*Punjab’s peace, communal harmony cannot be allowed to be disturbed; divisive forces will never succeed in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab’s soil can nurture everything except hatred & animosity; people must unite against forces trying to push state back into dark days: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*BJP’s politics revolves around creating divisions between communities, but Punjab celebrates every festival together & will reject such divisive agenda: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026 will ensure sacrilege accused cannot escape punishment through loopholes in law: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Under our govt, Punjab emerges as India’s top state in foundational education, surpasses Kerala in NITI Aayog Report 2026: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Massive public participation marks Lok Milni in Sri Muktsar Sahib as CM Bhagwant Singh Mann vows to protect Punjab’s peace & communal harmony*

SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB, 10th May 2026:Amid thunderous slogans, roaring crowds and an overwhelming outpouring of affection during a Lok Milni at village Saahib Chand in the Gidderbaha constituency, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday received siropas, portraits and blessings from villagers who gathered in huge numbers to welcome him. Riding on massive public enthusiasm, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a fierce attack on divisive politics, declaring that Punjab’s peace, communal harmony and brotherhood would never be allowed to be disturbed for political gains.

Warning that anti-Punjab forces are trying to drag the state back into dark days through communal polarization, the Chief Minister asserted that Punjab’s soil can nurture everything except hatred and animosity, and said the people of the state would unitedly defeat every attempt to spread fear and division. Targeting the BJP over its “politics of creating divisions between communities”, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab celebrates every festival together and would firmly reject such agendas, while also asserting that the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026 would ensure that no sacrilege accused escapes punishment by exploiting loopholes in law.

Addressing the Lok Milni gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab’s spiritual and cultural legacy stands firmly against hatred and divisive politics, and warned that Punjabis must unite to defeat every attempt aimed at pushing the state back into dark days. He said Punjab is the sacred land of great Gurus, saints and seers who have shown the path of mutual love, tolerance and harmony. “Punjab has a very fertile land and anything can germinate on it except hatred and animosity. The social bonding amongst people is already very strong and people should come together to further strengthen it,” he said.

The Chief Minister categorically said that it is high time Punjabis united to give a befitting reply to divisive forces inimical to the peace, amity and communal harmony of the state. “Those trying to disturb communal harmony are enemies of Punjab because they again want to push the state into black days,” he said.

Targeting the BJP, the Chief Minister said the saffron party had gained power in Maharashtra, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal through divisive politics, but would never succeed in Punjab because Punjabis celebrate every festival together. “Some political parties are trying to divide people in the name of religion. BJP’s politics revolves around creating divisions between communities and then frightening both sides for votes. Punjab must outrightly reject such forces because the state has already witnessed dark days in the past which derailed its development,” he said.

Speaking about his ongoing “Shukrana Yatra”, the Chief Minister said he had undertaken the yatra to thank the Almighty for bestowing upon him the opportunity to enact the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026. He said huge gatherings of devotees welcomed him with blessings, flowers and siropas throughout the journey for enacting and implementing strict laws to stop sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. “Despite intense heat, mothers, sisters and millions of people have gathered on the route. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for showering their blessings and support,” he said.

The Chief Minister said whenever incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji took place, the psyche of millions of people was deeply hurt. He said there was always hope that culprits would be caught and punished, but loopholes in the law allowed them to escape punishment by declaring themselves mentally unstable. “Many times, culprits escaped the gallows by saying ‘my mind is disturbed’ or ‘he is mentally ill’, and they walked free,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

However, the Chief Minister questioned why someone claiming mental instability would specifically target Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji alone. “If someone is truly mentally unstable, then why does he only target Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji? Why does he not crash into a train engine or touch live electric wires? The truth is that such acts were often deliberate and orchestrated,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government had now plugged such loopholes through the new law by including a clause that even if someone is medically declared mentally unstable, their custodians, parents, guardians or caretakers would also face criminal charges. “There will be no bail for at least ten years and in severe cases punishment can extend up to life imprisonment,” he added.

The Chief Minister said the Almighty had blessed him with the wisdom and strength to bring this Bill after detailed consultations with legal experts. He said the Punjab Government had drafted the legislation carefully so that no future amendments or loopholes could weaken it.

Targeting the Badal family, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said they would never support this law because their own names were linked to sacrilege incidents. “People kept voting for them believing they carried the legacy of Baba Nanak, but they deliberately allowed Baba Nanak’s Bani to be insulted on the streets. They even ordered water cannons and bullets against peacefully protesting devotees. What else can be expected from them?” he asked.

The Chief Minister said ever since the law was passed, not a single Akali Dal leader was visible in Punjab because they had quietly left for foreign countries fearing their names would surface. “The Almighty does not bless dishonest people forever. These are the same people who once claimed they would rule Punjab for 25 years. Today they do not even have 25 candidates left to distribute election tickets because people have sent them into political oblivion,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

Lashing out at the Akalis, the Chief Minister said they were never sincere about bringing such a law while in power because their intentions were flawed. “The Akalis allowed sacrilege incidents to take place for political gains. They admitted their mistakes before Akal Takht Sahib but later denied them publicly. Those who can lie before the Takht can never be loyal to anyone,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann warned people to stay cautious of such leaders who only wanted political power to plunder Punjab. Coming down heavily on the BJP, he said violence, divisiveness and communal tension were a patent of the saffron party and an integral part of its politics. “BJP is trying to incite violence and fear in Punjab on the pattern of Bengal to win the ensuing polls, but its nefarious designs will never succeed in Punjab,” the Chief Minister said, reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to peace, unity and democratic values.

The Chief Minister said Punjab has always stood as a beacon of communal harmony and resilience, and any attempt to disturb its peace would be firmly resisted. “Violence is a brand of BJP’s politics and is aimed solely at garnering votes by creating terror and panic. This divisive politics is being pursued by BJP in every poll-bound state for electoral gains,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

He said now that the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026 had been passed, anti-Punjab forces would not be able to fulfil their nefarious designs. “Baffled by this, BJP is now resorting to acts aimed at disturbing Punjab’s hard-earned peace, but this will never be allowed,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister said he has always remained among people to seek feedback for framing development-oriented and citizen-centric policies, which has upset the opposition parties. “The entire opposition has joined hands against me with a clear-cut strategy to defame me by leveling false and irrational allegations. These forces are trying to sway people by creating fake and derogatory narratives, but people will teach them a lesson,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

The Chief Minister said the wise people of Punjab are fully aware of the dubious and treacherous character of opposition leaders and would certainly teach them a lesson. “These cheap theatrics can never deter me from serving the people of Punjab. I will continue to discharge this responsibility till my last breath,” he said.

Lashing out at the opposition, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said these parties had no agenda against the Punjab Government because the Punjab Government had taken several key decisions for public welfare.

Taking a jibe at the Akali Dal’s “Punjab Bachao Yatra”, the Chief Minister said its real name was “Parivar Bachao Yatra”. “After looting Punjab for 15 years, they should explain from whom they are trying to save the state,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister said the Akalis had mercilessly plundered Punjab, bruised the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronised several mafias. “The Akali leadership can never be forgiven because generations of Punjab were destroyed as the drug trade flourished during their long era of misrule,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

The Chief Minister said the Akalis should be booked for the genocide of generations because the drug trade was patronised by them and flourished during their rule. “The hands of these leaders are drenched with the blood of millions of youth who fell prey to drugs supplied in the state in their official vehicles. Their sins are unpardonable and people can never forgive them for their long saga of misdeeds,” he added.

Coming down heavily on the Akali leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said these were opportunistic leaders who changed colours and stances like chameleons according to political convenience. He said everyone knows the family was a stooge of the Britishers and was conferred the title of “Sir” for hobnobbing against patriots who fought for the country.

The Chief Minister said the family had hosted a dinner for General Dyer after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919. “Not only this, they ensured General Dyer was bestowed siropa and forgiveness at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Jathedar Arood Singh, who granted the siropa, was the maternal grandfather of former Lok Sabha MP Simarjit Singh Mann,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

He said history cannot be erased and the dubious character of Badal’s ancestors is etched in history forever. “The hands of this family are drenched with the blood of patriots and their betrayal of nationalists can never be forgotten,” he added.

Training his guns against Congress, the Chief Minister said every Congress leader aspired to become Chief Minister and the party had more chief ministerial aspirants than ordinary workers. Taking a jibe at Congress leaders dreaming of returning to power, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Congress was a divided house that would collapse because of internal infighting.

He also attacked Congress over the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib, the 1984 riots and several anti-Sikh and anti-Punjab decisions, which he said could never be forgiven.

Highlighting welfare initiatives of the Punjab Government, the Chief Minister said public money was now being spent transparently on schools, hospitals, roads and development. He said 90% households were getting free electricity, more than 65,000 youth had received jobs without corruption, roads had improved and toll plazas had been shut, saving nearly ₹70 lakh daily.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said no freebie or concession card could permanently eradicate poverty, and only education had the power to pull people out of the vicious cycle of deprivation. “Education is the light that illuminates the world by dispelling darkness. That is why the Punjab Government is laying special thrust on education,” he said.

The Chief Minister said Punjab securing first position in foundational education ahead of Kerala in NITI Aayog’s 2026 report was a matter of immense pride and satisfaction.

Highlighting the health sector reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government had launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna under which health cards were being issued to all 65 lakh families in Punjab, entitling every family to free treatment up to ₹10 lakh. He said more than 30 lakh beneficiaries had already received health cards and 1.65 lakh people had availed free treatment under the scheme.

The Chief Minister urged people to take maximum benefit from the scheme and said for the first time in Punjab’s history, farmers were receiving more than eight hours of uninterrupted power supply during paddy season. He said farmers were now getting daytime electricity for irrigation, transforming their lives.

Talking about the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government had started the scheme to provide ₹1000 per month to other categories women and ₹1500 per month to SC category women above 18 years of age. “This is not a political function but a platform to interact with people. Earlier governments came and went but never bothered about the wellbeing of the masses. They only played musical chairs while plundering Punjab’s wealth,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

He said people eventually voted for the broom, resulting in the transformation of schools, hospitals and governance across Punjab.

The Chief Minister said Akali leaders were now begging for one more chance despite already getting five opportunities from the people earlier. “Instead of serving people, they looted Punjab and that is why people showed them the door. These parties only wait for their turn in power so they can plunder Punjab again,” he said.

Highlighting irrigation reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said it was a matter of immense pride that 68% canal water was now being used for irrigation and this would be increased to 85% by the coming paddy season. He said the Punjab Government had laid 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses across the state and released 21,000 cusecs of water to benefit farmers.

“This water is equal to the supply of two Bhakra canals. Recharge points have been created in canals and rivers due to which groundwater levels have increased by two to four metres. This decision is aimed at securing the wellbeing of future generations because Punjab exists because of water,” the Chief Minister added.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt's ‘Shikhya Kranti’ works wonders as Punjab overtakes Kerala to become No. 1*

*According to Central Govt report, even Maharashtra & Delhi are far behind Punjab in primary & middle school education: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*80.1% schools in Punjab have smart classrooms, 88.9% have internet facilities, 99.9% have electricity & 99% have computers: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Results of upgrading primary & middle school education, building smart classrooms & training teachers have started showing: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab has now become number one in education & will soon become number one in every sector: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 10 May 2026:Punjab has overtaken Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to emerge as the country’s top performing state in primary and middle school education, with the latest NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog report placing Bhagwant Mann Government’s education reforms at the top of national rankings.

The report showed Punjab leading in foundational learning, digital infrastructure and school facilities, with the state recording higher scores than Kerala in language and mathematics while dramatically expanding smart classrooms, internet access and computer availability in government schools.

Congratulating in a video message, CM Bhagwant Mann said, “In consonance with the dictum ‘You reap what you sow’, the state has invested sincerely in education. The state government upgraded primary and middle school education, strengthened the system, introduced smart classrooms and provided advanced training to teachers. Today, the results of those efforts have started showing. The state government sowed well, so now it is reaping excellent results.”

Highlighting Punjab’s achievement in the NITI Aayog rankings, the Punjab CM stated, “NITI Aayog, one of the Government of India’s premier institutions, has released new figures showing that Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle school education. In Class 3 language performance, Punjab scored 82% while Kerala scored 75%. Likewise, in Class 3 mathematics, Punjab scored 78% while Kerala scored 70%, and in Class 9 mathematics Punjab scored 52% while Kerala scored 45%.”

Sharing details of Punjab’s digital education progress, he added, “Punjab is ahead of Haryana in digital education as well. In smart classrooms, Punjab secured 80.1% whereas Haryana was at 50.3%. In internet facilities in schools, Punjab is at 88.9% whereas Haryana is at 78.9%. In electricity facilities in schools, Punjab has an impressive 99.9%, while computer availability in schools stands at 99%. Earlier, Kerala held the top position, but now Punjab has claimed the number one rank with a huge margin.”

Congratulating stakeholders in the education sector, the Chief Minister said, “I wholeheartedly congratulate all the teachers, students and parents. I am extremely happy to receive these figures showing Punjab leading in the field of education. The survey results for Classes 3, 5 and 9 have placed Punjab at number one because this is the outcome of four years of continuous hard work. For the last four years, the state government has focused on teacher training, modern teaching methods and smart classrooms, and today Punjab stands at the top.”

Extending greetings to everyone associated with the sector, Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I have specially sent this message to congratulate all the stakeholders. From my side, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all parents, teachers, the Education Minister, every member of the Punjab School Education Board and everyone associated with the education sector. Punjab becoming number one in education is the result of their collective efforts. Slowly but surely, Punjab will become number one in every sector and every field.” He reiterated that the Punjab Government will continue making every effort to make the state a frontrunner in every field.

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*NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh to Interact with Punjabis Living Abroad on May 13*

*Punjab Government Organises Special “Online Milni” for Prompt Redressal of Issues Faced by NRIs*

Chandigarh, May 10:In order to listen to the grievances and concerns of Punjabis residing abroad and to ensure their timely resolution, the Punjab Government is organising a special “Online Milni” on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM (IST).

Sharing details in this regard, Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh stated that during this online interaction, he will directly engage with Punjabis living overseas and listen to their issues, complaints and suggestions. He said that necessary directions would be issued to the concerned departments and officials to ensure prompt and effective resolution of the grievances received during the session.

Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that concerned individuals may send their complaints via email at minister.pa@punjab.gov.in. Besides this, registration for participation in the Online Milni can be done through the link: https://forms.gle/KKUutEpVTeccLSta6

He further stated that participants can join the Online Milni on the scheduled date and time through the following link: https://new.bharatvc.nic.in/join/8833894922. The joining ID will be 8833894922 and the password will be 742627.

The NRI Affairs Minister appealed to Punjabis residing across the world to actively participate in this special “Online Milni” so that their grievances can be addressed effectively and in a time-bound manner.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt's Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Brings Relief to Patiala Woman Battling Kidney Stones and Diabetes*

CHANDIGARH/PATIALA, May 10:By the time the sun rose over Patiala, 46-year-old Sunita Rani had already been awake for hours. Sleep had become difficult. A dull ache gripped her lower back and travelled sharply through her side whenever she tried to stand straight. Her feet looked puffier each morning, and even walking to the kitchen felt exhausting. She would pause midway, pressing one hand against the wall and the other against her stomach, waiting for the stabbing discomfort to settle.

In spite of the pain, Sunita continued managing her everyday responsibilities, hoping the problem would improve on its own. However, when the pain and the swelling worsened, her family urged her to seek medical help. She had heard about the benefits available under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana and decided to register herself and her family under it.

Sunita immediately registered under the scheme and received a Sehat Card for her family. She was admitted for treatment at Mata Kaushalya Hospital, where doctors conducted detailed examinations and diagnosed her with kidney stones lodged in the ureter. Doctors also found that her diabetes and severe swelling needed urgent attention before surgery could be safely performed.

Sharing her experience, Sunita Rani said, “When the pain became unbearable, I registered under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna and got a Sehat Card made for my family. The doctors examined me and diagnosed kidney stones. Because my sugar levels were very high and there was a lot of swelling, they first started treatment to control both conditions.”

She added, “I am regularly visiting the hospital for check-ups, and the doctors are continuously monitoring my condition. The swelling has reduced now, and my medicines for sugar control have been changed.” Sunita Rani is happy that she Is getting a cashless treatment. “I have been given another 10-day course of treatment, after which the doctors will decide the date for the operation. From my initial treatment to the surgery in coming days, I will not have to pay anything, and it is such a comfort and relief,” she says.

Doctors explain that kidney stone cases are rising rapidly, especially among patients dealing with diabetes, dehydration, and unhealthy eating habits. According to medical experts, delayed treatment can lead to severe infections and complications. Early diagnosis and timely medical support are therefore extremely important.

For Sunita and her family, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana became a major source of relief during a difficult period. The scheme ensured quick registration, regular medical monitoring, affordable treatment, and access to specialists without financial stress. Most importantly, it gave the family confidence that quality healthcare was within their reach.

Today, Sunita’s condition is improving at a good pace. “The swelling has now reduced, and soon my sugar levels too will be under control. While my treatment is still ongoing, I now face recovery with hope instead of fear, thanks to the Sehat Card.”

She further adds, “I believe that government healthcare schemes like the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana are helping families receive timely medical care without worrying about expenses.” Her story stands as an example of how accessible healthcare and early treatment can transform lives, restore confidence, and support families during medical emergencies.

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*Punjab surpasses Kerala in school education, emerges as India’s top-performing state in NITI Aayog report: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Bhagwant Mann Govt’s education reforms script historic turnaround, Punjab Govt schools outperform Kerala in foundational learning: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• From Schools of Eminence to global teacher training, Punjab’s ‘Shikhya Kranti’ delivers national recognition: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• Govt school students from Punjab are leading country today, NITI Aayog report validates transformation on ground: Harjot Singh Bains*

*• NITI Aayog praises Punjab for bridging urban-rural divide in education*

CHANDIGARH, May 10:Marking a historic turnaround for government schools in the state, Punjab has been recognised as one of India’s best-performing states in school education, with the NITI Aayog Education Quality Report 2026 placing it ahead of Kerala, long considered India’s gold standard in school education, on key foundational learning metrics.

Hailing the achievement as the beginning of ‘Punjab’s Era’ driven by systemic reforms and grassroots dedication, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated, “This honour belongs to every parent, student and teacher who refused to give up on government schools. This is not a one day miracle. When policy, intent and execution walk together, results follow.”

Sharing details of the report, he said, “Punjab recorded 82% proficiency in language and 78% in mathematics in Class 3, surpassing Kerala’s 75% and 70% respectively. In Class 9 mathematics, Punjab scored 52%, significantly higher than Kerala’s 45%.”

Highlighting the impact of the Punjab Government’s reforms, the minister continued, “Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s post COVID pandemic recovery push through Mission Samarth and the Schools of Eminence programme has yielded tangible results.”

Citing findings from the NITI Aayog report, he added, “99.9% of government schools now have electricity, 99% have functional computers and over 80% are equipped with smart classrooms. Additionally, over 90% of Class 10 students now transition smoothly to Class 11, indicating a sharp decline in dropout rates. The student teacher ratio has also been improved to an ideal 22:1.”

Referring to the report’s observations, Harjot Singh Bains said, “The NITI Aayog report specifically praised Punjab for bridging the urban rural divide in education and ensuring equal opportunities for village students and girls. Punjab’s adoption of global best practices has led to a sharp rise in competitive exam success among government school students. As many as 786 government school students have cleared JEE Main and 1,284 students have qualified for NEET so far.”

Sharing details of teacher training and infrastructure expansion, the Punjab Education Minister stated, “Teacher training programmes in Finland and Singapore, rolled out under the state’s education reforms, have translated into results on the ground. This shows our classrooms can compete with the best. Punjab has recruited 13,000 teachers and staff and rolled out the English Edge Programme for nearly 3 lakh students, besides establishing 118 Schools of Eminence.”

“With the right policy, intent and performance, quality education is inevitable. Our teachers have proved it,” Harjot Singh Bains added, while noting that, “NITI Aayog has now validated what the state has been seeing on the ground. Government school children are not just catching up, they are leading."