Industrialists of Punjab personally hand over cheques to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann amounting to Rs. 6 crore approx. towards Chief Minister Rangla Punjab Fund
• *Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora himself donates Rs. 50 Lac for relief and rehabilitation of flood affected people*
Chandigarh 23 September 2025:Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora informed that 2,300 villages have been submerged, affected more than 2 million people, and destroyed crops across five lakh acres of land in these catastrophic floods in Punjab. Tragically, he said that 56 lives were lost, and around seven lakh people were rendered homeless. In addition, 3,200 government schools were damaged, 19 colleges reduced to rubble, 1,400 clinics and hospitals were ruined, 8,500 kilometers of roads were destroyed, and 2,500 bridges collapsed. The total damage amounts to approximately Rs. 14,000 crore, the actual figure can be even higher.
Addressing the media, Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora said that industrialists of Punjab have extended their support for rehabilitation of Punjabis in this hour of natural calamity and contributed generously towards Chief Minister Rangla Punjab Fund for flood affected people of Punjab. In this initiative, Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora himself donated Rs. 50 Lac for relief and rehabilitation of flood affected people.
Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora highlighted that industrialists today presented their contribution to the Chief Minister, Punjab for relief and rehabilitation of flood affected people. In this connection, Industrialists namely Sh. Kamal Oswal of Monte Carlo group donated Rs. 1 Crore, Ms. Mega Garg of Happy Forging donated Rs. 1 Crore, Sh. M.P Sehgal of Ceigall India Pvt. Ltd. donated Rs. 50 Lac, Sh. Abhishek Arora of Octave Apparels donated Rs. 50 Lac, Sh. Neeraj Jain of Vardhman Spinning Mills donated Rs. 50 lac, Sh. Deepak Nanda of Trident group donated Rs. 50 Lac, Sh. Gurwinder Bhatti of GB Reality donated Rs. 25 Lac, Sh. Parveen Goyal of Bector Foods, Creamica donated Rs. 20 Lac, Sh Sidharath Khanna of Ari Sudana Spinning Mills donated Rs. 20 Lac, Sh. Suman Munjhal of Rockman Foundation donated Rs. 10 Lac, Sh Upkar Singh Ahuja of CICU, President donated Rs. 5 Lac and Sh. Sanjeev Pahwa of Ralson donated 2.5 Lac for flood affected people and their relief work.
Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said that entrepreneurs are committed for the welfare of Punjab. He expressed his gratitude for the donation given by industrialists toward CM’s Rangla Punjab Fund and requested the remaining entrepreneurs to come forward for the support of this noble cause.
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PB SCHEDULED CASTES COMMISSION SEEKS REPORT FROM SSP JALANDHAR IN JAITEWALI CASE
Chandigarh, September 23:The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has sought a report from the SSP Jalandhar in the case involving abusive remarks against Sant Krishna Nath Chaheru and the Dalit community of Village Jaitewali, near Jalandhar.
Providing details in this regard, a spokesperson of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission said that the matter came to the notice of the Commission’s Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi through a newspaper report. Taking suo motu notice of the matter, the Chairman directed the SSP Jalandhar to submit a report through the concerned Deputy Superintendent of Police by September 25, 2025.
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Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Mandates Timely Pension Disbursal for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Employees
Also Approves Disbursement of Arrears for These Employees in Accordance with Policy Established for Punjab Government Employees
Chandigarh, September 23-Ensuring the financial security of retired employees of the state's Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday announced that the pensions for these employees will be disbursed directly into their bank accounts before the 10th of every month. This move is expected to benefit over 3,000 pensioners, ensuring they receive their dues in a timely and predictable manner.
In a further move to support these employees, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has also approved the disbursement of pending arrears for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti employees and pensioners, soon in four installments as per the policy approved by the Finance Department. These arrears will be paid in accordance with the policy framework already established for Punjab Government employees, thereby ensuring parity and fairness in financial treatment across departments.
This decision aligns with the Punjab Cabinet's approval in February 2025 to release arrears worth Rs 14,000 crore to government employees and pensioners. The approved include revised pay, pensions, and leave encashment from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2022, and dearness allowance from July 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024. This substantial amount is being disbursed in stages, providing much-needed relief to employees and pensioners.
The Finance Minister announced these decisions during a high-level meeting with Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department, and other department officials. The meeting also served as a platform to deliberate on other finance-related matters concerning the Rural Development and Panchayat Department. Finance Minister Cheema reiterated the AAP-led Punjab Government’s commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and the welfare of its workforce, emphasising that such decisions reflect the state government’s resolve to uphold the dignity and rights of its employees, both serving and retired.
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AMAN ARORA BRINGS EASE TO RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR WITH SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT SOLUTION & WHATSAPP HELPLINE
• New & Renewable Energy Minister directs PEDA to resolve developers’ issues on war footing
•Arora reaffirms CM Mann led Govt’s commitment to conducive business environment
Chandigarh, September 23 :In a significant move to attract investments by bolstering investor confidence and streamline execution of renewable energy projects in the state, Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora today announced a slew of proactive key measures to support Renewable Energy Developers in the state. The decisions were taken during Renewable Energy (RE) Developers Meet here at PEDA Complex, on Tuesday.
Addressing the concerns raised by the developers, Mr. Aman Arora directed the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) to immediately appoint a dedicated Nodal Officer, who will act as a single-point-of-contact to swiftly resolve inter-departmental coordination issues, which are often become a hurdle in the timely commissioning of renewable energy projects.
Mr. Aman Arora also ordered the PEDA to launch a dedicated WhatsApp helpline within a week. This platform will enable developers to report issues and seek assistance directly, ensuring prompt support and for real-time grievance redressal.
"We are not just open for business; we are proactive partners in the success of renewable energy projects," stated the New & Renewable Energy Sources Minister while assuring the developers that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to provide a conducive environment to investors and every possible support to the sector.
Mr. Aman Arora emphasised that Punjab’s renewable energy ambitions hinge on simplifying processes and cutting red tape to attracting investment and achieving renewable energy goals.
Chairperson PEDA Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Gogi, Principal Secretary New & Renewable Energy Sources department Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Chief Executive Officer Ms. Neelima and other senior officials were also present in the developers’ meet.
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ALL RELIEF CAMPS CLOSED AS ALL FAMILIES RETURN HOME SAFELY: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN
Chandigarh, September 23:Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today informed that the flood situation in the State has stabilised as all relief camps have now been closed with the remaining inmates returned to their homes.
The Revenue Minister said that a total of 219 relief camps were opened at the peak of floods across Punjab, accommodating 8,270 inmates from time to time. With improving conditions, the numbers kept declining and today not a single camp remains active, marking a complete return of all displaced families to their villages and homes.
Highlighting the scale of operations, S. Mundian stated that since August 1, as many as 23,340 people have been safely evacuated from vulnerable and marooned areas. He added that the administration provided temporary shelter, food, medicines and essential services in camps while also ensuring sanitation measures including debris clearance, carcass disposal, sewer cleaning and repair of damaged public assets.
The Cabinet Minister pointed out that the floods have impacted 22 districts and 2,555 villages, affecting a population of 3,89,445. Unfortunately, 57 human lives have been lost and 4 persons remain missing. The assessment of crop damage has pegged the loss at 1,99,926.2 hectares, while infrastructure and livestock losses are being further compiled.
S. Mundian further informed that NDRF, SDRF, Army, Navy columns and BSF teams were pressed into service with boats and manpower to carry out rescue and relief operations. District administrations ensured uninterrupted supply of drinking water, food packets and medical assistance, while veterinary teams were deployed to attend to livestock needs.
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EVERY PUNJABI TO GET ₹10L CASHLESS HEALTH INSURANCE COVER: DR BALBIR SINGH
*— HEALTH MINISTER FORMALLY LAUNCHES REGISTRATION FOR CASHLESS TREATMENT WORTH ₹10L UNDER MUKH MANTRI SEHAT YOJNA*
*— NO INCOME CRITERIA; ONLY VOTER ID CARD AND AADHAAR CARD REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION: HEALTH MINISTER*
*— REGISTRATION PROCESS INAUGURATED VIRTUALLY FOR TARN TARAN AND BARNALA*
*— 1480 FAMILIES ENROLLED ON FIRST DAY: DR BALBIR SINGH*
CHANDIGARH, September 23:In a landmark step towards universal healthcare as per the mandate of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday formally launched the registration process for the ambitious ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’, which provides cashless treatment worth Rs 10 lakh to every one of the state’s 3 crore residents.
The registration process was virtually inaugurated from the State Health Agency (SHA) Office, commencing in two districts—Tarn Taran and Barnala. The Minister, who was accompanied by Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul and CEO SHA Sanyam Aggarwal, sufficient number of registration camps have been organised across these two districts to ensure a smooth and accessible enrolment process for the public. On first day, as many as 1480 families have enrolled for the scheme.
Terming it a historic day for Punjab, Dr Balbir Singh said that this initiative makes Punjab the first state in the country to offer such a extensive health insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh to each and every citizen, irrespective of their income. He said that based on the experience from these two districts, the registration drive will be swiftly rolled out across the entire state.
The Minister emphasised that the scheme is designed to significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare that burden families. Under this scheme, beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment at all government hospitals and over 500 empanelled private hospitals across the state.
Dr Balbir Singh clarified that the eligibility criteria are simple and inclusive. The only documents required for registration are the Voter ID card and the Aadhaar card, with no income criteria barring any citizen from availing the benefits.
He detailed that the scheme encompasses a wide range of medical treatments, with over 2300 health packages covering all kinds of major and minor diseases, as well as accidental surgeries. This ensures that every medical need of the people of Punjab is addressed under this comprehensive health insurance umbrella, the Health Minister added.
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PUNJAB LAUNCHES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND AI-POWERED SCREENING FOR CANCER & VISION CARE
*— EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT IS CRUCIAL TO SAVE LIVES, SAYS HEALTH MINISTER DR BALBIR SINGH*
*— PUNJAB AIMS FOR 600 EYE CHECK-UPS AND 300 CANCER SCREENINGS DAILY USING CUTTING-EDGE AI DEVICES*
CHANDIGARH, September 23:In a landmark move to strengthen preventive healthcare as desired by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister on Tuesday launched first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled screening devices for early detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and refractive errors.
The Punjab Government’s initiative, implemented in collaboration with ACT Grants, introduces portable, radiation-free, and AI-powered devices across eight districts of Punjab. These include Thermalytix by Niramai for breast cancer screening, Smart Scope by Periwinkle for cervical cancer screening, and Portable Autorefractometer by Forus Health for vision impairment screening. The event also featured a demonstration of all the devices.
Describing the launch as a historic leap forward in making healthcare accessible, accurate, and equitable, Dr Balbir Singh stressed the critical need for early diagnosis and treatment. “Prevention and early detection are the cornerstones of effective healthcare. With these advanced devices, we are taking screening to the doorsteps of our communities, especially in rural areas, overcoming barriers of fear, cost, and accessibility. This initiative will not only save lives but also position Punjab as a leader in AI-driven public health innovation.”
The Minister highlighted statistics from the ICMR National Cancer Registry Programme, which reported 42,288 new cancer cases in Punjab in 2024 – a 7% increase from the previous year. He also pointed to NFHS-5 data showing that only 0.3% of women aged 30–49 in Punjab have ever been screened for breast cancer, and just 2.4% for cervical cancer. “We are determined to reverse these trends and set a national example,” he affirmed.
Dr Balbir Singh said that these AI-based devices are designed for use in primary health settings, enabling rapid, non-invasive, and highly accurate screenings. The state aims to conduct at least 600 eye check-ups and 300 breast and cervical cancer screenings per day, significantly enhancing early detection rates and reducing the burden on tertiary care facilities, he said.
Meanwhile, the Health Minister also appealed to the gathering to generously contribute to 'Mission Chardi Kala Fund', a fundraising campaign launched by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to support flood-affected families’ rehabilitation.
On the occasion, Member Punjab Development Commission Anurag Kundu, Mission Director NHM Punjab Ghanshyam Thori, Director Health Services Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Family Welfare Dr Aditi Salaria, Director Medical Education & Research Dr Avnish Kumar, Director ESI Dr Anil Goyal and CEO ACT Grants Aakanksha Gulati were among other senior health officials, representatives from partnering organisations, healthcare professionals, and community workers present.
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ALL RELIEF CAMPS CLOSED AS ALL FAMILIES RETURN HOME SAFELY: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN
Chandigarh, September 23:Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today informed that the flood situation in the State has stabilised as all relief camps have now been closed with the remaining inmates returned to their homes. He said that the supply of essential relief material to the affected families will continue uninterrupted.
The Revenue Minister said that a total of 219 relief camps were opened at the peak of floods across Punjab, accommodating 8,270 inmates from time to time. With improving conditions, the numbers kept declining and today not a single camp remains active, marking a complete return of all displaced families to their villages and homes.
Highlighting the scale of operations, S. Mundian stated that since August 1, as many as 23,340 people have been safely evacuated from vulnerable and marooned areas. He added that the administration provided temporary shelter, food, medicines and essential services in camps while also ensuring sanitation measures including debris clearance, carcass disposal, sewer cleaning and repair of damaged public assets.
The Cabinet Minister pointed out that the floods have impacted 22 districts and 2,555 villages, affecting a population of 3,89,445. Unfortunately, 57 human lives have been lost and 4 persons remain missing. The assessment of crop damage has pegged the loss at 1,99,926.2 hectares, while infrastructure and livestock losses are being further compiled.
S. Mundian further informed that NDRF, SDRF, Army, Navy columns and BSF teams were pressed into service with boats and manpower to carry out rescue and relief operations. District administrations ensured uninterrupted supply of drinking water, food packets and medical assistance, while veterinary teams were deployed to attend to livestock needs.