*Special Camps to be Organised for Redressal of Grievances of Ex-Servicemen and Their Families: Mohinder Bhagat*

*Cabinet Minister Reviews Progress of Defence Services Welfare Department and PESCO*

Chandigarh, June 9:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making concerted efforts to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. In furtherance of this commitment, Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters and Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today chaired a special meeting in Chandigarh with officers to review the progress of works being undertaken by the Defence Services Welfare Department and the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO).

During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister directed officers of the Defence Services Welfare Department to organise special camps at the sub-divisional level for the redressal of grievances of ex-servicemen and their families. He said that the Punjab Government is according top priority to resolving the issues faced by ex-servicemen and ensuring their welfare. Mr. Bhagat informed that administrative officers would remain present at these camps and genuine grievances of ex-servicemen would be addressed promptly on the spot.

Earlier, Principal Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Department, Mr. Sumer Singh Gurjar and Director Brig. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.) briefed the Minister on various projects being implemented by the department and the progress achieved so far. Detailed discussions were also held regarding the department’s budgetary requirements, promotions of employees and recruitment to be undertaken in the department. Besides this, matters relating to the renovation of Sainik School and the requirement of funds for the same were also reviewed.

During the review of the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO), Managing Director Major General Harmandeep Singh informed the Minister about the employment opportunities being provided to ex-servicemen through the Corporation. He stated that more than 23,000 employees are presently serving under PESCO. Of these, over 14,000 have been engaged since 2022.

Mr. Bhagat directed the officers to accord top priority to all matters concerning the welfare of ex-servicemen. The officers present at the meeting assured the Minister that all assigned tasks would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

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*Vigilance Bureau nabs 8 Government Officials red handed in 6 bribery cases during May*

Chandigarh, 9 June 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing crusade against corruption in the state, has been able to apprehend 8 government officials red handed while accepting bribes in 6 different trap cases during the month of May.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the VB has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere during the period.

He informed that the Bureau had submitted challans pertaining to 19 vigilance cases in various competent courts in the last month. He added that 4 criminal cases were also registered against 14 accused which include 8 government employees.

Giving more details, he added that different competent courts had decided two bribery cases filed and contested by the Bureau during the last month, in which eight persons were convicted and sentenced ranging from three years to five years imprisonment and fine ranging from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 28,000/- .

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Bhagwant Mann Govt expands luxury bus fleet to Delhi Airport; Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema flags off 5 new Super Integral Volvo coaches*

*New service from Jalandhar & Ludhiana to Delhi Airport will benefit NRIs, international travellers and regular passengers while ending transport mafia’s hold on route: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Premium coaches to operate on precise daily timetables from Jalandhar & Ludhiana bus stands directly to IGI Airport: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*15 new premium airport coaches being added to Punbus fleet; first batch of 5 Volvo buses flagged off today: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*State transport undergoes massive upgrade with hundreds of new ordinary, HVAC, and kilometer-scheme buses joining Punbus and PRTC: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH; 9th June 2026:Punjab Finance and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday flagged off five new Super Integral Volvo coach buses of Punbus that will operate between Jalandhar and Ludhiana and the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The move is aimed at providing comfortable, safe and affordable connectivity to international travellers, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and regular passengers while further strengthening Punjab’s public transport network.

Addressing the gathering, Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “This vital initiative will greatly assist international commuters and routine passengers besides completely eliminating the transport mafia from the state.”

Highlighting the vision behind the airport bus service, Harpal Singh Cheema said that under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to public welfare and strengthening public transport facilities. He noted that the airport bus service was first conceptualised and launched on June 15, 2022, from Jalandhar Bus Stand by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The Transport Minister further announced that to facilitate the general public and the NRI community, the Transport Department is adding a total of 15 new Super Integral Coach buses to the Punbus fleet. “The first five premium buses have been successfully rolled out today, and the remaining buses will further enhance connectivity and passenger convenience,” he said.

Sharing details of the schedule, Harpal Singh Cheema said, “These five new luxury buses will depart daily from Jalandhar Bus Stand at 06:50, 07:40, 09:10, 14:27 and 23:30, while departures from Ludhiana Bus Stand are scheduled at 08:20, 09:15, 11:20, 16:20 and 00:20. The return services from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, to Punjab will operate at 04:40, 09:00, 17:20, 19:30 and 21:40. This will ensure that the people of Punjab and the NRI diaspora have access to a comfortable, safe and pleasant travel experience to the international airport at heavily subsidised and highly economical ticket prices.”

Providing a broader update on the Punjab Government’s efforts to modernise public transport, Harpal Singh Cheema said that a major fleet expansion programme is already underway across the state. “A total of 696 new buses are being integrated into the operations of Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC. Punbus is adding 100 new ordinary buses, 100 HVAC air-conditioned buses and 10 additional Super Integral Coach buses under the kilometre scheme, while PRTC is being strengthened with 245 ordinary buses under the same scheme. These additions will significantly improve the quality, reach and reliability of public transport services across Punjab,” he added.

Former MLA Pawan Kumar Tinu and Director State Transport Punjab-cum-Managing Director Punbus Rajiv Kumar Gupta were among those present on the occasion.

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*Under Dr. Baljit Kaur’s Leadership, Project JEEVANJYOT Emerges as a Model Initiative Against Child Beggary*

*1,163 Children Rescued, 409 Linked to Education; Collective Efforts to Restore Childhood Gain Further Momentum in Punjab*

*“Every Child Deserves Education and Dignity, Not Beggary” – Dr. Baljit Kaur Releases Official Documentary on Project JEEVANJYOT*

Chandigarh, June 9:In line with the vision of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate child beggary and ensure a safe and dignified future for every child, the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab today organized a State-Level Workshop on “Project JEEVANJYOT – Rescue and Rehabilitation of Children Involved in Beggary” at MGSIPA, Sector 26, Chandigarh.

Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, attended the workshop as the Chief Guest. The initiative has emerged as a significant intervention in safeguarding children's rights, with 1,163 children rescued and connected with education, protection and rehabilitation services since the launch of the project.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Project JEEVANJYOT is not merely a government scheme but a social movement aimed at breaking the cycle of exploitation and helplessness faced by vulnerable children. She emphasized that no child is born to beg and that child beggary is often the outcome of socio-economic hardships. Providing such children with opportunities, protection and a nurturing environment, she said, remains a key priority of the Punjab Government.

Sharing the achievements of the project, the Minister informed that since July 2024, a total of 2,067 special rescue drives have been conducted across the State, leading to the rescue of 1,163 children. She further stated that DNA testing was conducted in 15 cases to reunite children with their families. Among the rescued children, 409 have been enrolled in educational institutions, 54 have been extended benefits under sponsorship schemes, and 15 have been linked to essential healthcare services.

Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that children engaged in begging are often exposed to serious risks, including exploitation, child labour, human trafficking, substance abuse and criminal activities. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to bringing such children into the mainstream and ensuring their holistic development through sustained interventions and support mechanisms.

On the occasion, the Minister also interacted with beneficiary children and their families, listening to their experiences and journeys of transformation. She further released the official documentary on Project JEEVANJYOT, showcasing the initiative’s impact and success stories.

Addressing the workshop, Director, Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Shena Aggarwal, said that the objective of Project JEEVANJYOT extends beyond rescue operations. It seeks to integrate vulnerable children into education, protection systems and opportunities for growth, enabling them to become active participants in society. She noted that the continued support of various government departments, law enforcement agencies, media and civil society has strengthened the initiative and expanded its impact.

The workshop witnessed participation from nominated officers from various districts, child protection functionaries, Child Welfare Committees, police officials, key stakeholders, rescued children and their family members.

During the technical sessions, Prof. Damanjit Sandhu, Head of the Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala, delivered an expert presentation on the psychological and emotional impact of begging on children and highlighted the importance of counselling and rehabilitation services. Former Haryana DGP Shri K.P. Singh shared insights on combating child trafficking and organized begging networks, emphasizing the need for stronger preventive mechanisms.

The Department also presented the journey of Project JEEVANJYOT, highlighting success stories, case studies and best practices. This was followed by an interactive discussion among officials and stakeholders on challenges faced during rescue and rehabilitation efforts and the need to further strengthen inter-departmental coordination for effective implementation.

The workshop underscored that the challenge of child beggary cannot be addressed by government efforts alone and requires the active participation of families, communities, civil society organizations and multiple departments. Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to protecting children's rights and securing their future, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that every child deserves a place in a classroom, not on the streets, and an opportunity to dream, learn and thrive.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt writes to Centre again, seeks special trains for devotees to visit Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s Janam Asthan ahead of 650th Parkash Purab: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*Bhagwant Mann Govt ensuring free travel for devotees under Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra scheme; regular trains & buses to Varanasi from across Punjab: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*From villages to universities, Bhagwant Mann Govt taking Guru Ravidass Ji’s message of equality & social justice to every corner of Punjab: Harpal Singh Cheema*

*650 acres dedicated for Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj’s Bagichis & plantation drive targeting 6.50 lakh saplings per district under Punjab Govt initiative: Harpal Singh Cheema*

CHANDIGARH, 9th June 2026:Following a lack of response to the state's initial request, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday sent a reminder letter to the Union Government to allot special trains from Punjab to Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj Janam Asthan Mandir in Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi, enabling pilgrims from across the state to pay their obeisance to Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj on his upcoming 650th Parkash Purab.

The Finance Minister, who is Chairman of the Cabinet sub-committee formed by the state government to organise these celebrations, made this call while chairing a high-level review meeting to assess the ongoing yearlong celebrations being organized by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to commemorate the historic 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is facilitating free transit under the Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra scheme, scheduling regular train and bus services from various districts to Varanasi between April and October. The momentum will culminate in grand Shobha Yatras traversing four major routes connecting Varanasi, Faridkot, Bathinda, and Jammu to Khuralgarh during October and November, mapping out hundreds of kilometers to unite devotees."

During the meeting, the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation outlining the month-wise execution plan stretching from February through December 2026. The extensive celebration calendar kicked off successfully with the 649th Parkash Purab events at Khuralgarh in early February, setting a spiritual foundation that has progressed into a diverse, multi-departmental campaign.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema shared, "Special Kirtan Samagam are being organised across various districts. Following successful spiritual congregations held in Ropar during April, as well as recent samagams in Phagwara on June 2 and Kapurthala on June 6, the government has finalised upcoming dates for Amritsar on June 13 and Sangrur on June 20, with subsequent events scheduled for SBS Nagar, Pathankot, Phillaur, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana through October under the direct supervision of the respective Deputy Commissioners."

Emphasising the maximisation of public engagement and leveraging modern technology, he added, "The Punjab Government has approved massive financial outlays for specialized multimedia exhibitions. A spectacular drone show will be conducted across 92 distinct venues. A dedicated budget has been greenlit for documentary screenings across all villages in Punjab, with the specialised agency officially onboarded as of June 8 to execute these widespread rural broadcasts."

Highlighting the academic and youth-oriented programs as a core pillar of the yearlong celebrations, the Finance Minister said, "The Higher Education and Languages Department organises widespread seminars on Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj's Bani and social equality. Following successful academic sessions at Punjabi University Patiala, Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, and CT University Ludhiana, future seminars are slated at Lovely Professional University, Chitkara University, Chandigarh University, and other prominent institutions.”

“The School Education Department is executing statewide school-level competitions encompassing online and offline quizzes, painting, essay writing, and debates alongside a collective pledge to uphold constitutional and values of equality, running continuously from May to November, with a temporary pause in June for summer holidays,” he noted.

He added that the celebrations also seamlessly integrate critical environmental and social welfare initiatives across the state. He said "The Department of Health is organising state-wide blood donation camps this June, while the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs plans the official release of a commemorative pendant and the distribution of 6.50 lakh flags across Punjab."

On the ecological front, the Finance Minister emphasised, "The Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, in collaboration with the Forest Department, is establishing dedicated Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj's Bagichis across a total of 650 acres of Panchayati land, complemented by an aggressive plantation drive aiming for an average of 6.50 lakh saplings per district."

He continued, "The Sports Department will act as the nodal agency to coordinate district-headquarters marathons titled ‘Run for Equality’ in August and cycle rallies in September, each ensuring a minimum of 650 participants adorned in commemorative T-shirts."

The Finance Minister shared that the main event will feature a mega state-level samagam at Khuralgarh, packed with an array of events including the inauguration of an exhibition on the life of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, a Sant Samelan, a specialized Bani conference, and nightly drone shows alongside advanced 3D projection mapping at Minar-e-Begumpura. The State Government is also reviewing a proposal for the construction of specialized wooden Panchkarma huts at Guru Ravidass Ayurved University in Hoshiarpur.

Prominent amongst others Secretary Tourism Kumar Amit, Advisor to Department of Tourism Deepak Bali, former MLA Pawan Kumar Tinu, Secretary Information and Public Relations Department Puneet Goel, and Director Tourism Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari were also present in the meeting.

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SIC Andhra Pradesh Interacts with State Information Commissioners Punjab

Chandigarh, 9 June:first woman RTI Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh. Dr. Shaik Rehana Begum,

today visited the Punjab State Information Commission Headquarters, Chandigarh.

During her visit, Dr. Begum engaged in a constructive exchange of ideas with Punjab State Information Commissioners Dr. Bhupinder Singh Batth, Harpreet Sandhu, and Virenderjit Singh Billing on reforms, best practices, and the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act.

The discussions focused on strengthening transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance through innovative approaches in the functioning of Information Commissions.

The interaction provided an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives on enhancing the effectiveness of the RTI framework, improving public access to information, and promoting greater responsiveness in governance.

On the occasion, Dr. Begum graciously presented a copy of her authored book, “Frontier”, to the Punjab State Information Commission Library as a gesture of knowledge sharing and institutional cooperation. In return, State Information Commissioner Punjab Harpreet Sandhu presented his acclaimed coffee-table book, “Sukhna Lake at Dawn,” showcasing the natural heritage and scenic beauty of Sukhna Lake.

Dr. Begum also interacted with staff of commission and understood the working of commission

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