*I will appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib as humble Sikh: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Sri Akal Takht Sahib is, was and will forever be supreme for me & my family: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, January 5-Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that he will appear before the Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a humble and devout Sikh instead of being a Chief Minister.

In a post on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is sacred for every Sikh and is considered as the highest temporal seat of the community. “Any command or order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is acceptable with full reverence and will be obeyed. I will walk barefoot before Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a humble Sikh and not as a Chief Minister,” he said.

However, the Chief Minister said that though the President of the country will be visiting Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, to participate in a conference, he will surely appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He unequivocally said that for him, Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji, is above everything and order received from it will be obeyed in true letter and spirit. “The command received from that sacred Takht is, was, and will always be supreme to him and his family,” he affirmed.

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*PUNJAB GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO RESOLVING LEGITIMATE EMPLOYEE DEMANDS: FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA*

*HOLD MEETINGS WITH EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATIONS*

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 5-Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to addressing the concerns of its workforce, stating that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, a significant number of employee issues, including those of contractual staff, have already been resolved. The Finance Minister emphasised that the resolution of remaining legitimate demands is currently in the pipeline and receiving active consideration.

Presiding over a high-level meeting at his office in the Punjab Secretariat, the Finance Minister held detailed discussions regarding the Department of Education and the Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The meeting was attended by key officials including Secretary Expenditure Dr. V.N. Zade, Secretary Education Anindita Mitra, Special Secretary Personnel Upkar Singh, Special Secretary Finance Ajay Arora, and the Vice Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Dr. Jatinder Paul Singh Gill.

During the session, the Finance Minister Cheema also engaged with representatives from the Ex-Employees Wing of the Aam Aadmi Party, Punjab, and the ETT TET Pass Teachers Association (Jai Singh Wala). While interacting with the representative from the Teachers Association, the Finance Minister provided an assurance that their valid concerns are being processed. However, he advised that for future high-level deliberations involving senior officers, the association should ensure a broader representation of four to five leaders rather than a single representative. This approach, he noted, would facilitate a more comprehensive discussion and help reach a consensus more effectively.

Furthermore, in his dialogue with the leaders of the Ex-Employees Wing, the Finance Minister directed the Finance Department and other relevant departments to take requisite action regarding the legitimate demands raised during the meeting. He reiterated that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government remains a pro-employee administration focused on creating a stable and supportive environment for all public servants.

During the meetings, representatives from the Ex-Employees Wing of the Aam Aadmi Party, including President Gurmail Singh Sidhu, District Secretary Khushwinder Kapila, Advisor Darshan Singh, Makhan Singh, Gurdev Singh Patiala, and Kamal Thakur, President of the ETT TET Pass Teachers Association (Jai Singh Wala), raised their respective issues and concerns.

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*MRSAFPI ENTRANCE EXAM: OVER 3K ASPIRANTS VIE FOR 48 SEATS*

*• Entrance exam held at Mohali, Jalandhar & Bathinda*

*• 84 cadets commissioned as officers in Defence Forces since CM Mann Govt came to power in Punjab*

Chandigarh, January 5:A total of 3,256 Punjab-domicile boys appeared for the entrance exam for the 16th Course of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar (Mohali). Finally, only 48 candidates will be selected for a two-year training program at the Institute to prepare them to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other armed forces academies, paving their way to become commissioned officers in Defence Services.

Notably, the prestigious institute, run under the aegis of Punjab’s Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training department headed by Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora, has remarkable track record as 100 cadets have joined NDA/equivalent Academies and 84 cadets have been commissioned as officers in the Defence Forces of India since Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government came to power in the state.

Major General Ajay H Chauhan, VSM, Director MRSAFPI, said that the entrance exam held at four centres: School of Eminence (Phase-11 & Phase-3B1, Mohali), Police DAV Public School, Jalandhar and Lord Rama Public School, Bathinda. The test, was conducted by C-DAC, is for selecting candidates for two year’s rigorous training in the institute to prepare them for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other defence academies.

Major General Ajay H Chauhan further informed that the top 150 candidates will be called for interviews and medical tests post- class 10th board exams. Finally, 48 candidates will be selected for a two-year training program at MRSAFPI. He said that the selected candidates will undergo rigorous training under experienced faculty, covering academics, physical fitness, and leadership skills. This is a great opportunity for Punjab's youth to serve the nation.

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Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond Appears Before Sri Akal Takht Sahib

Chandigarh/Amritsar, January 5:Punjab’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, on Monday appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib to submit a clarification on behalf of his department, in compliance with the directions issued by the Jathedar Sahib of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. As a mark of humility and reverence, the minister walked barefoot to Sri Darbar Sahib, offered deg, and thereafter paid obeisance at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Sond submitted his clarification before the Singh Sahiban at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Speaking to the media after the proceedings, he stated that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the supreme institution of the Sikhs, and every direction issued by the Singh Sahiban is akin to a divine command and is binding on all.

He explained that on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Punjab Government had constructed the Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib. An objection had been raised by the Jathedar Sahib regarding a picture displayed at the memorial, following which he was summoned. Sond clarified that the concerned picture was corrected on the same day in accordance with the objection raised. However, as the head of the department, he personally appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib to submit a formal clarification.

The minister informed that after hearing his explanation, the Singh Sahiban directed that strict adherence to Sikh religious code of conduct (Maryada) must be ensured in all works undertaken by the department, and that the dignity and respect of the Gurus and martyrs should never be compromised. The Singh Sahiban also advised that a scholar well-versed in Gurmat ideology should be appointed in the department.

Sond said that the matter would be brought to the notice of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, and it would be ensured that no such lapse occurs in future, whether knowingly or unknowingly. He added that strict instructions have already been issued to the department that for any programme or work related to religion, proper guidance must be obtained in advance from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib, so that Sikh traditions and sentiments are fully respected.

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*SEC announces schedule for conduct of elections to vacant posts of Sarpanches and Panches of district Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur*

Chandigarh, 5 January 2026:The Commission has issued Notification dated 05.01.2026 regarding conduct of elections to the vacant posts of Sarpanches and Panches of following Gram Panchayats of District Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran :-

1. District Gurdaspur:-

i) Kalanaour Mojowal

ii) Kalanaour Purani

iii)Kalanaour P.A.P

iv) Kalanaour Chakri

v)Kalanaour Dhaki and

vi) Kalanaour Zaildara

2. District Tarn Taran:-

i)Kazi Kot(70)(Nalagarh-69)

ii)Kakka Kandiala(63)

iii)Pandori Gola (79)

iv) Mari Kamboke (68)

As per programme notified, the final date for filing nomination is 08.01.2026 (Thursday). The poll will be held on 18.01.2026 (Sunday) and the Counting of votes will take place at the polling stations same day immediately after the close of poll itself.

Model Code of Conduct has been imposed with the immediate effect, within the revenue jurisdiction of the Gram Panchayats concerned, till the completion of election process i.e. till 19.01.2026.

The Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran, have been directed to make all requisite arrangements regarding conduct of these elections in a free, fair and transparent manner.

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*AMAN ARORA VOWS TO UPROOT GANGSTERISM; CONDEMNS COWARDLY MURDER OF SARPANCH IN TARN TARAN*

*• Arora meets grieving family and assures Punjab Govt firmly stand with them*

*•Police on manhunt; no one will be spared involved in Sarpanch's murder, says Aman Arora*

Chandigarh/ Tarn Taran, January 5:Strongly condemning the killing of Jarmal Singh, the Sarpanch of Valtoha Sandhuan village (Tarn Taran), Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) State President Mr. Aman Arora today warned, "Those who have committed this heinous crime, and whoever stands behind them—whether the goons who pulled the triggers or their masters—will not be spared."

Mr. Aman Arora visited the grieving family of Sarpanch Jarmal Singh, who was shot dead at Amritsar on Sunday. While expressing his heartfelt condolences, the cabinet minister assured the family that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.

“Not a single one involved in this heinous crime will be spared”, he vowed, while describing the deceased as a selfless, noble-hearted man who never turned away anyone in need, whether from his village or the entire area.

“The perpetrators have snatched the gem of person from us in the most tragic and unfortunate manner. Such individuals are rare; you don't become a Sarpanch three times unless you are a person of impeccable character and public trust. This is a profound loss," he stated.

Turning his ire towards the perpetrators, Mr. Aman Arora declared that clear and strict instructions have already been issued to the Punjab Police from the highest levels of the state government. "Anyone who tries to play with law and order, anyone involved in this crime, will find no forgiveness. The police are actively and effectively on the job and they will face the strict action very soon."

Holding past regimes accountable for the gangsterism in the state, Mr. Aman Arora traced the roots of the current crisis to the misrule and patronage of previous governments over the last 10-15 years. "This pestilence was nurtured and allowed to spread over the last decades. The political patronage of that era is directly responsible for this metastasis growing to such proportions," he alleged.

Mr. Aman Arora stated, "No one in our government or party provides patronage to gangsters, drug peddlers, or criminals”, while emphasising that the system of political protection for such elements is "dead and buried". Punjab Government is committed to a crime-free state, he added.

Mr. Arora acknowledged that uprooting this deeply entrenched network taking time and sustained effort, while stating, "We are committed to eradicating this disease of gangsterism and hooliganism completely. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is fully engaged in this mission. We are taking the strongest action within the state, a significant challenge remains with perpetrators sitting in other states or even foreign countries, directing crimes here."

He called for enhanced cooperation from the Central Government, especially in extraditing and deporting such fugitives operating from abroad. He said, "When a gangster like Bishnoi sits in a Gujarat jail, or when criminals operate from foreign soil, the role of the Central Government becomes paramount. We need their full and unreserved cooperation to break these international links."

He said that it is not just an attack on a Sarpanch. It is attack on the peace. The State Government will not rest until every individual involved in this crime and in this wider network of violence, is brought to justice.

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Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh reviews implementation of Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna; private Medical colleges & Doctors pledge full support

— Punjab Govt’s objective is to ensure that every resident of Punjab receives quality healthcare without financial burden: Dr Balbir Singh

— Ethical practices & transparency are non-negotiable for successful implementation of MMSY: Dr Balbir Singh

— Private medical colleges commend new reimbursement rates & higher package selection under HBP 2.2

CHANDIGARH, January 5:In a significant step towards ensuring the seamless rollout of Punjab’s ₹10 lakh cashless health insurance initiative, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh chaired a high-level review meeting on Sunday to assess the on-ground implementation of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY). The meeting was held at the State Health Agency Punjab and brought together key stakeholders from across the public and private healthcare ecosystem.

The key stakeholders included the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Punjab, Punjab Hospital and Nursing Home Association (PHANA), Punjab Civil Medical Doctors (PCMS) doctors, and representatives from leading Private Medical Colleges. Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) SHA Sanyam Aggarwal also attended the meeting.

Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to a collaborative and citizen-focused implementation of the scheme, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh underlined that adherence to guidelines, ethical medical practices and complete transparency were essential for the success of MMSY. “The Punjab government’s objective is to ensure that every resident of Punjab receives quality healthcare without financial burden, and this could only be achieved through sincere cooperation between the government, doctors and healthcare institutions,” he added.

Minister Dr Balbir Singh emphasised that there would be zero tolerance for deviations from prescribed norms, adding that ethical conduct and transparency were non-negotiable to ensure optimal service delivery under the scheme. “The Punjab government views healthcare providers as partners in this transformative initiative and expects the highest professional standards in return,” he asserted.

Representatives of IMA Punjab and PHANA expressed strong support for the scheme and assured full cooperation in accelerating beneficiary enrolment. They stressed that expanding the network of empanelled hospitals would be crucial to ensure timely and quality treatment for patients across the state. Welcoming the adoption of the revised Package Master HBP 2.2, the medical bodies said the updated reimbursement structure would significantly improve the operational viability of hospitals and contribute to smoother implementation of the scheme.

The meeting witnessed active participation from major private medical institutions, including Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Adesh Medical College, Bathinda, and Gian Sagar Medical College, Patiala. Representatives of these institutions praised the Punjab Government for the intent behind MMSY and welcomed the enhanced reimbursement rates, describing them as a positive step towards sustained private sector participation.

All participating private medical colleges conveyed their keen interest in the scheme and assured that their empanelment processes would be completed within the next few days to enable immediate service delivery to beneficiaries.

PCMS doctors also extended full cooperation to the initiative, noting that MMSY would not only ensure free and cashless treatment for the public but would also play a vital role in strengthening the infrastructure and service capacity of public hospitals across Punjab. During the interaction, suggestions were also put forward regarding incentivisation of doctors and healthcare staff involved in the execution of the scheme, with an emphasis on improving efficiency and motivation at the implementation level.

The review concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to work in close coordination to make the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna a robust, transparent and people-centric healthcare guarantee for Punjab.