs and JPP requests will not be tolerated: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt committed to protecting pensioners’ dignity & financial security: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH, 26th February 2026:Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with various banks at Punjab Bhawan to address and resolve the substantial backlog of issues pending on the Pensioner Sewa Portal (PSP). Expressing serious concern over repeated delays and missed timelines, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema fixed a strict deadline of March 31, 2026 for clearing all pending matters and made it clear that no further laxity would be tolerated.
During the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that banks had earlier failed to adhere to committed schedules, prompting the Punjab Government to grant extensions at their request. “Despite these allowances, heavy backlogs persist across major financial institutions. This situation is unacceptable. All pending issues related to the Pensioner Sewa Portal must be resolved by March 31, 2026,” he stated.
Announcing a follow-up review meeting on March 15, the Minister issued a stern warning. “The Punjab Government will take strict action against any bank that fails to clear all pending issues by the March 31 deadline. Pensioners cannot be made to suffer due to administrative inefficiency,” he said.
Highlighting non-compliance with the Punjab Government’s instructions dated October 31, 2025, which mandated the acceptance of only Digital Life Certificates through Jeevan Pramaan Patra (JPP), Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that certain banks had not fully implemented the directive. “To remove any communication gap, the government has provided banks with a specific message and letter template. Banks must forward this message through their updated contact databases so that pensioners are fully aware of the mandatory JPP and eKYC requirements. This collaborative outreach is vital for successfully completing the process,” he said.
Emphasising the state’s Door Step Delivery (DSD) initiative aimed at assisting pensioners in completing their JPP and eKYC at home, he stressed the importance of active bank cooperation. “Given the rising threat of cyber frauds and digital arrests, many pensioners may still prefer the security of visiting physical bank branches instead of utilising DSD services. Therefore, branch-level readiness is essential,” he said.
Reinforcing these directives, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Alok Shekhar laid down strict operational guidelines during the meeting. “Banks must upload accurate e-scrolls and promptly remove any discrepancies flagged by District Treasury Officers. Delays in compliance will not be entertained,” he said.
In addition, Alok Shekhar directed banks to supply all pending PPO PDFs, approve provisional pensioners, and upload manual life certificates accepted prior to the October 31, 2025 cut-off in a strictly time-bound manner. He further instructed financial institutions to expedite the integration of their internal software with the Pensioner Sewa Portal.
Other key administrative tasks discussed during the meeting included marking Non-Resident Indian pensioners on the portal, uploading their notarised Life Certificates, and processing all JPP requests currently pending at the bank level.
Concluding the meeting, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to the welfare of pensioners. “All banks must immediately implement the necessary system modifications to prevent any undue rejections or unwarranted acceptances of JPPs going forward. The dignity and financial security of our pensioners remain our top priority,” he said.