IN A FIRST, PUNJAB GOVT BRINGS POLICY TO HONOUR DOCTORS FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE

— CHIEF MINISTER BHAGWANT SINGH MANN WILL HONOUR 60 DOCTORS EVERY YEAR TO BOOST THEIR MORALE

— EACH AWARDEE TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE OF HONOUR, PERMANENT LISTING ON THE STATE HEALTH HONOUR BOARD: HEALTH MINISTER DR BALBIR SINGH

— 25% OF TOTAL MEDICAL OFFICERS AND SPECIALISTS RECRUITED IN CM BHAGWANT SING MANN LED PUNJAB GOVT’S TENURE

CHANDIGARH, September 24:In a groundbreaking step to bolster the healthcare system and recognise the tireless service of medical professionals, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has introduced a first-of-its-kind Policy to Honour Doctors for outstanding services, announced Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh here on Wednesday.

This institutionalised, transparent, and merit-based system will be implemented by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will personally confer the awards at a state-level function, reflecting the state’s commitment to valuing the contribution of doctors who are the backbone of Punjab’s health services.

Highlighting the initiative during a press conference, Dr Balbir Singh said that the Government of Punjab will honour 60 doctors every year under a newly introduced policy to boost the morale and commitment of medical professionals towards their humanitarian service.

He said that the awards will span four categories, including the State Level Best Doctor Award, District Level Excellence Award, Special Recognition for Innovation or Public Health Leadership, and Special Recognition for Public Service in the Private Sector. Each awardee will receive a Certificate of Honour presented by the Chief Minister or Health Minister, Punjab, along with a permanent listing on the State Health Honour Board, which will be maintained digitally and displayed prominently in government hospitals, he added.

Dr Balbir Singh said, “Doctors are the custodians of public health and have stood as pillars of strength for the people of Punjab during every crisis—from COVID-19 to floods. This policy reflects our government’s resolve to celebrate their service and encourage them to keep leading with dedication and compassion.”

Today, around 6,000 doctors are serving across Aam Aadmi Clinics, Rural and Urban Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Sub Divisional and District Hospitals, Government Medical Colleges, and outreach programmes, ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every corner of Punjab, including the remote populations.

The Health Minister that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has recruited a total of 934 doctors since 2022— nearly 25% of the state's current strength of 3,831 Medical Officers and Specialists deputed at Rural and Urban Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Sub Divisional and District Hospitals. He confirmed that the strengthening of medical services is ongoing, with an additional more doctors are expected to join the state's health force within the next one to two months.

The Minister said that Punjab’s doctors play a pivotal role in healthcare delivery, ranging from managing OPDs, IPDs, surgeries, and emergencies to leading preventive programmes such as immunisation, maternal and child health, and disease control. In addition, doctors also actively contribute to medical research, training, and innovations that continue to strengthen and transform the state’s healthcare system, he added.

Dr Balbir Singh further informed that on the same pattern, ASHA workers, nurses and other staff in the health department working at frontline, will also be felicitated.

Meanwhile, this initiative underscores Punjab Government’s commitment to honouring the tireless contribution of doctors, motivating them to continue excelling, and building a strong, responsive, and compassionate healthcare system for the people of Punjab.

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15 Auto E-Rickshaws Distributed to Economically Weaker and Needy: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Punjab Government’s Big Step Towards Making Poor and Divyang Citizens Self-Reliant

Chandigarh, 24 September :Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women & Child Development and MLA from Malout, Dr. Baljit Kaur, distributed 15 auto e-rickshaws among needy individuals of her constituency under the state government’s self-employment initiative.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to economically empowering poor and divyang persons. These auto e-rickshaws will provide beneficiaries with a dignified source of livelihood and enable them to lead a self-reliant life.

She added that these are not just vehicles, but a new beginning for the beneficiaries. The e-rickshaws will empower them and bring smiles to their faces, instilling the confidence to stand on their own feet. Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government envisions a society where no family remains helpless and every individual chooses the path of self-reliance. This initiative is a significant step towards realizing the dream of a "Self-Reliant Punjab."

On this occasion, the beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, assuring that they will make the most of this opportunity.

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Kerala Food Supply Minister G.R. Anil lauds robust procurement mechanism of Punjab Government

Commends never say die spirit of 'Charhdi Kala' exhibited by people of Punjab amid floods

Chandigarh, September 24:The robust procurement mechanism of the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today came in for huge appreciation from the Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Legal Metrology Minister, Kerala Mr. G.R. Anil who was apprised about in detail about the procurement process and the measures undertaken by the Punjab Government to ensure its robustness.

Apprising the visiting dignitary with regard to the procurement process here at Anaj Bhawan, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Punjab, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that despite being 1.5 percent of the landmass of the country, Punjab contributes about 40-45 percent of Wheat and 20-25 percent paddy to the Central Pool.

Divulging more, Mr. Kataruchak said Kataruchak the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has over 8 lakh farmers, 25000 Arhtiyas, 5000 millers and 500 Labour & Transport contractors registered on the Anaaj Kharid portal. Besides, the J form on the portal contains the names, details, quantity of crop brought to the mandis, land details along with the crop sowing details, added Mr. Kataruchak.

Bringing other salient features of the procurement system to the attention of Mr. G.R. Anil, Mr. Kataruchak revealed that the once the crop of a farmer is procured it is ensured that the same is lifted within 72 hours and the farmer gets payment credited in his bank account in 48 hours. Apart from this, the online gate pass as well as the Vehicle Tracking System is also fully operational in the State of Punjab in order to ensure transparency in the procurement process.

There are more than 14000 Fair Price Shops (FPS) in Punjab which distribute free wheat to the needy beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System in accordance with the mission of ensuring food security under the National Food Security Act, 2013. Every FPS has been provided with e-PoS machines so as to maintain transparency in the wheat distribution. Also, the crops of the farmers are ensured to be procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) which in the present paddy season is Rs. 2389 Per Quintal, added Mr. Kataruchak.

Mr. G.R. Anil said that Punjab is rightly known as the Food Basket of the country and especially praised the resilience of the people even amid the heavy floods ravaging the State.

The Kerala Minister was also honoured by Mr. Kataruchak on the occasion which saw the Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Punjab, Rahul Tiwari, Director Varinder Kumar Sharma, Additional Directors Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar & Ajayveer Singh Sarao and GM Finance Sarvesh Kumar in attendance.

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PUNJAB INTRODUCES FINAL OTS TO RESOLVE LEGACY TAX DUES: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

'PUNJAB ONE TIME SETTLEMENT SCHEME FOR RECOVERY OF OUTSTANDING DUES, 2025' WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM OCTOBER 1, 2025, TO DECEMBER 31, 2025

AIMS TO RESOLVE APPROX 20,039 PENDING CASES INVOLVING OUTSTANDING DUES OF NEARLY RS 11,968.88 CRORE ACROSS VARIOUS PRE-GST ACTS

Chandigarh, September 24-Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the 'Punjab One Time Settlement Scheme for Recovery of Outstanding Dues, 2025' will be effective from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and this scheme aims to resolve approximately 20,039 pending cases involving outstanding dues of nearly Rs 11,968.88 crore across various pre-GST acts, providing substantial relief to the state's trade and industry

Announcing this One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS), the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this initiative, approved by the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in today’s cabinet meeting, marks the third such scheme offered by the AAP-led Punjab Government, and it will be the final opportunity for taxpayers to settle their outstanding dues. He said that after January 1, 2026, recovery proceedings will commence for those who fail to opt for this scheme. "The pending cases span multiple pre-GST acts, including the Punjab VAT Act, the Central Sales Tax Act, and others, We have structured this scheme to offer substantial waivers on interest and penalties, making it an attractive proposition for all eligible taxpayers”, said Cheema.

Highlighting the key features of the scheme, the Finance Minister said that the scheme offers a tiered waiver structure based on the demand amount. "For outstanding demands up to Rs 1 crore, taxpayers will receive a 100% waiver on interest and penalty, along with a 50% waiver on the tax amount. For demands between Rs 1 crore and Rs 25 crore, there will be a 100% waiver on interest and penalty, and a 25% waiver on the tax amount. In cases with demands exceeding Rs 25 crore, we are providing a 100% waiver on interest and penalty with a 10% waiver on the tax amount", he added.

Emphasising the expected outcome of the initiative, the Finance Minister said "If all eligible taxpayers avail this scheme, we anticipate a recovery of approximately Rs 3,344.50 crore for the state while waiving over Rs 8,441.56 crore in old dues.” He said that this scheme is applicable to all taxpayers whose assessment orders were framed by September 30th, 2025, and it will not apply to government food agencies. He urged all eligible businesses to take advantage of this initiative before the deadline of December 31st, 2025.

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the AAP led Punjab Government is committed to clearing the backlog of legacy tax cases to foster a more business-friendly environment in Punjab. He said that this new One Time Settlement scheme is a progressive step that will not only reduce the compliance burden on taxpayers but also streamline the state's tax administration.

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Gurmeet Khudian Questions CCI's Absence in Punjab Mandis, Flags Punjab Farmers’ Distress

• Agriculture Minister demands Centre’s immediate intervention to ensure cotton’s procurement on MSP by CCI

Chandigarh, September 24:Raising voice of the distress of the state's cotton farmers, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian sought the Centre Government’s immediate intervention to commence the cotton crop’s procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India's (CCI) in the state at Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 7,710 per quintal as announced by GoI. The CCI’s absence from state mandis, despite the “white gold's” arrival, has left the farmers vulnerable to distress sales to private players at prices below the MSP.

While addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, on Wednesday evening, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian painted a grim picture of broken promises for the state's cotton growers. Despite a 20% increase in area under cotton cultivation, due to the Punjab Government's proactive initiatives under crop diversification drive, farmers are now facing despair due to the CCI’s conspicuous absence.

Expressing deep concern over the Centre's failure to fulfil its promise of MSP for cotton farmers, the Agriculture Minister questioned that the crop is here. The farmers are here. But where is the CCI?

Highlighting the state's efforts to boost cotton cultivation, he informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government's 33% subsidy on hybrid cotton seeds and other proactive measures resulted in a significant 20% increase in cotton cultivation, from around 99000 hectares in 2024 to 1.19 lakh hectares this year. S. khudian emphasised that farmers, who invested their savings and labour based on the MSP announced by Centre Government, are now being forced into distress sales to meet urgent financial needs.

"We did our part. Our farmers did their part with unparalleled faith. Now, the Centre must do its part. We demand the CCI should immediately commence procurement without any further delay. Every quintal sold below MSP is undermine farmers’ faith in the Centre’s system. The time for action is now”, stated S. Khudian.

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NATIONAL AYURVEDA DAY: DR BALBIR SINGH LAUNCHES SLEW OF INITIATIVES TO STRENGTHEN AYURVEDIC SYSTEM IN STATE

— IRA CHAMBER OF AYURVEDA, E-YOG APP & OFFICIAL WEBSITE LAUNCHED TO PROPAGATE ANCIENT SCIENCE

— DIGITAL INNOVATIONS AIMED AT INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY AND STRENGTHENING AYURVEDA THROUGH TECHNOLOGY: DR. BALBIR SINGH

— STATE DHANWANTRI AWARDS & LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTED TO EMINENT PERSONALITIES

CHANDIGARH, September 24:With a firm resolve to strengthen the Ayurvedic system of medicine in Punjab, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh launched a slew of initiatives, including an E-Yog App, an official website, and the IRA (Industry, Research and Academia) Chamber of Ayurveda, to mark the celebration of the 10th National Ayurveda Day at Punjab Kala Bhawan Chandigarh here.

The Health Minister, while inaugurating the event, said that these initiatives have been launched to increase accessibility and strengthen Ayurveda through technology for the benefit of the people. He emphasised the programme's strong focus on adopting Ayurveda as a holistic science in daily life by implementing its timeless principles for prevention, health promotion, cure, and rehabilitation.

“By investing in these modern digital platforms, the Punjab Government aims to enhance public access to Ayurvedic knowledge and services, ensuring a healthier environment for all,” said Dr Balbir Singh, propagating this year’s theme, “Ayurveda for People & Planet,” which underscores the importance of balancing body, mind, spirit, and environment.

As a mark of recognition, the Health Minister also conferred the prestigious State Dhanwantri Awards upon five eminent personalities, including District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer Sangrur Dr Malkiat Singh, Ayurvedic Medical Officers Dr Chetan Mehta (GAD Nijjran) and Dr Lalit Kansal (Swasth Kendra Kanhgarh, District Sangrur), and Upvaid Mr Harkiran Singh (District Ludhiana) for their outstanding contributions to the field.

A special moment of the event was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr Sanjeev Goyal, Registrar, Board of Ayurvedic System of Medicine, Punjab, for his exceptional service and dedication to Ayurveda.

Earlier, Director Ayurveda Punjab Dr Ravi Doomra, showcased a detailed PowerPoint presentation “Ayurveda at a Glance”, highlighting the achievements and milestones of the Department.

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VERKA LAUNCHES PREMIUM HIGH PROTEIN PROBIOTIC CURD

PRODUCT IS A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF HIGH PROTEIN AND PROBIOTIC GOODNESS AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE: SAYS SHERGILL

Chandigarh, September 24-Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Verka, the flagship brand of Punjab’s Milkfed cooperative, on Wednesday announced the launch of its latest innovation Verka High Protein Probiotic Curd.

Unveiling the product, Chairman of Punjab Milkfed Mr. Narinder Singh Shergill said that the product is a unique combination of high protein and probiotic goodness at an affordable price. He said that under the able guidance of the Chief Minister, Punjab’s cooperative sector is taking significant strides in innovation and consumer welfare. Mr. Shergill further said that priced at just Rs. 55 for a 350g cup, Verka’s High Protein Probiotic Curd delivers 22 grams of protein per pack along with a scientifically formulated probiotic blend.

The Chairman said that this product supports muscle growth, digestion, and immunity adding that with superior protein bioavailability and enhanced gut health benefits compared to plant-based alternatives, the product is aimed at health-conscious consumers, youth, and athletes. He further underscored the commitment of the Chief Minister to make quality nutrition accessible and affordable for all sections of society. Mr. Shergill said that Verka continues to empower more than 3 lakh dairy farmers across Punjab while offering consumers pure, trusted, and innovative dairy products through its robust distribution network.

With this launch, the Chairman said that Verka further strengthens its position as a farmer-focused and consumer-trusted brand, setting new benchmarks for functional and health-driven dairy products in India. Looking ahead, Mr. Shergill said that Verka is preparing to expand its health-oriented portfolio with upcoming launches such as High-Protein Milk, High Protein–Low Calorie Flavoured Milk, High Protein Yogurts, High Protein Probiotic Lassi. Likewise, he said that a low-sugar range of ice creams, sweets, other functional dairy products and others will also be launched for the people.

The Chairman noted that curd is naturally rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, and that Verka’s new formulation helps maintain a healthy balance of digestive bacteria, thereby enhancing gut health. He reaffirmed Milkfed’s mission of delivering safe, nutritious, and quality products at the most affordable prices in the industry. Mr. Shegill said that the High Protein Probiotic Curd will initially be available through select outlets and quick commerce platforms, followed by a phased rollout across the open market.

The Chairman said that the state is making steady progress toward a healthier and more prosperous future under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision, introducing probiotic dairy products and increasing annual milk procurement from 18 to 19 lakh liters, benefiting nearly three lakh farmers through cooperative societies. Major investments totaling over ₹700 crore are strengthening dairy infrastructure across the state, while back-to-back ₹100 crore allocations have boosted farmer and sector support. Despite recent floods, uninterrupted milk collection and swift relief—over 10,000 kits and planned subsidized feed for animals—demonstrate government resolve, unity and commitment, guided by AAP’s National Supremo Mr. Arvind Kejriwal to serving Punjab’s well-being and growth in every circumstance.

On the occasion Managing Director, Milkfed Mr. Rahul Gupta and Additional RCS Senu Duggal were also present.