YEAR ENDER – FOOD, CIVIL SUPPLIES & CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
STUPENDOUS SUCCESS OF ‘BRING DRY PADDY IN MANDIS’ CAMPAIGN PROPELLED SUCCESS OF PADDY PROCUREMENT SEASON
Chandigarh, December 19:In a testimony to the pro-farmer approach of the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department under the guidance of Lal Chand Kataruchak ensured the successful Wheat and Paddy procurement seasons during the year 2025-26. Both the seasons saw foolproof arrangements in the mandis with regard to the proper sanitation, water and the bardana for the benefit of all the stakeholders i.e. Farmers, Arhtiyas, Labourers which contributed hugely to ensuring seamless and hassle free procurement seasons.
The Wheat procurement season spread over April-May saw over 130 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) of the farmers’ produce being procured and lifted within the time span of 72 hours. Over Rs. 27000 Crore were credited into the accounts of the farmers.
Likewise, the Paddy procurement season (October-November) was also proven to be a resounding success despite the State being ravaged by floods. The department machinery rose up to the challenge posed by the floods and ensured a successful season with more than 156 LMT of the paddy being procured and payments in excess of Rs. 37000 Crore being credited into the farmers accounts.
The highlight of the season was the stupendous success of the campaign launched by the State Government exhorting the farmers to bring dry crop into the mandis so as to get the adequate price for their crops produced with the great effort.
To ensure smooth distribution of wheat under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and to bring transparency and efficiency in operational in Public Distribution System, a dedicated ePoS device and Electronic Weighing Scale (EWS) has been deployed at each Fair Price shop and each Electronic weighing machine has been integrated with the ePoS device.
Further, till date, approximately 1.31 Crore beneficiaries (86.46%) have performed their eKYC.
The main mandate of the Legal Metrology Wing is to safeguard the rights of consumers in respect of correct weight & measurement and take appropriate legal action against the violation of the rules made under the Legal Metrology Act 2009. During the financial year 2025–26, revenue of ₹16.41 crore has been generated up to October 31st, 2025.
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Punjab Sets New Benchmarks in Social Security and Inclusive Governance
Special Focus on Senior Citizens, Women and Children during 2025 (FY 2025–26): Dr. Baljit Kaur
*₹4,683.94 Crore Released Under Social Security Schemes*
*35.29 Lakh Beneficiaries Receive Continuous Financial Support*
*766 Children Rescued Under Project JIWANJYOT in Drive Towards a Beggar-Free Punjab*
*64 Child Marriages Prevented Through Timely Government Intervention*
*Strict Enforcement of Safe School Vehicle Policy to Protect Students*
*Punjab Becomes India’s First State to Introduce Sign Language in Assembly Proceedings*
*Inclusive Travel Facilities Extended to Persons with Disabilities and Visually Impaired*
*One Stop Centres Provide Safety, Support and Dignity to Violence-Affected Women*
*Free Bus Travel Strengthens Women’s Mobility and Empowerment*
*3.68 Crore Sanitary Pads Distributed Free to 13.65 Lakh Women*
*5 Working Women Hostels Planned in Mohali, Jalandhar and Amritsar*
Chandigarh, December 19:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues to implement people-centric policies aimed at ensuring the welfare of every section of society. During the year 2025 (Financial Year 2025–26), several landmark initiatives have been undertaken to strengthen the social and economic security of senior citizens, women, children and Persons with Disabilities. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that a budget provision of ₹6,175 crore was made under Social Security Schemes during 2025, out of which ₹4,683.94 crore has already been released up to November 2025 towards old age pension and other financial assistance schemes.
She informed that 35,29,216 beneficiaries are presently receiving continuous financial assistance, reflecting the Punjab Government’s commitment to building a strong and reliable social security framework.
Highlighting the government’s resolve to eradicate child begging, the Minister said that Project JIWANJYOT has been launched, under which special enforcement drives are conducted across all districts during the second week of every month. Further strengthening the campaign, Project JIWANJYOT 2.0 has been implemented to curb child trafficking and identify those forcing children into begging. So far, 766 children have been rescued and steps taken for their education and rehabilitation.
Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the government is working with full seriousness to eliminate the social evil of child marriage. During 2025, 64 child marriages were prevented in a timely manner, with the support of 2,076 notified Child Marriage Prohibition Officers across the state.
She said that ensuring the safety of school-going children remains a top priority. Under the Safe School Vehicle Policy, 2,385 school buses were inspected during the last four months, resulting in 404 challans and the impounding of two buses for safety violations.
The Minister informed that Punjab has become the first state in the country to introduce sign language in Vidhan Sabha proceedings, enabling persons with hearing and speech impairments to connect with the democratic process. For this initiative, one sign language interpreter, 42 special educators and 48 translators have been empanelled.
She further stated that free travel facilities are being provided to visually impaired persons, while Persons with Disabilities are entitled to travel at half fare. For FY 2025–26, ₹350 lakh has been allocated for this scheme, out of which ₹3.45 crore has already been spent.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that One Stop Centres are operational in all districts, providing free medical, legal, police assistance, counselling and temporary shelter to violence-affected women. Up to November 2025, 5,121 women have benefited from these services.
She added that free bus travel is being provided to all women in Punjab, benefiting around 1.20 crore women every month. Expenditure of ₹450 crore has been incurred under this scheme up to November 2025.
Through more than 27,000 Anganwadi Centres, 3,68,72,550 sanitary pads have been distributed free of cost to 13,65,000 needy women. During the current financial year, ₹26.06 crore has been transferred via DBT to 69,110 Pregnant women beneficiaries, with a target to cover 1.14 lakh women beneficiaries.
The Minister also informed that five Working Women Hostels will be constructed in Mohali, Jalandhar and Amritsar at an estimated cost of ₹150 crore, with completion targeted by 2026.
In conclusion, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains fully committed to strengthening social security, empowering women and ensuring inclusive development for a prosperous and secure Punjab.
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Punjab Government committed to upliftment of backward classes, minorities, and economically weaker sections: Sandeep Saini
Chandigarh, December 19:Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (BACKFINCO) provides low-interest loans to individuals belonging to backward classes, economically weaker sections, and minority communities in the state. These loans are meant to help them establish self-employment ventures and to assist students in pursuing higher education in India and abroad.
Disclosing this here today Shri Sandeep Saini, Chairman of BACKFINCO, stated that the Punjab Government is making constant efforts for the upliftment of backward classes, minority communities, and economically weaker sections.
Mr. Saini further informed that under the National Minorities Development (NMD) Scheme, during the financial year 2025–26, BACKFINCO has set a target of providing loans worth ₹26.12 crore to 1,047 beneficiaries from minority communities in Punjab (Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist, and Jain).During the period from April 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025, loans totaling ₹7.22 crore have been distributed to 219 beneficiaries under this scheme.
In addition, under the Direct Loan Scheme, loans worth ₹35.80 lakh have been provided to 18 beneficiaries belonging to economically weaker sections.Thus, during the current financial year, a total of ₹7.58 crore in loans have been disbursed to 237 beneficiaries under both loan schemes for setting up self-employment ventures. As of December 19, 2025, loans worth ₹4.51 crore have been approved for 129 beneficiaries under the NMD Scheme.
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PUNJAB HARNESSES SUN & AGRI-WASTE FOR GREENER TOMORROW
• Aman Arora reflects on transformational progress in Punjab’s renewal energy sector during 2025
•PEDA's efforts in energy efficiency & green energy earned National recognition, says Arora
Chandigarh, December 19:Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) is steering Punjab towards clean energy leadership by harnessing agri-waste & solar power. Now, the sun powers homes & farms; agri-waste fuels clean energy. In 2025, PEDA turned policy into power, engineering a quantum leap in Punjab's sustainable future, said Mr. Aman Arora, Minister for New and Renewable Energy Sources, Punjab, while reflecting on the transformational progress in renewable sector during 2025.
Mr. Aman Arora informed that Punjab’s relationship with the sun deepened this year as a Ground-Mounted Solar Power Project of 4 MW capacity has been commissioned in July 2025 at village Bhagi Bandar in Bathinda and two Solar Power Projects, each of 4 MW capacity, are under implementation at Kothe Malluana and Shergarh in Bathinda. PEDA has also installed 16 grid-connected agricultural pumps on the Peerkot feeder in Bathinda district to make the agriculture sector free from carbon footprints and 4 additional pumps are under installation.
PEDA has also installed 4,850 off-grid standalone solar water pumps at various locations across the State. As many as 277 villages have been identified to transform them into self-reliant energy hubs under Model Solar Village Scheme. 2.6 MW of Rooftop Solar Power Plants have also been installed on 148 Government Buildings this year and over 4,169 solar street lights are illuminating 299 villages, fostering safety and community life after dusk. Additionally, 1,221 solar street lights are under installation in 65 villages, he added.
Sharing impactful story being written in the fields, the Cabinet Minister said that 57 Compressed Biogas (CBG) Projects having total capacity 822 Ton CBG Per Day have been allocated. These projects once commissioned shall consume over 27 lacs ton paddy straw annually. Six CBG projects of total capacity 107.48 TPD CBG are operational. Five upcoming Compressed Bio-Gas plants and a major bio-ethanol facility in Bathinda are poised to consume over 3.3 lakh tonnes of paddy straw annually. This isn’t just waste management; it’s the creation of a circular economy where agricultural residue powers progress and clears the environment. Punjab is building a diverse and resilient energy infrastructure. The pioneering 40 MW Canal-Top Solar project will conserve land and water while generating power. A 14 MW Co-generation plant at Batala Sugar Mills and a 2 MW Mini Hydel project in Dhariwal showcase a commitment to leveraging every renewable resource, he added.
PEDA's efforts in energy efficiency & green energy have earned national recognition. PEDA was conferred with the 2nd Prize in the State Performance Award (Group-3) under NECA 2025, presented by Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, said Mr. Aman Arora.
Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s relentless focus has forged a new path, where energy conservation, farmer prosperity and environmental stewardship converge, Mr. Aman Arora added while stating, “True progress is felt. It’s in the farmers whose irrigation costs have plummeted, in the village square lit by the solar lights and in the air we breathe, growing cleaner. We are powering a brighter, greener and more prosperous Punjab for generations to come. This is our promise.”
Administrative Secretary New & Renewable Energy Sources Dr. Basant Garg said that Punjab is no longer just adopting renewable energy. it is integrating it into the very fabric of its development. Each project is a calculated step toward energy self-reliance, economic resilience and a cleaner environment.
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"HUNAR SIKHYA SCHOOL" PROGRAM ROLLED OUT IN 40 SCHOOLS TO MAKE STUDENTS JOB READY: BAINS
•*Harjot Bains & Manish Sisodia launch ‘Hunar Sikhya School’ handbook and felicitate educators & technical partners*
*• Punjab’s flagship initiative to bridge skill gap by equipping students for future, says Manish Sisodia*
CHANDIGARH, December 19:Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, along with AAP Punjab Incharge Sh. Manish Sisodia, today launched the 'Hunar Sikhya School' handbook and felicitated the educators, subjects experts and elite technical partners who collaboratively designed this industry-centric curriculum of ambitious vocational education program “Hunar Sikhya School”, which was rolled out in 40 Schools for 2025-26 academic year to empower Grade XI and XII students with cutting-edge skills for high-growth and new-age careers.
During the event organised here at MC Bhawan today, S. Harjot Singh Bains highlighted, “Our education system has long operated in silos, disconnected from industry demands. Our survey of 2.8 lakh students and national data reveal a stark reality that over 45% of students leave school unprepared for jobs, driven by poor skill education and tough socio-economic backgrounds. Punjab’s initiative aims to bridge India's skills gap and equip students for the future.”
Meanwhile, S. Bains and Sh. Sisodia interacted with teachers, subject experts and other stakeholders to take a feedback on the pioneering “Hunar Sikhya School” program.
The Education Minister further informed that the ‘Hunar Sikhya School’ initiative revolutionises vocational training with-three-subject trade model in senior secondary curriculum. It moves beyond traditional vocational training by embedding an in-depth. Students can specialise in one of four high-demand sectors with curricula crafted and validated by global and industry leaders; Healthcare Sciences & Services – developed by Max Healthcare Institute, Digital Design & Development – created by IIT Delhi, Beauty & Wellness – designed by Orane International and Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) – structured by LabourNet Services India Ltd.
This effort is further strengthened by foundational support from the Education Alliance and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation as technical partner, he said, while adding that the program ensures holistic development by mandating professional skill subjects. Cambridge University Press & Assessment has developed a bespoke ‘Functional English and Communication’ curriculum to build essential workplace fluency. Additionally, courses in career foundation and digital literacy will equip students with financial, legal, and technological savvy.
S. Bains said that Punjab, ranked number one in school education, is revolutionising its education model by integrating industry exposure into classrooms. 'Hunar Sikhya School' program will equip students with skills in AI, digital design and future-focused domains, making them job-ready professionals from day one. The Punjab Government is providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, vocational labs and internship pathways to ensure hands-on experience.
While addressing the gathering, Sh. Manish Sisodia emphasised the need to shift focus from rote learning to practical skills, stating that practical knowledge and skill development should be the priority. Students should be able to explore opportunities in IT and other fields after Class X. CM Mann led Govt is creating an environment that fosters skilling at the school level, making 'Hunar Sikhya School' a key driver of employment.
Administrative Secretary School Education Ms. Anindita Mitra, Mission Director PSDM Ms Amrit Singh, Member Punjab Development Commission Mr. Anurag Kundu, Additional Secretary School Education Ms. Kalpana K, Director Secondary Education Mr. Gurinder Singh Sodhi and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
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Huge boost to cooperative sector by Punjab Government
Registration fee slashed for new Agriculture, Dairy & Fisheries Cooperative Societies
Novel initiative set to expand farmers income & reinforce Cooperative network of MILKFED
Chandigarh, December 19 -In a landmark step towards strengthening the cooperative sector, the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has announced a major reduction in the registration fee for new Agriculture, Dairy & Fisheries Cooperative Societies.
The registration fee, earlier fixed at Rs. 10,000/-, has now been reduced to only Rs. 1,000/- for Agriculture, Dairy & Fisheries Cooperative Societies, revealed an official spokesperson adding that the initiative would go a long way in making it significantly easier for producers across the state to form cooperative societies.
This pro-farmer decision is expected to encourage greater participation from small and marginal farmers, enabling them to come together and to organize themselves into cooperative societies without facing the burden of high upfront costs.
By expanding the cooperative base, the novel move will help enhance farmers' incomes and reinforce the cooperative network of Milkfed Punjab across the state.
The State Government guided by the vision of the Chief Minister, has consistently emphasized the importance of inclusive growth and farmer empowerment. This decision reaffirms the government's commitment to promoting cooperative institutions as pillars of rural economic development and supporting rural livelihoods by reducing barriers for farmers to access organized marketing platforms.
Besides, this path breaking measure will also strengthen Punjab's dairy sector by ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for every Milk Producer, as the Government (Deptt. of Rural Development) is giving loans to women self-help groups (SHGs) for purchase of Cattle upto 50% of the cattle cost (max Rs. 60,000).
With this progressive reform, the Punjab Government has once again demonstrated its vision of making the cooperative movement a cornerstone of prosperity and self-reliance in the state.