*Punjab to conduct first-ever caste socio-economic survey to ensure equitable development: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab to assess living standards across communities; caste socio-economic survey begins April 1 with full confidentiality: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Massive rural development push under AAP Govt transforms Punjab villages with record investments, infrastructure & employment generation: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Previous Congress regime neglected rural development in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Illegal encroachments removed from Panchayat lands, revenue boosted through transparent leasing: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Sports grounds & libraries being developed to steer youth away from drugs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Centre withholding Punjab’s rightful funds, state to fight for its dues at every level: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Changes in MGNREGA hurting rural employment, AAP Govt stands firmly with poor: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 1 April 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday presented a comprehensive four-year report card of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department as part of the Punjab Government’s ongoing “Shandaar Char Saal Bhagwant Mann de naal” series, highlighting how sustained policy interventions have transformed village infrastructure, strengthened grassroots governance, and expanded employment opportunities across rural Punjab.

Positioning rural development as a central pillar of inclusive growth, the Chief Minister outlined key initiatives ranging from the launch of Punjab’s first-ever caste socio-economic survey to large-scale infrastructure creation, revenue generation through transparent land management, and youth-focused development programmes.

Emphasising that the caste socio-economic survey, beginning April 1, will play a crucial role in ensuring equitable and targeted policymaking, the Chief Minister said the exercise aims to assess the living standards of all communities while maintaining complete confidentiality. He noted that the rural development report card is part of a wider governance framework under which the AAP government is presenting sector-wise performance across education, healthcare, irrigation, agriculture, and other key areas, underlining its focus on accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes.

Presenting the report card of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Holistic development of the villages has taken place in the last four years involving massive construction work, cleaning of ponds as the state has generated money by removing the illegal encroachments from the government lands and through other means.”

The Chief Minister said, “Due to strenuous efforts of the state there has been an increase in consensus for Panchayat Elections. There are 13,236 Panchayats in Punjab, the polls for which were conducted in 2024, with a large number of Panchayats elected unanimously. In 2018, around 1,870 Panchayats were elected unanimously but in 2024, as many as 2,970 Panchayats were elected unanimously.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This is an increase of 1,100 Panchayats thereby strengthening communal harmony in villages and ensuring their holistic development.”

He said, “The Punjab government has enhanced the honorarium of Sarpanchs from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 per month.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under the 15th Finance Commission for Rural Development ₹2,367.64 crore was spent on rural development in 2025–26 which was double as compared to 2024–25. During 2017-22 ₹1,883 crore was spent on the development of villages in five years whereas the state government has spent ₹3,847 crore in the last four years for this noble cause.”

The Chief Minister said, “₹1,030.94 crore was spent on Panchayat buildings, libraries, Anganwadi centers, playgrounds, streets, drains, and other development works.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “₹1,336.70 crore was spent on drinking water, water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, and essential services, and the funds were released through Zila Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, and Panchayats.”

He added, “The Punjab government has increased income from leasing Shamlat Land in the villages. Illegal encroachments on Panchayat lands were removed thereby increasing the revenue of the state. Over four years the state government has generated ₹1,842.78 crore by leasing Shamlat land.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “In 2025–26, revenue increased by ₹50.75 crore as compared to the previous year. Around 1.35 lakh acres were given on lease which generated ₹520.54 crore, as compared to ₹469.79 crore in 2024–25.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “In order to channelize the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive direction around 3,000 rural playgrounds are being developed and ₹1,166 crore is being spent on it. These grounds will be spread over 6,500 acres for which 3,148 locations have been identified.”

He stated, “Work has already started on 2,400 grounds and most of them will be completed by June this year with facilities like volleyball courts, football fields, children’s play equipment, and seating arrangements.”

He stated, “For the first time in the history of the state construction of Panchayat Buildings has been undertaken. 500 modern Panchayat buildings are being constructed in the second phase with a ₹125 crore budget.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “₹25 lakh has been allocated per building and 373 buildings have been already completed in the first phase.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab government has also started the process to construct 251 libraries in the villages out of which 231 have been already completed. The aim is to connect villagers with literature and help youth prepare for competitive exams.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Talking about the MGNREGA Scheme, from 2017–2022, only ₹4,708 crore was spent whereas from 2022 till now, ₹5,146 crore has been spent. 8.96 lakh people have received employment and 2.40 crore man days of employment has been generated.”

The Chief Minister noted, “In 2025–26, around 63,357 new job cards were issued, which included 2,480 for persons with disabilities.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab vehemently opposes the arbitrary and illogical amendments in the MGNREGA scheme. The Punjab Legislative Assembly had opposed changes made by the central government that could reduce rural employment. Such restriction based schemes are unwarranted and undesirable as they pose a serious question mark on the intent of such schemes.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab government has taken path breaking initiatives for providing housing facilities for rural families. This year approval was granted for 76,000 houses, including 30,000 flood-affected families.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “From 2016–2022, only 39,000 houses were built in the state whereas this year the state government has set a target to construct one lakh houses for the poor strata of society.”

He stated, “The Punjab government has embarked a major scheme for cleaning of 17,080 village ponds. 13,414 ponds have been de-watered and desilting has been completed in 4,706 ponds for which ₹235 crore is being spent.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Caste and Socio-Economic Survey is being conducted for the first time in Punjab’s history. The aim is to assess living standards of all castes and sub-castes to frame policies for their well being accordingly. A budget of ₹250 crore has been kept for this purpose in which 28,000 enumerators will be deployed and each will receive ₹62,500 honorarium.”

He stated, “In the war against drugs the entire villages of the state have extended their support in this crusade. I profusely thank the Panchayats and volunteers for actively supporting anti-drug efforts as already 1.25 lakh members have joined the campaign.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “12,000 Village Defence Committees have been formed and the volunteers are acting as ‘village guardians’. Many drug traffickers are arrested based on their inputs.”

The Chief Minister asserted, “Under Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission 100 top women entrepreneurs from 23 districts have been awarded ₹25,000 each along with certificates and mementos.”

He said, “11,700 women have been honored across 117 constituencies and 2,300 women have been felicitated at district-level events. Under the mission, 58,303 Self-Help Groups have been formed and 5.89 lakh families have been connected, with ₹147 crore financial support provided to them.”

The Chief Minister noted, “As a part of Women Empowerment Initiatives a new scheme has been launched to connect women with dairy farming. Under the scheme 1,100 milk cooperative societies have been registered and ₹18 crore interest-free loans have been provided to women.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These societies are supplying 1 lakh litres of milk daily to Milkfed. Sakhi Shakti Melas were organized across Punjab in which more than 1,500 women participated and products worth ₹9 crore produced by them were sold.”

He said, “For the first time in history state blocks were reorganized as per Assembly constituencies to improve coordination. Village Development Officers and Panchayat Secretaries have been merged into state cadre. State cadres for 3,327 Panchayat Development Secretaries have been created in the state to improve efficiency.”

Replying to a query, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Union government is meting out step motherly treatment with Punjab. Grants under RDF, GST, NHM and others for the state have been unduly stopped by the centre as they are envious of the state. The sole reason is that Punjab does not vote for BJP due to which the Union government indulges in this grave injustice with Punjab.”

The Chief Minister statedd, “The Disaster Management Fund allotted by the centre is too meager and needs to be revised in the larger interest of the masses. The state will oppose this discrimination tooth and nail and no stone will be left unturned for getting the legitimate share of the state. This issue will be taken both legally and administratively at every platform.”

Replying to another query, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is surprising that Punjab Congress leaders are maintaining stoic silence over the imposition of entry tax by the Himachal government led by their party, which concerns a large section of Punjabis.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “On one hand the state government is abolishing the toll tax and giving reprieve to the common man whereas on the other hand these people are levying undue taxes on people.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government is committed to smooth and hassle free procurement and lifting of the wheat crop and elaborate arrangements have already been made. Any arm twisting or blackmailing tactics aimed at jeopardizing the smooth procurement will not be tolerated and exemplary action will be taken against such forces.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “For the first time in the history of Punjab an intelligent and smart government is functioning unlike the earlier ones which looted the people.”

He said, “The Punjab government is exploring the feasibility of putting high tension wires passing through farmers’ land underground and the strategy is being chalked out. This will be a reprieve to the farmers as these wires pose a huge risk to them and their crops.”

On the occasion, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and others were also present.

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*Bhagwant Singh Mann Govt’s ongoing ‘Rozgar Kranti’: Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema hands over appointment letters to 11 Junior Auditors*

*Merit-based recruitment through PPSC strengthens Finance Department: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*‘Rozgar Kranti’ remains top priority to build youth-driven governance in Punjab: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 1st April 2026-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, under the ongoing ‘Rozgar Kranti’ initiative led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, handed over appointment letters to newly recruited youth at a formal ceremony, further strengthening the Punjab Government’s efforts to generate employment. Eleven candidates were inducted as Junior Auditors in the office of Examiner, Local Fund Accounts, reinforcing the Finance Department with fresh talent selected through a transparent process.

Congratulating the newly appointed officials, the Finance Minister emphasised the importance of integrity and responsibility in public service. He stated, “I extend my warmest congratulations to all the newly appointed youth and urge them to discharge their administrative duties with utmost dedication, transparency, and absolute honesty. Your integrity is paramount to maintaining the financial health and accountability of the state’s public institutions.”

Highlighting the credibility of the recruitment process, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema noted that the entire exercise was conducted strictly on merit through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). He stated, “This recruitment drive has been carried out purely on the basis of merit through the Punjab Public Service Commission. I am confident that this infusion of fresh, qualified talent will significantly enhance the operational efficiency and overall productivity of the Examiner, Local Fund Accounts wing within the Finance Department.”

Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to employment generation, he underlined the scale of progress achieved so far under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He said, “Under the dynamic leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has successfully provided secure employment to more than 65,000 youths to date. This remarkable figure stands as a historic fulfillment of the government’s core promise to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to the bright minds of Punjab.”

Emphasising the continued focus on employment, the Finance Minister added, “The ‘Rozgar Kranti’ remains a top priority for the Punjab Government. We are ensuring that transparent recruitment processes are consistently followed to build a robust, efficient, and youth-driven administrative framework across all departments.”

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*19,000 ASHA Workers Join Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’s Statewide Sehat Card Enrolment Drive*

*— No family will suffer due to cost of treatment, Bhagwant Mann Govt delivering healthcare guarantee door-to-door: Dr Balbir Singh*

CHANDIGARH, April 1: Strengthening last-mile healthcare access, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has activated its extensive ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activity) workers’ network to accelerate enrolments under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY), with over 19,000 ASHA workers and 900 facilitators now driving registrations across villages in Punjab.

ASHA workers are playing a critical role in expanding the reach of the scheme at the grassroots level. Each worker is assigned a population of nearly 1,000 residents, covering around 250 households, where they are conducting door-to-door outreach, creating awareness about the scheme, and accompanying families for enrolment at Seva Kendras and Common Service Centres. This approach ensures that awareness reaches households directly, especially in rural areas, while also guiding families through the enrolment process so that registration and verification are completed smoothly without delays or confusion.

The impact of this sustained on-ground mobilisation is already visible, with ASHA-led efforts contributing to nearly 10 lakh enrolments in the past 20 days alone, significantly strengthening the pace at which residents across Punjab are being brought under health coverage. To sustain this momentum, the ASHA-led model is supported through a structured incentive system, with workers being incentivised for successful enrolments, ensuring accountability and consistent outreach across regions.

Emphasising the intent behind the initiative, Punjab Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Balbir Singh said, “CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has made it clear that in Punjab, no family should have to suffer because they cannot afford treatment. Our ASHA workers are taking this promise to people’s homes, ensuring that every family is aware and able to enrol. This is not just a scheme on paper, it is a guarantee we are delivering directly to people, one household at a time.”

The scale of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna continues to expand across Punjab, with nearly 50,000 residents enrolling every day and over 35 lakh Sehat Cards already issued. Districts such as Ludhiana, Patiala, and Jalandhar continue to lead enrolments at scale, reflecting strong participation across both urban and rural areas.

Beyond enrollment, the scheme is actively delivering healthcare outcomes. So far, over 2 lakh treatments worth ₹300 crore have been carried out, including more than 40,000 surgical procedures across cardiac care, dialysis, orthopaedics, cancer treatment, and emergency interventions. This is backed by a ₹2,000 crore allocation in the Punjab Budget 2026-27 to further expand the scheme’s reach.

With camps, centres, and door-to-door mobilisation working together, the Punjab Government continues to encourage residents to enrol for their Sehat Card and avail cashless treatment benefits under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

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*Jogindra Group’s ₹1,100 crore investment to accelerate Punjab’s industrial growth & green energy push: Sanjeev Arora*

*₹700 crore in steel, ₹400 crore in renewable energy, Jogindra Group expansion reflects rising investor confidence in Punjab: Sanjeev Arora*

*Expansion by Jogindra Group to create jobs, boost capacity and strengthen Punjab’s industrial base: Sanjeev Arora*

*Mandi Gobindgarh regaining its strength as Punjab’s industrial growth engine with fresh investments: Sanjeev Arora*

CHANDIGARH, 1 April 2026:Punjab Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power & Local Government Sanjeev Arora shared that Jogindra Group has announced a strategic expansion plan worth ₹1,100 crore, giving a major boost to Punjab’s industrial growth and green energy transition. He stated that this investment reflects the growing confidence of industry in Punjab’s progressive policies and business-friendly environment.

Sanjeev Arora said that this investment reflects the growing confidence of industry in Punjab’s progressive policies and business-friendly environment. He detailed that the expansion includes ₹700 crore investment in the steel sector, primarily through Jogindra Castings and Vardhman Adarsh, along with ₹400 crore investment in renewable energy through Jogindra Green India.

Highlighting the scale of impact, Sanjeev Arora noted, “The Jogindra Group’s turnover is projected to increase from ₹3,000 crore to ₹5,000 crore, while employee strength will rise from 1,800 to 3,000, creating significant employment opportunities. He added that renewable energy capacity will expand from 37 MW to 120 MW.”

Providing background, he stated that established in 1992, Jogindra Group is a leading industrial conglomerate in North India with a strong presence in steel manufacturing and a growing footprint in renewable energy. “The Group is promoted by CMD Adarsh Garg along with Directors Sanjay Gupta and Nimit Gupta,” he added.

Emphasising the regional impact, Sanjeev Arora said that Mandi Gobindgarh has always been the backbone of Punjab’s steel industry. “Today, under Bhagwant Mann Government, it is regaining its strength with new investments, modernization, and a strong push towards cleaner and more efficient production. The expansion by Jogindra Group is a clear sign that Gobindgarh is once again becoming a growth engine for Punjab’s industrial economy.”

He further stated that Punjab continues to emerge as a preferred destination for both manufacturing and green energy investments, and that this ₹1,100 crore investment will strengthen the industrial base, create substantial employment opportunities and promote sustainable growth.

Reiterating the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment, the Minister said, “The AAP Government remains focused on providing a conducive ecosystem for industry, ensuring ease of doing business and encouraging environmentally responsible investments across Punjab.”

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt directs time-bound clearance of pending RC & DL applications to improve public service delivery: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Strict monitoring ordered for delayed applications; accountability to be fixed for pendency in Transport Department: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt prioritises clearing backlog in RC & DL printing, strengthens digital & faceless services: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 1 April 2026:Punjab Finance, Transport, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema chaired a high-level review meeting of the Transport Department to address issues related to the issuance of Registration Certificates and Driving Licences. The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport Varun Roojam, State Transport Commissioner Parneet Shergill, Secretaries RTA, RTOs and other senior officers.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “In a decisive move to streamline public services, we conducted a comprehensive review of the Transport Department, with primary focus on resolving issues related to the issuance of Registration Certificates and Driving Licences.”

He stated, “I have taken strict cognisance of the total applications currently pending at the verification and approval stages and directed officials to clear these pendencies at the earliest.”

Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “We are committed to ensuring time-bound public service delivery, and I have ordered close monitoring of all applications that have been delayed beyond the prescribed time limit.”

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*HALWARA AIRPORT READY FOR TAKEOFF; BOOKINGS OPEN, FLIGHTS FROM MAY 15; CABINET MINISTER SANJEEV ARORA BOOKS FIRST TICKETS*

Chandigarh, April 1, 2026:In a landmark moment for Punjab’s industrial capital, Ludhiana is set to take a major leap in regional connectivity as flight bookings from Halwara Airport are opening shortly, with operations scheduled to commence from May 15, 2026. Two flights by Air India will initially connect Ludhiana to Delhi, marking the realization of a long-cherished dream of over 30 years.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, along with his wife, has booked the first flight from Delhi to Halwara scheduled for May 15, 2026, symbolizing both a personal and public milestone in this historic journey. As per the sources within the airlines the Delhi-Ludhiana-Delhi Sector’s tickets are selling like hotcakes.

This major development is the outcome of sustained efforts and consistent follow-ups, reflecting Sanjeev Arora’s unwavering commitment to strengthening regional connectivity and accelerating economic growth in Punjab, particularly for Ludhiana and its surrounding districts.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government played a pivotal role in reviving and expediting this long-pending project, ensuring that the vision of an operational airport near Ludhiana becomes a reality.

The operationalisation of Halwara Airport is expected to significantly boost trade, industry, tourism, and ease of travel for residents and the business community. It will enhance connectivity for exporters, industrialists, and entrepreneurs, further strengthening Ludhiana’s position as a key economic hub.

Expressing gratitude, Sanjeev Arora acknowledged the support of all stakeholders, government agencies, and industry leaders who contributed to bringing this project to fruition. He emphasized that this achievement represents not just infrastructure development, but a transformational step towards integrating Punjab with national and global economic corridors.

The commencement of flights from Halwara Airport marks the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s growth story—one driven by connectivity, opportunity, and progress.

He added, “The department is actively compiling detailed data on pending applications along with the specific reasons for delay to enforce accountability and expedite the clearance process.”

Highlighting the government’s push for digital governance, the Minister stated, “We reviewed the status of Driving Licence services offered through faceless and contactless modes and have instructed officials to meticulously track applications pending under these categories to guarantee their timely disposal.”

Addressing citizen inconvenience, he stated, “The backlog in the printing of Registration Certificates and Driving Licences at the centralised printing branch must be treated as a top priority, and I have issued firm directions to clear this pendency.”

On road safety and transport operations, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “We held detailed discussions regarding the deployment and monitoring of highway traffic cameras to ensure better traffic management and road safety across Punjab.”

He further stated, “We are also working on optimisation of public transport schedules by reviewing current timetables and addressing missing routes to enhance the efficiency, reliability and reach of the transport network.”