Significant Decision under Ashirwad Scheme: Application Deadline Extended from 30 to 60 Days: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Major relief for eligible families — scheme benefits now easier to access

Punjab Government remains committed to the safety and empowerment of daughters and women: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, November 15, 2025:The Punjab Government has extended the application deadline under the Ashirwad Scheme from 30 days to 60 days, keeping in view the convenience of the beneficiaries. With this important decision, eligible families will now have sufficient time to complete the required documentation and avail the benefits of the scheme, ensuring that no deserving family is left out.

Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that this decision reflects the government’s people-centric and service-oriented approach. She added that the Punjab Government is continuously working to strengthen social security schemes through modern technology and a more transparent system.

She pointed out that during wedding preparations and ceremonies, families often face time constraints, due to which many applicants were unable to apply within the previous 30-day limit. With the extended 60-day period, this difficulty will now be fully resolved, enabling more eligible families to benefit from the scheme.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, she said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking continuous steps to enhance citizen convenience and strengthen social security. Extending the deadline under the Ashirwad Scheme is part of this people-first effort.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further stated that the primary objective of the Ashirwad Scheme is to provide financial assistance for the marriage of daughters belonging to eligible families, thereby supporting their secure future. The extended timeline will provide major relief to families who otherwise struggled due to documentation requirements or wedding ceremonies. This decision reflects the Punjab Government’s unwavering dedication to the dignity, safety, and empowerment of daughters and women.

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350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji:

Punjab Government releases detailed programme of events to be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib from 23 to 25 November: Tarunpreet Singh Sond

Chandigarh, 15 November:Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond today announced that the Punjab Government has released the detailed schedule of special events to be held at the sacred land of the Khalsa, Sri Anandpur Sahib, from 23 to 25 November in commemoration of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The State Government has designated the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs as the nodal department for the successful planning and execution of these events.

The Minister informed that the programme will commence on 23 November at 10 AM with the beginning of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, where Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann would also be present. At 12 noon, a Sarv Dharam Sammelan will be held at the main pandal of Baba Budha Dal Chhauni. A Drone Show will be organised at 5 PM at Virasat-e-Khalsa, followed by Katha and Kirtan Darbar at 6 PM in the main pandal.

Sharing details about 24 November, the Minister said that the Sees Bhet Nagar Kirtan will commence from Kiratpur Sahib at 8 AM, concluding at the Bhai Jaitha Ji Memorial. At 1 PM, a Special Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha dedicated to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will be held at the Bhai Jaitha Ji Memorial. Throughout the day, various religious activities will take place, and a Drone Show would be started at 5 PM and Katha and Kirtan Darbar at 6 PM.

He further informed that on 25 November at 10 AM, the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib will be performed at the main pandal of Baba Budha Dal Chhauni. At 12 noon, Sarbat Da Bhala Ikkatartaa will be held, with participation from eminent religious, social and political dignitaries. The three-day grand commemorative events will conclude with a spectacular Drone Show at 5 PM.

The Punjab Government invites the Sangat from across the globe to participate in these solemn and historic events.

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HARJOT BAINS FLAGS OFF 3RD BATCH OF 72 TEACHERS TO FINLAND FOR WORLD-CLASS PEDAGOGY

*•144 primary teacher already imbibed Finland’s teaching excellence, creating ripple effect, says Education Minister*

*•5th batch of 50 Headmasters to be sent to IIM-Ahmedabad in December: Bains*

Chandigarh, November 15:–In a major push to transform classroom learning and to integrate global best practices into education system, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains flagged off 3rd batch of 72 primary cadre teachers for 15-day training at University of Turku, Finland. The cohort includes Block Primary Education Officers (BPEOs), Centre Head Teachers (CHTs), Head Teachers (HTs) and ETT teachers, who will immerse themselves in Finland's world-renowned pedagogical approaches.

While addressing the media here at MGSIPA after flagging off the teachers’ batch, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that this batch will take the total to 216 teachers who have imbibed Finland’s pedagogy excellence, showcasing Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to education transformation. He also announced the forthcoming fifth batch of 50 Headmasters who will undergo an intensive leadership training program at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, from December 15th to 19th, 2025.

Elaborating about the one of the most extensive educator capacity-building initiatives in the country, the Education Minister informed that 234 Principals and Educational Administrators have been trained in advanced administrative and academic leadership in Singapore. 199 Head Masters have honed their strategic and managerial skills at IIM Ahmedabad. 144 Primary Teachers have completed an immersive training in Finland so far.

He said these teachers selected on merit are expected to act as "Master Trainers," cascading their acquired knowledge and skills to their peers upon their return, thereby creating a multiplier effect throughout the state's educational system.

S. Harjot Singh Bains stated, "This is not just a training program. It’s a mission to transform Punjab's future. By exposing our teachers to the finest educational ecosystems in the world, from Finland's collaborative learning models to IIM Ahmedabad's strategic leadership frameworks, we are ensuring that our students receive an education that is future-ready, holistic and at par with global standards. The ripple effect of these trained educators will be felt in every classroom across the state."

Administrative Secretary School Education Ms. Anindita Mitra, Director SCERT Ms. Kiran Sharma and other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.

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317 kilometres of roads connecting Sri Anandpur Sahib being upgraded at a cost of ₹100 crore: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Extensive Road Upgradation Ahead of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

PWD Minister reviews Preparedness of Tent city and Vidhan sabha

Sri Anandpur Sahib/Chandigarh, 15 November: Punjab Government is undertaking extensively infrastructure development in Sri Anandpur Sahib as part of preparations for the historic 350th Martyrdom Centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O reported that 317 kilometres of roads connecting Sri Anandpur Sahib are being upgraded at a cost of ₹100 crore, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted movement for the large number of devotees expected to arrive.

Along with this, the city’s internal network of 127 kilometres of roads is also being constructed and repaired with an outlay of ₹49.32 crore.

Minister further informed that work on the crucial Sri Anandpur Sahib–Garhshankar road, worth ₹13 crore, is progressing swiftly as part of the ongoing infrastructure enhancement.

He said that Sri Anandpur Sahib is witnessing significant technological enhancements aimed at improving public convenience and city aesthetics. A total of 750 new energy-efficient lighting poles have been installed across the city, ensuring brighter illumination with reduced electricity consumption. These developments are paving the way to give Sri Anandpur Sahib a distinguished identity as a “White City.”

In addition, warning traffic signals and road-safety systems have been put in place to ensure smooth traffic management during the peak days of the celebrations.

To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims expected during the Shaheedi events, Punjab Government has established a fully equipped Tent City, now ready with all essential facilities.

Minister announced that online booking for the Tent City will be completely free, enabling devotees to plan their pilgrimage without any financial burden. To honour this sacred occasion, four grand Nagar Kirtans will be organised, led by esteemed saints and spiritual leaders. The state government and district administration are jointly working to provide every possible facility to the visiting sangat.

He said that special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha scheduled for 24 November will be dedicated to the revered Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Reviewing the ongoing arrangements, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O confirmed that all works are progressing on time and will be completed well before the event. Punjab Government aims to ensure that every devotee visiting Guru Nagri during these historic celebrations experiences seamless services, complete security, and a profound spiritual atmosphere