*Women who run homes must now run country, says CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, calls for greater role in politics while felicitating women entrepreneurs*
*From DCs to SSPs, highest-ever women appointments mark shift in Punjab governance: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*₹1,000 - ₹1,500 monthly aid & job reservations to free power, healthcare & ration kits, AAP Govt empowered women on every front: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Honouring grassroots women will go long way in transforming women’s lives & inspire them as nation builders: Manish Sisodia*
MOHALI (SAS NAGAR), 18th March 2026:Positioning women at the centre of Punjab’s growth story, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday laid out an expansive vision for their role in governance, economy and society, asserting that real empowerment lies in education, representation and economic opportunity. Speaking at a felicitation event awarding grassroot entrepreneurs in Mohali, he gave a detailed account of the AAP government’s initiatives, from job reservations and direct financial support to large-scale livelihood programmes, while urging women to step into decision-making roles and reshape the state’s future.
Addressing the gathering after felicitating women entrepreneurs, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “It is imperative that girls come forward and empower themselves through education. It is in the larger interest of the nation, as women who manage homes and families efficiently should also run the country. The state government is committed to this noble cause and is leaving no stone unturned for it.”
Encouraging greater political participation, he said, “Girls must come forward and participate in politics to become active partners in decision-making and bring necessary change in society. Today, girls have outnumbered boys in almost every field, but politics is still an exception. This field has long been considered a fiefdom of men, but the time has come for women to excel here as well. Women’s participation is essential to build an egalitarian society and strengthen democracy at the grassroots level. Women must ensure that they and their families exercise their vote carefully so that the right leaders are elected to the Assembly and Parliament.”
Highlighting the broader vision for the state, the Punjab CM continued, “This will help make Punjab a progressive and prosperous state. It is a matter of pride that girls are excelling in all fields today, and the state government has made consistent and focused efforts to empower women. AAP government has appointed several women as Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police, which is a major shift from earlier times. This is the highest number of women posted in these positions by any government.”
Drawing a global comparison while motivating women, he observed, “In China, every woman is engaged in producing something. If they stop exporting, it would disrupt the global economy. Punjabi women must take inspiration from Mata Gujri ji, Mai Bhago, and other legendary figures and excel in diverse fields. Our government has revamped the education sector to provide quality education, especially to girls. Education is the key to transforming the lives of weaker sections, but previous governments kept them away from it.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that no free ‘revdis’ or concession cards can eliminate poverty or social evils. Education is the only way to break this cycle and improve living standards, and that is why our government is working tirelessly to strengthen it. Women must work hard and excel in every field with dedication. The government is providing full logistical support, but it is equally important to keep learning and upgrading skills to stay relevant in changing times.
“Today is a historic day for the women of Punjab who have created their identity through hard work and dedication. Women entrepreneurs must always be given opportunities, and we are proud to honour them. The development of any society is incomplete without the contribution of women,” he added.
Referring to cultural and philosophical roots, the Punjab CM highlighted that in Sikh philosophy, women have always held a place of honour. Today, 100 top-performing women entrepreneurs from 23 districts are being honoured under the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (PSRLM). Each will receive ₹25,000, a certificate, and a memento. Earlier, 11,700 women were honoured across 117 Assembly constituencies. “At the district level, 2,300 women were honoured across 23 districts. A total of 58,303 Self Help Groups have been formed, connecting around 5.89 lakh rural families, with ₹147 crore provided as financial assistance to strengthen them,’ he elaborated.
Highlighting entrepreneurship initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann shared, “Under the Pehal Startup Project, more than 2,000 startups have been launched, creating employment for 7,560 people, which is a major step towards economic empowerment. Sakhi Shakti Melas have been organised in 19 districts, generating earnings of over Rs 1 crore for women. Dairy cooperative societies are also being set up with support from Verka, connecting 7,000 women and aiming to supply 85,000 litres of milk daily. The target is to establish 1,000 such societies across Punjab.”
He continued, “Under the Maavan Dhian Satkar Yojana, women will receive ₹1,000 per month and ₹1,500 for Scheduled Caste women. Funds will be directly transferred to bank accounts, and 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit. The government has allocated ₹9,300 crore, and registration will begin from April 13. Under the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, 40 lakh families will receive ration kits including 2 kg sugar, 2 kg pulses, 1 litre mustard oil, 200 grams turmeric, and 1 kg salt. ₹900 crore has been allocated for this scheme, which will strengthen women’s empowerment and social security.”
Listing structural measures for empowerment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “We have provided 33% reservation for women in government jobs, and a significant number of the more than 65,000 jobs have gone to women, ensuring their increased participation in governance and administration. Aam Aadmi Clinics, cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, and free electricity to 90% of households are all aimed at women’s welfare. Punjab also provides 50% reservation for women in local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions. Around 1.86 lakh girls are receiving nutritious food through 27,314 Anganwadi centres, and recruitment for thousands of workers is ongoing.”
“Free travel for women, especially school and college-going girls, is proving to be a major support. Women must become self-reliant, and the government is opening new avenues of employment for them. Girls are no longer weaker sections of society; they are strong in every way and must be confident about this,” concluded the Punjab CM.
Meanwhile, AAP Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia stated, “Earlier, such functions were limited to women achievers from affluent families. For the first time, women from common families are being honoured. This movement will go a long way in transforming the lives of women through empowerment and inspiring others to excel as nation builders.”
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, and others were also present.
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*Punjab to recover ₹1.44 lakh crore from Rajasthan Govt for decades of unpaid water dues: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Rajasthan Govt must release Punjab’s ₹1.44 lakh crore dues or stop taking water: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*1960 arrangement omitted payment clause but didn't cancel 1920 agreement: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Rajasthan continues to draw water under 1920 agreement but cites 1960 pact to avoid payment: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab Govt has written to Rajasthan Govt seeking meeting on issue: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Agreement mandated review every 25 years, but previous govts never pursued it: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab seeks review of 1920 agreement to recover its rightful dues: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 18 March 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday asserted that the Punjab Government will stake claim to ₹1.44 lakh crore from the Rajasthan Government for decades of unpaid water usage, making it clear that Rajasthan must either release Punjab’s rightful dues or stop drawing water, while also calling for a review of the historic 1920 agreement governing this arrangement.
Interacting with the media, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Rajasthan Government owes ₹1.44 lakh crore to Punjab for the water drawn through the Ferozepur Feeder since 1960, for which not even a single penny has been paid. Rajasthan must either release Punjab’s rightful dues or stop taking water.”
He stated that as per an agreement signed in the 1920s between the state of Bikaner, the erstwhile Punjab, and the British, Rajasthan had agreed to pay for water on a per-acre basis. “Payments were made till 1960, but after the Indus Water Treaty, Rajasthan stopped paying despite continuously drawing 18,000 cusecs of water,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting the contradiction in Rajasthan’s stand, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Even today, Rajasthan continues to draw water under the 1920 agreement, but when it comes to paying dues, it takes shelter under the 1960 arrangement.”
He further stated, “The governments at that time, while entering into the new arrangement in 1960, did not mention payment, but they also never cancelled the 1920 agreement.”
Raising serious questions over past inaction, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The agreement clearly mandated a review every 25 years, but previous governments never raised this issue or pursued Punjab’s rightful claim.”
Reiterating the historical context, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under a 1920 agreement signed during the British era with Bikaner, 18,000 cusecs of Punjab’s water was supplied continuously till 1960. However, after the Indus Waters Treaty, there was no mention of this arrangement. If we calculate dues from 1960 to 2026, Rajasthan owes Punjab ₹1.44 lakh crore.”
The Chief Minister further noted, “We have raised this issue with both the Union Government and the Rajasthan Government.” He added, “The Punjab Government has also written a letter to the Rajasthan Government seeking a meeting to discuss this issue.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab will pursue the matter firmly, stating, “Our government seeks a review of the 1920 agreement so that Punjab can recover its rightful dues. We will raise this issue strongly at all appropriate forums and ensure that Punjab gets what is rightfully its own. We will leave no stone unturned to recover this money.”
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*17,651 women provided free support through One Stop Centres: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Integrated support system under one roof for women in distress*
*Safety and dignity of women top priority of Punjab Government*
Chandigarh, March 18:Reaffirming its strong commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of women, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken significant steps to strengthen support systems for women facing violence and distress. As part of these efforts, a total of 17,651 women have been provided free and integrated support through One Stop Centres across the state from the financial year 2022–23 to 2025–26.
Disclosing this, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that these centres provide immediate and coordinated assistance to women in need under one roof. The services include medical aid, legal assistance, police facilitation, counselling, temporary shelter and food.
Sharing year-wise data, the Minister informed that 3,592 women were assisted during 2022–23, 3,633 during 2023–24, 5,305 during 2024–25, and 5,121 during 2025–26. She stated that the increasing numbers reflect the expanding outreach of the government and growing trust among women.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “These are not just numbers, but stories of courage and hope. Women who once faced fear and injustice are now rebuilding their lives with dignity and confidence. One Stop Centres have emerged not merely as service points, but as strong pillars of support, ensuring safety, trust and empowerment.”
She further added that One Stop Centres have been established in all districts of Punjab to ensure that no woman is left without support in times of need.
The Minister also urged that every woman should be aware of the Women Helpline number 181 (toll- free)and emphasized the need for its wide publicity so that timely assistance can be ensured during emergencies. She described the helpline as a vital link of safety, support and trust for women in distress.
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*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Achievement: Water equivalent to Bhakra Canal delivered to fields in just 4 years*
*For first time, 10,000 cusecs of additional water from seasonal rivers & streams has been supplied to fields, equivalent to the Bhakra canal: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Until 2022, canal water was reaching only 26.50% of farmlands; now it has expanded to 78%: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Due to mistakes of previous govts, 22-km-long Sarhali canal had vanished; we have revived it: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*By ensuring 24x7 water supply in the Ferozepur-Sirhind feeder, AAP govt has ended wait for irrigation turns: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*For first time since Independence, 1,446 villages have received irrigation water through Kandi Canal: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 18 March 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday laid out a historic turnaround in Punjab’s irrigation system, noting that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government has, in just four years, ensured water supply to fields equivalent to the Bhakra canal by unlocking 10,000 cusecs from seasonal rivers and reviving a collapsing canal network. The Chief Minister said canal irrigation coverage has surged from just 26.50% in 2022 to 78% today, with long-defunct systems like the 22-km Sarhali canal brought back to life, round-the-clock water supply ensured through the Ferozepur-Sirhind feeder, and canal water reaching 1,446 villages for the first time since Independence.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann addressed a detailed press conference, presenting a comprehensive account of the Punjab Government’s work in the irrigation sector over the past four years. “₹6,700 crore has been spent on canal lining, repair, modernisation and strengthening of infrastructure from April 2022 till now, which is the highest ever in Punjab’s history,” said the Chief Minister. He emphasised that Punjab has a total canal irrigation potential of around 75.90 lakh acres, but until March 2022, only 20.89 lakh acres, which was merely 26.5%, were actually receiving canal water.
“Today, we have increased this coverage to nearly 58 lakh acres, taking utilisation to around 78%. This is almost three times the earlier figure,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, adding that the Punjab Government has ensured maximum utilisation of canal water available in the state.
Detailing the massive scale of work undertaken on the ground, he said, “We have spent around ₹2,000 crore to construct and restore nearly 13,000 km of canals, due to which canal water is now reaching 58 lakh acres. Along with this, around 7,000 water channels have been restored.” He further added, “A total of 15,539 canals have been cleaned and 18,349 watercourses have been revived, ensuring that even tail-end agricultural fields now receive canal water.”
Highlighting a major structural intervention, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “For the first time in Punjab’s history, 101 abandoned canals spanning 545 km have been revived. Many of these canals had been closed for 30 to 40 years and even filled up with soil. We restored them without acquiring even a single inch of land.”
He added that revival of rainwater channels alone has helped bring an additional 2.75 lakh acres under irrigation. “By restoring old canal systems, we have ensured that an additional 10,000 cusecs of water is now reaching fields. In effect, we have created a new ‘Bhakra canal’ without acquiring any land,” he said.
Sharing a striking example from Tarn Taran district, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The 22-km-long Sarhali Minor canal had completely disappeared due to the negligence of previous governments. When our engineers began work, they discovered the canal buried underground. Even local people had forgotten about its existence. Today, we have revived it and made it fully operational.”
On strengthening major canal systems, he said, “The Ferozepur Feeder Canal, originally constructed in 1952, was upgraded in a record 35 days, increasing its capacity by 2,682 cusecs. Similarly, the Sirhind Canal, considered the lifeline of Malwa and built around 1950, has been upgraded after 75 years, increasing its capacity by 2,844 cusecs.”
He added, “Through lining of major canals like Sirhind and Patiala, we have increased water availability by around 1.5 MAF and ensured that even tail-end areas no longer face shortages.”
Addressing a long-standing issue faced by farmers, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Earlier, water in canals used to be supplied on a rotational basis, forcing farmers to wait for their turn. For the first time, we have ended this system and ensured that farmers get water every day.”
He further highlighted that the government even ran canals in reverse direction towards Harike Pattan when required to ensure equitable distribution of water.
Speaking about the Kandi region, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Kandi Canal in Hoshiarpur, which had remained non-functional for nearly 40 years, has now been revived. People in this region understand the true value of water, and its return has brought immense relief.” He added, “Due to expansion of canal infrastructure, around 1,400 villages are now receiving canal water for the first time since Independence. Many of these villages had not seen canal water for 20 to 50 years.”
He also noted that new canal systems such as Cheema Minor, Phillaur Minor, Karamgarh Link, Rajpura, Patran, Ghaggar and Kotla have contributed to expanding irrigation reach across regions.
On infrastructure expansion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “We have constructed 8 new canals and made 18 pump systems operational to strengthen irrigation coverage in multiple districts.”
Highlighting administrative reforms, he said, “To improve efficiency, we have created dedicated canal water and groundwater divisions such as Fatehgarh Canal Division and Tarn Taran Canal Division, with permanent officers posted there to ensure accountability and faster execution.”
On groundwater conservation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our efforts have significantly reduced dependence on groundwater. In one village in Gurdaspur, groundwater extraction has come down from 61.48% to around 31%, which is a remarkable achievement. This will benefit future generations.” He added that the government aims to further increase utilisation of surface water and reduce stress on groundwater resources.
On disaster management and environmental restoration, he said, “₹477 crore has been utilised from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund for 195 works aimed at flood prevention and water management. We have identified 199 desilting sites and deployed new chain-mounted machines to clean drains on a war footing.”
He further stated, “Desilting of rivers like Sutlej, Ravi and Ghaggar is underway with a target of removing 245 million cubic feet of silt, of which significant progress has already been made. Additionally, 206 km of river embankments are being strengthened to prevent flood damage.”
He added, “Under the Punjab Canal and Drainage Act, 2023, 849 out of 850 drains have been notified to prevent encroachments and safeguard life and property.”
Highlighting a long-pending infrastructure project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Shahpur Kandi Dam project, which had been pending for over 25 years, has now been completed at a cost of ₹3,394.49 crore. This will enhance the efficiency of the Ranjit Sagar Dam and stop water from flowing into Pakistan.”
Taking a strong position, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those who claimed to be saviours of Punjab’s waters ended up destroying them. We have revived both our waters and our systems.”
Highlighting the broader impact, he added, “Canal water carries essential minerals, and its increased availability will significantly improve crop productivity. Farmers are happy as many are receiving canal water in their fields for the first time.”
Invoking Punjab’s spiritual ethos, he said, “We are guided by the message of our Gurus, ‘Pavan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat’, and we are committed to preserving our natural resources.”
He further stated that the irrigation department is also being developed as a revenue-generating model, adding, “We have developed 26 tourist sites including boating facilities, rest houses, headworks and other infrastructure to promote tourism and generate revenue.”
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal and other dignitaries were also present.
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*Speaker Honoured Successful students of Civil Services Examination in Punjab Vidhan Sabha*
Chandigarh 18 March 2026:Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan specially honored the talented students in Punjab Vidhan Sabha who brought laurels for Punjab by performing brilliantly in the civil services examination.
On this occasion, he highly appreciated the hard work, dedication and struggle of the students and said that these youth are the future of the country and their success is a source of inspiration for other youth.
During the function, Aman Aloone, Rasneet Kaur, Manpreet Kaur, Jayant Garg and Kritika Chaudhary were honored and Speaker appreciated their excellent performance.
Congratulating the students and parents, Speaker S. Sandhwan said that to clear civil services competitive examination is a great achievement, which requires hard work, discipline and determination. He advised the students always give priority to truth, honesty and justice while discharging their responsibilities in the field of public service.
He said that use the power of pen and chair for the welfare of the people which will brought positive change in society.
Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, while congratulating all the talented students of the country, said that the daughters and sons of Punjab have once again proved with their talent and passion that if the intentions are strong, then no destination is far away.
Patiala's diamond-like daughters Simrandeep Kaur and Rasneet Kaur, Kritika Chaudhary of Balachaur and Manpreet Kaur and Aakriti Singla of Mansa have made their families and Punjab proud.
Finally, Speaker S. Sandhwan said that the our government will continue to honour such brilliant students in future also. On this occasion, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Goldy Kamboj and various other leaders were present in this honouring ceremony.
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Punjab Government committed to promoting innovation, modern technology, and food processing industry in agricultural sector: Gurmeet Singh Khuddian
Punjab State Food Commission organizes seminar on prospects of Food Processing & Agriculture based industries
Associate Minister for Small Business, Ontario, Nina Tangri emphasizes knowledge, technology & investment beneficial for Punjab & Canada
Commission Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma advocates promotion of food processing sector
Chandigarh, March 18:A significant seminar on the prospects of food processing and agriculture-based industries was organized at MGSIPA, Sector-26, Chandigarh under the leadership of Sh. Bal Mukand Sharma, Chairman, Punjab State Food Commissio The seminar was organized by the Punjab State Food Commission. Ms. Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business from the Province of Ontario, Canada, and Sh. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Cabinet Minister for Food Processing, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Punjab, attended the event as the chief guests.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Nina Tangri appreciated the immense potential of Punjab in the fields of agriculture and food processing. She stated that cooperation between Punjab and Canada in agriculture, food processing, and technology can be further strengthened. She emphasized that the exchange of knowledge, technology, and investment would greatly benefit farmers and industries in both regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the Punjab Government is committed to promoting innovation, modern technology, and the food processing industry in the agricultural sector. He added that the expansion of food processing will not only increase farmers’ income but will also create new opportunities for taking Punjab’s agricultural products to global markets.
On this occasion, Chairman Sh. Bal Mukand Sharma welcomed all the dignitaries and said that promoting the food processing sector in Punjab is the need of the hour, as it will enhance value addition to agricultural produce and provide better economic returns to farmers.
During the seminar, several experts and representatives from different sectors and industries shared their views. Sh. N. S. Brar, Chairman, Pagro Frozen Foods, who was among the most prominent speakers, shared his inspiring entrepreneurial journey in the food processing sector. He spoke about his struggle and determination in building one of the most successful food processing ventures in Punjab. Highlighting Punjab’s strength in producing high-quality vegetables and fruits, he proudly shared that he started his journey by supplying 40 metric tonnes of frozen vegetables to McDonald’s, which has now grown to more than 10,000 metric tonnes of processed products. He also informed that his company today exports frozen food products to several international markets including Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada, and Singapore.
Dr. Narpinderpal Singh, Vice Chancellor, Graphic Era University, Dehradun, and former Head of Food Technology & Director Research at Guru Nanak Dev University, addressed the seminar through video conferencing and highlighted innovations in food technology and research.
Besides them, Sh. Mangal Singh Bassi, Chairman Agro, Sh. Arun Grover, Chairman Amar Tex Group, Ms. Pavitar Kaur, Consultant, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, Sh. Inderdeep Singh Cheema, Chairman East Wood Village, Captain Vikram Bajwa, Former CGM RBI, Sh. M. S. Aujla, Former Director Town Planning, and Sh. Jaswinder Singh, Principal Khalsa College, also shared their valuable views in the context of the seminar.
Sh. Vijay Dutt, Member, Punjab State Food Commission, who conducted the proceedings of the program, said that such seminars play an important role in giving a new direction to food processing and agriculture-based industries in Punjab while also strengthening international cooperation.
At the end, Sh. Chetan Parkash Dhaliwal, Member, Punjab State Food Commission, presented the vote of thanks.
On this occasion, Ms. Kanu Thind, Member Secretary, Punjab State Food Commission, honoured Ms. Nina Tangri by presenting her with Punjab’s traditional Phulkari. Her husband Sh. Ashwani Tangri and Sh. Sudeep Singla were also specially present during the event.