CM pays tribute to Martyrs On Kargil Vijay Diwas

Asserts that supreme sacrifice of soldiers in the Kargil War will ever inspire youth for selfless service to the nation

Recalls supreme sacrifices made by Punjabis in the Kargil war

Chandigarh, July 26:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday offered floral tributes to the martyrs during a function to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas and that the supreme sacrifice made by the brave hearts will always inspire the youth to serve the country with a spirit of patriotism and selflessness.

The Chief Minister laid a wreath at the war memorial located at Bougainvillea Garden and paid rich tribute to the brave soldiers of Punjab who laid down their lives during the Kargil conflict.

Recalling the 1999 Kargil War, the Chief Minister said that the entire nation had come together in unity with a deep sense of patriotism during that time. He said that Kargil Vijay Diwas symbolizes the extraordinary bravery of India’s armed forces during the war. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Indian soldiers displayed unparalleled courage, heroism, and sacrifice during hostile circumstances.

The Chief Minister said that despite immense challenges, the Indian Army gave a crushing defeat to the Pakistani intruders in the areas of Kargil, Dras, and Batalik in July 1999. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such exemplary bravery displayed by Indian soldiers has no parallel in world history. He said that these heroic deeds continues to inspire our youth to join the Indian Armed Forces and serve the motherland with zeal.

The Chief Minister further said that the country will forever remain indebted to its brave sons who guard the borders under extreme weather conditions—be it scorching heat or freezing cold. He mentioned that, as a mark of respect for the exemplary contribution of soldiers, the state government provides financial assistance worth Rs 1 crore to the family of any soldier who attains martyrdom during the line of duty. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that this initiative by the state government is a humble effort to recognise the invaluable service of our soldiers.

During the event, the Chief Minister briefly interacted with NCC cadets and cadets of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute and Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, Mohali. He encouraged them to join the armed forces to protect the unity and integrity of the nation adding that the state government will give fulsome support and cooperation to them for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that they could serve as role models and help instill a spirit of patriotism and nationalism in other young people as well.

On the occasion impressive Guard of Honour was presented by the PAP band under the leadership of PAP Group Commander DSP Davinder Singh Saini. Several senior and retired defense officers also attended the event.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat and others.

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You Shied Away from Taking Action Against Drug Smugglers Even After Taking Oath on Gutka Sahib: CM Mann Reminds Captain

Says nephew (bhatija) introduced drug it state and uncle (Chacha) helped it to bloom in his tenure as CM

Questions BJP Leader’s Concern for the Human Rights of Drug Smugglers

Dares Congress and BJP to clarify their stance on arrest of drug smuggler

Says Captain and His ‘Blue-Eyed’ Nephew Patronized the Drug Trade in Punjab

Chandigarh, July 26:Launching a scathing attack on former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that the BJP leader failed to act against drug smugglers, despite having taken an oath on the sacred Gutka Sahib.

The Chief Minister questioned Captain Amarinder Singh’s apparent concern for the human rights of drug smugglers, asking why he showed no such concern for the people of Punjab. He said it was ironic that while the sons of ordinary citizens were dying painful deaths due to drug abuse under Captain’s and his blue-eyed nephew’s rule, the opulent Maharaja remained busy attending lavish parties.

Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that such leaders have devastated Punjab by enabling a generational genocide through their inaction and complicity.

The Chief Minister said that they treated governance like a game of musical chairs, vying for power while protecting and promoting the drug trade. He said the hands of these leaders are stained with the blood of Punjab’s youth who fell victim to their conspiracies. “They lit the funeral pyres of our young generation by allowing drugs to flourish unchecked,” Bhagwant Singh Mann added.

The Chief Minister added that the people of Punjab have now seen the double-faced reality of these leaders—though, regrettably, only after suffering immense loss. He said the BJP will likely attempt to dismiss Captain’s recent remarks as a personal opinion and distance itself from them. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann warned that the people of Punjab will never forgive Captain Amarinder Singh and his allies for their betrayal of the state and its citizens.

The Chief Minister stated that it is ironic that several leaders—from former Chief Ministers Captain Amarinder Singh and Charanjit Singh Channi to Ravneet Bittu, Partap Singh Bajwa, and Sukhpal Singh Khaira—are opposing the Punjab government’s action against a drug smuggler. He pointed out that this is the same individual who introduced chitta in the state, supplied drugs using his official vehicle, and played a major role in ruining the youth of Punjab.Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the drug trade flourished during the Akali regime, particularly when Bikram Singh Majithia was at the height of his power, adding that it expanded further when Akali leader’s uncle (Chacha ji) Captain Amarinder Singh, became the CM.

The Chief Minister accused all these leaders of being hand in glove with drug smugglers, alleging that they had left no stone unturned in their efforts to ruin Punjab. He asserted that the people of the state will never forgive them for their hypocrisy and betrayal. Bhagwant Singh Mann dared the Congress and BJP to clarify their stance on the issue of drugs, as their leaders are now openly supporting a notorious drug smuggler.

The Chief Minister categorically stated that his government has launched a full-fledged war against drugs under the campaign Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh and expressed pride that the backbone of the drug network has been broken. He added that in the coming days, strict action will be taken against anyone who has plundered the state, and the government has already initiated this process. Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed that everyone who has looted the state’s wealth will not be spared and will be put behind bars.

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Six More Sectoral Committees Notified for Industrial Policy Enhancement in Punjab: Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora

Ashok Arora of LT Foods (Dawat Rice) & A S Mittal of International Tractors Ltd among Chairmen of the newly formed committees

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, July 26, 2025:In continuation of the Punjab Government’s initiative to gather suggestions from industry experts for strengthening the state’s industrial policy and improving ease of doing business, Punjab Cabinet Minister Shri Sanjeev Arora today announced the formation of six more sectoral committees.

He made this announcement at a press conference held at Bachat Bhawan, District Administrative Complex, Ludhiana here on Saturday. The chairmen of the committees are as under: Rajesh Kharbanda (Sports Goods Manufacturing and Exporters Association & MD Nivia Sports, Jalandhar)- Sports/Leather Goods Committee, Ashwani Kumar (President FIEO India, Victor Forgings, Jalandhar)- Machine/Hands Tools Committee, Ashok Arora (LT Foods (Dawat Rice)-Food Processing &Dairy, Gurjinder Singh (Best Western Hotels)- Tourism & Hospitality Committee, A.S. Mittal (International Tractors Ltd, Hoshiarpur)- Heavy Machinery, Naresh Tiwari (Plywood Manufacturing industries Association & MD Virgo Panels, Hoshiarpur)- Furniture & Ply Industry Committee.

These committees include members from diverse industrial sectors and will serve as think tanks to recommend sector-specific policy measures. The new committees are focused on Sports/Leather Goods, Machine/Hand Tools, Food Processing & Dairy, Tourism & Hospitality, Heavy Machinery, and Furniture & Ply Industry.

Shri Sanjeev Arora said the core task for each of the committees will be to provide the Government with a structured set of inputs for a customised industrial framework/policy for their specific sector keeping in mind Punjab's unique industrial eco system along with structural and fiscal context. For this the committee should examine policies and frameworks of all other relevant states in the country and thus develop a 'best-in-class' policy framework for Punjab. The committees shall submit these recommendations in writing by 1^st October 2025.

Each committee will be having a Chairperson and some members from the industry. However more members may be added at the discretion of the Government. Members will be diverse in size, scale, and geography to ensure all views are tabled during discussions. Members will also represent different sub- segments of the overall sector.

Secretariat support to each committee shall be provided by the Member-Secretary of the Committee as noted above, who shall also be in-charge of organizing the meetings of the Committee and preparing the minutes. General Manager District Industries Centre (GM DIC) from Department of Industries & Commerce and the relevant Sector Officer from Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion (PBIP) shall assist the Committee with relevant administrative support, as necessary.

Earlier, three committees such as Spinning and Weaving Committee, Apparels Committee and Dyeing and Finishing Units Committee were constituted.

Below are the details of members appointed to each committee:

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MANN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MAJOR RELIEF: ₹13.43 CRORE DISBURSED FOR 2,634 BENEFICIARIES UNDER ASHIRWAD SCHEME – DR. BALJIT KAUR

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RELEASED FOR MARRIAGE OF GIRLS IN 15 PUNJAB DISTRICTS UNDER ASHIRWAD SCHEME

LOW-INCOME FAMILIES TO RECEIVE DIRECT FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF ₹51,000

Chandigarh, July 26:Punjab’s Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced today that under the Ashirwad Scheme, the State Government has released an amount of ₹13.43 crore for 2,634 beneficiaries belonging to backward and economically weaker sections during the current financial year 2025–26.

Sharing further details, the Minister said that this financial assistance will benefit applicants from 15 districts including Amritsar, Barnala, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Malerkotla, and Tarn Taran. The funds have been disbursed based on the applications received through the Ashirwad Portal.

Dr. Kaur informed that through this disbursement, 699 beneficiaries in Amritsar, 38 in Barnala, 46 in Faridkot, 96 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 91 in Gurdaspur, 225 in Hoshiarpur, 343 in Ludhiana, 70 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, 357 in Patiala, 72 in Pathankot, 301 in Rupnagar, 46 in SAS Nagar, 55 in Sangrur, 38 in Malerkotla, and 157 in Tarn Taran have received financial support.

She further stated that under the Ashirwad Scheme, a financial assistance of ₹51,000 is provided for the marriage of daughters belonging to low-income families. This amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

To avail of the scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Punjab and belong to a family that is below the poverty line and categorized under Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, or other economically weaker sections. The annual family income must be below ₹32,790, and a maximum of two daughters from a single family are eligible to receive this benefit.

In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains committed to strengthening social justice and uplifting the living standards of every section of society.

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CROSS-BORDER NARCOTICS SMUGGLING NETWORK BUSTED IN AMRITSAR; FOUR HELD WITH 4KG HEROIN

— ARRESTED ACCUSED WERE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH PAK-BASED SMUGGLER SHAH, USING INCONSPICUOUS AUTO-RICKSHAW TO DELIVER CONSIGNMENTS: DGP GAURAV YADAV

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, July 26:Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug free state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a cross-border narcotics smuggling module with links to Pakistan and arrested four of its operatives after recovering 4 kg heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

Those arrested have been identified as Ranjit Singh and Karan Masih, both residents of Attari in Amritsar; Manpreet Singh and Ajaypal Singh, both residents of Jandiala Guru in Amritsar. Apart from recovering heroin, police teams have also impounded their Auto Rickshaw (PB 02 DN 5173), which the accused persons were using inconspicuously to retrieve and deliver the drug consignments.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused persons were acting under the directions of Pakistan-based smuggler identified as Shah, who has been using drones to drop narcotic consignments from across the border. The arrested accused were further delivering the narcotics consignments to other parties in the state, he said.

Sharing operation details, he said that teams of CI Amritsar received specific intelligence about retrieval of narcotics consignments from Indo-Pak border area falling near village Attari in Amritsar. Acting swiftly, police teams intercepted four accused persons from near Bus Stop Kathanian situated on Amritsar-Attari GT Road, when they were going to deliver the consignment in their Auto-Rickshaw and recovered narcotics from their possession, he said.

The DGP said that further investigations are underway to uncover the network’s backward and forward linkages.

A case FIR No. 40 dated 25-07-2025 has been registered under sections 21, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

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EM Bains engages Teachers in Dialogue to Elevate Education Standards

• EM gathers inputs from Teachers to improve school education

• EM announces plan to revamp computer labs with a Rs 400 crore investment

Chandigarh/ Sangrur, July 26:In a unique initiative to further enhance the quality and standards of education in the state government schools, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains engaged in “Dialogue with Teachers” at District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Sangrur to get first-hand feedback and inputs from educators.

S. Harjot Singh Bains today held a productive dialogue with school heads from Sangrur district and gathered their valuable suggestions to enhance education quality and school infrastructure.

While addressing the teachers, S. Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the transformative strides in the state's education system, noting that the government schools are now globally recognised. He emphasised that the government's approach is centred on delivering tangible results, rather than resorting to superficial measures. The minister assured that teachers' issues would be addressed, while announcing a plan to revamp computer labs with a Rs 400 crore investment and interactive panels are being installed in schools. He also said that a third batch of teachers would be sent abroad for training and the selection will be based solely on merit. Additionally, the minister highlighted initiatives such as promotions for lecturers, appointments of 400 new principals, and improvements in school infrastructure, including increased access to proper seating and sanitation facilities.

He further stated that the education is the top priority of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, while citing the Punjab’s emergence as a top performer in the National National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024, attributing it to the state government’s relentless efforts.

Furthermore, the Education Minister stated that an impressive 845 government school students qualified the highly competitive National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), while 265 students successfully cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains this year, which showcasing the school education department's commitment to fostering academic excellence and empowering students to excel in the country's most challenging competitive exams.

These remarkable accomplishments showcase the Punjab Government's dedication to ensuring quality education and improving student learning outcomes.

While congratulating the teachers for transforming the education, S. Harjot Singh Bains that the state government has launched the "School of Eminence," "School of Happiness," and "School of Brilliance" to uplift the education system and shape the future of students in government schools.

Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains highlighted a groundbreaking initiative under the Aam Aadmi Party government, where teachers are being trained in esteemed international institutions in Singapore, Finland, and Ahmedabad to modernise the state's education system.

He described the "Dialogue with Teachers" initiative as a pioneering platform where the administration actively listens to and values teachers' insights, fostering a collaborative approach to education reform.

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Punjab Hosts Multi-State Workshop on Digital Personal Data Protection Act

• GG&IT Director Amit Talwar emphasises on systematic data protection frameworks across government departments

Chandigarh, July 26:The National Informatics Centre (NIC), Punjab conducted a comprehensive workshop on the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, bringing together senior government officials from Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to discuss implementation strategies for the new privacy legislation.

The Director Good Governance and Information Technology department Mr. Amit Talwar inaugurated the session, stressing the need for systematic data protection frameworks across government departments. The workshop addressed practical aspects of DPDP Act compliance in government IT applications and digital services.

Deputy Director General Prashant Kumar Mittal from NIC headquarters delivered technical sessions on DPDP Act provisions and rules, providing officials with detailed guidance on privacy governance and implementation protocols. The program included presentations on data minimization, consent management and secure processing requirements for government systems.

State Informatics Officers Vivek Verma (Punjab), Sarbjeet Singh (Haryana) and Ramesh Gupta (Chandigarh) participated in the workshop alongside their technical teams, reflecting coordinated efforts to standardize data protection practices across the region.

The session featured expert presentations by Mukesh Gupta, Head of Data Governance and Strategy Division, and consultant Akash Aggarwal, who addressed legal, operational and technological aspects of the privacy framework. Officials engaged in discussions about implementation challenges and best practices for government data handling.

Technical sessions covered key areas including administrative workflows, compliance requirements and integration of privacy safeguards into existing digital infrastructure. The workshop provided a platform for officials to address practical queries about operationalizing DPDP provisions within government systems.

The training program was part of broader governmental preparation for implementing India's comprehensive data protection regime. Officials discussed shared responsibilities for ethical data handling in public digital services and citizen-facing applications.

The organizing committee, led by State Informatics Officer Vivek Verma, included senior technical officers Usha Rai, Dinesh Sharma, Sanjay Sawhney and Pankaj Jain, who coordinated the multi-jurisdictional training initiative.

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GURMEET KHUDIAN INSPECTS MEGA FOOD PARK; DIRECTS OFFICIALS TO FOCUS ON AGRI-GROWTH

•Agriculture Minister holds discussions with representatives from prominent food processing industries

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, July 26:With aim to further boost support to the state farmers and agri-entrepreneurs, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian visited the Mega Food Park in Ladhowal, Ludhiana to inspect the infrastructural facilities and industrial units set up there.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, conducted a comprehensive review of Punjab Agro Industries Corporation's (PAIC) ongoing and proposed initiatives. While emphasising on the importance of prioritising agricultural sector growth, S. Khudian directed officials to focus on initiatives that would drive development and prosperity in the sector.

Meanwhile, he also met with representatives from prominent food processing industries, including Godrej Tyson Foods, DelMonte Foods, Anand Kartar Bakery, SGM Biofoods, Iscon Balaji Foods and Sant Foods, who expressed satisfaction with the incentives provided by the state government.

While visiting the Silage & Forage Processing complex, the Agriculture Minister inspected the latest agricultural machinery and technologies for harvesting, processing, and baling. A pilot project on Alfalfa cultivation and hay-making was also showcased, which highlights its significance for dairy, equine and livestock nutrition, as well as on growing domestic and export demands. S. Khudian was also appraised about the upcoming initiatives, including the promotion of rainy maize and Napier grass, with advanced and all-weather harvesting technologies.

The Minister commended Punjab Agro's pioneering efforts in modern and sustainable farming solutions and developing cutting-edge infrastructure. He assured that the state government would provide full support to facilitate existing and future projects, benefiting farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.

Principal Secretary Food Processing Ms. Rakhi Gupta Bhandari and MD PAIC Ms. Hargunjit Kaur, senior officials of PAIC and agro- industry representatives were also present during the visit.

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NOW, RC & DL SERVICES AVAILABLE AT SEWA KENDRAS & DOORSTEP

• Aman Arora orders concerned officials to ensure strict compliance

• Also directs DCs to take strict action against any official found forcing citizens to make multiple visits by raising unwarranted objections

• Good Governance Minister reviews implementation of recently launched Revenue & Transport departments’ services at Sewa Kendras & through DSD

Chandigarh, July 26:In a significant step towards citizen-centric governance, the Punjab Government has made available Transport department’s 30 services including Registration Certificate (RC) and Driving Licence (DL) at Sewa Kendras and through Doorstep Delivery to eliminate the need for citizens to visit RTO offices or rely on agents, said Mr. Aman Arora, Minister of Good Governance and Information Technology (GG&IT), Punjab.

Mr. Aman Arora was chairing a high-level meeting at MGSIPA with senior officers and all the Deputy Commissioners to review the implementation of the recently launched Revenue and Transport departments’ services at Sewa Kendras and through Door Step Delivery.

Notably, Revenue department’s six services including Deed Registration, Mutation on the basis of Inheritance, Mutation on the basis of Registered Deed, Fardbadar (Correction in Records), Rapat, Request for Subscription & Digital signed copy of Fard and Transport Department’s 30 services including RC & DL are available at Sewa Kendras and via Door Step Delivery by dialling helpline no. 1076 from comfort of their homes under “Bhagwan Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwaar” scheme.

Mr. Aman Arora directed all the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the smooth implementation of this initiative and take strict action against any official found forcing citizens to make multiple visits to government offices by raising unwarranted objections for these services of Revenue & Transport departments.

“The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to making public services more accessible and citizen-friendly. This initiative would benefit thousands of citizens, reducing hassle and enhancing their overall experience,” Mr. Aman Arora states while adding that the state government has been tirelessly working to transform Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services by ensuring transparency and efficiency in service delivery and eliminating exploitation and unofficial charges.

He also asked Deputy Commissioners to raise awareness among the public about accessing these services conveniently at Sewa Kendras and through Door Step Delivery.

Mr. Aman Arora also urged the citizens to take benefit of this initiative, while highlighting the convenience of accessing services from home by dialling the 1076 helpline number, eliminating the need for office visits. He also shared that the facilitation charges for Door Step Delivery services have been significantly reduced from Rs 120 to just Rs 50.

Additional Chief Secretary Revenue Mr. Anurag Verma, Additional Chief Secretary Good Governance & IT Mr. DK Tiwari, Administrative Secretary Transport Mr. Varun Roojam, Secretary Revenue Ms. Sonali Giri, Director GG&IT Mr. Amit Talwar and State Transport Commissioner Mr. Jaspreet Singh were among the senior officers, who were present in the meeting.

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Punjab Government Rescues 4 Child Beggars During 16 Special Raids: Dr. Baljit Kaur

A Total of 192 Children Rescued in First 10 Days of the Campaign: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Strict Action Against Those Endangering the Future of Children: Social Security Minister

Exploitation of Children for Begging Punishable with 5 to 20 Years Imprisonment

Chandigarh, July 26:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has intensified efforts under the state-wide “Jeevan Jyot” campaign to rescue child beggars from the streets and reintegrate them into mainstream society by ensuring access to education, shelter, and a secure future. This was stated today by the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur.

The Minister informed that during 16 special raids conducted today by District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) across 16 districts, 4 children engaged in begging were successfully rescued. These raids were carried out in Barnala, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, Malerkotla, Moga, Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, SBS Nagar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Tarn Taran districts.

Dr. Kaur mentioned that 2 children each were rescued from Fazilka and Patiala. The two children rescued from Fazilka were handed over to their parents after proper documentation and counselling. The verification process for the remaining two children is still underway.

She added that a total of 192 children have been rescued across Punjab within the first 10 days of the campaign. The Minister issued a stern warning to individuals—including parents and guardians—who force children into begging. She emphasized that strict legal action will be taken against anyone who exploits children or jeopardizes their right to education, safety, and development.

Dr. Kaur further explained that any individual, whether a parent or otherwise, found compelling a child to beg may be declared an "unfit guardian" and prosecuted under relevant child protection laws, which carry a punishment ranging from 5 to 20 years of imprisonment.

The Minister reiterated that the Jeevan Jyot Project is not merely aimed at eliminating child begging but is a mission to provide rescued children with quality education, nutritious food, shelter, and a dignified life. She also appealed to the general public not to give alms to child beggars and instead report such incidents immediately to the Child Helpline number 1098.

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Education Department, Once Neglected, Now No. 1 in Country: Harjot Singh Bains

– Third batch of teachers to be sent to Finland soon

– Education Minister holds dialogue with government school staff in Patiala

– No union member targeted; all issues addressed, says Bains

Chandigarh/Patiala, July 26:Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Saturday interacted with principals and teachers of Patiala district as part of the state government’s ‘Dialogue with Teachers’ initiative. He announced that the third batch of primary school teachers will soon be sent to Finland to learn modern teaching practices.

The session began with a two-minute silence in memory of the seven children who died in a school roof collapse in Jhalawar, Rajasthan

Addressing the gathering, Bains said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Education Department has undergone a major transformation and is now ranked number one in the country. He said the department was once crippled by the flawed policies of previous governments, where the focus remained on “transfers and tenders”. In contrast, the present government is prioritising infrastructure, quality education, and teacher empowerment.

He credited the dedication and feedback of teachers for the improved performance and stressed that no union member has been victimised under the current regime. “We’ve worked to resolve everyone’s concerns fairly,” he said.

Bains, who also heads Higher Education, Technical Education, and IPR, encouraged teachers to email him directly if they’re unable to raise concerns in person.

Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, also present, spoke about a joint initiative with the Education Department to make students drug-free and health-aware, including first aid training.

Also present were MLA Gurdev Singh Dev Mann, SDM Patran Ashok Kumar, DEO Shalu Mehra, and Deputy DEO Dr. Ravinderpal Singh.

Teachers welcomed the initiative and raised issues like international training, Mission Samarth, bagless schools, and anti-drug campaigns.