*Mann Govt Celebrating 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj on Unprecedented Scale, ₹80 Crore Earmarked: Sond*
*•650 Guru Ravidass Bagichis, 6.50 Lakh Saplings Statewide, Drone Shows & Shobha Yatras from 4 States to Mark Historic Occasion: Tourism Minister*
*•3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura, drone shows and three-day State-level function at Khuralgarh to be major highlights*
Chandigarh, July 14:Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Tuesday said that the Punjab Government is celebrating the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj on an unprecedented scale. The minister informed that a comprehensive year-long programme is underway to put light on revered saint's life, philosophy and message of equality.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan here, Mr Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that the Punjab Government has already earmarked Rs 80 crore for the celebrations, adding that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has assured of providing additional funds, if required, to ensure the successful and befitting organisation of all programmes.
S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said the grand celebrations have been planned in a phased manner and will continue throughout the year to spread the timeless teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj among people across Punjab as well as the global community. He said the programmes have been designed to engage people from all sections of society through religious, educational and environmental initiatives.
S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that 30-minute documentary shows are also being screened in over 13,000 villages apart from school level competitions based on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass ji Maharaj.
The Cabinet Minister informed that seminars and workshops on the life, philosophy and legacy of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj will be organised at leading universities across the state from July to November. Special Kirtan Samagams will also be held in different districts, while drone shows showcasing the Guru's life and teachings will be organised in the Assembly constituencies between August and November.
He further said that the government will establish 650 Guru Ravidass Ji Bagichis across Punjab, undertake a plantation drive of 6.50 lakh saplings, organise a "Run for Equality" marathon at all district headquarters in August and conduct cycle rallies across all district headquarters in September. Additionally, 6.50 lakh commemorative flags will be distributed across the state in October.
Highlighting the religious events, the Minister said that four Shobha Yatras will culminate at Khuralgarh, beginning from Varanasi, Faridkot, Bathinda and Jammu between 5 and 8 October.
He informed that the celebrations will culminate in a grand three-day State-level function at Khuralgarh from October 9 to 11, 2026.
On the first day (October 9), an exhibition on the life of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Sant Samelan and a conference on Guru Ji's Bani will be organised.
On October 10, devotees will witness Katha and Kirtan Darbar, a conference on the Bani of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, a spectacular 3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura and a drone show.
The concluding day, October 11, will feature Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Begumpura Samagam, another 3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura and a grand drone show.
Describing these as the centrepieces of the celebrations, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said the state government is making every effort to ensure that the younger generation connects with the egalitarian ideals and spiritual teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj through modern technology and meaningful public participation.
The Cabinet Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government is committed to organising these celebrations with utmost devotion and grandeur so that the universal message of equality, social harmony, fraternity and human dignity preached by Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj reaches every household.
On this occasion, Director Tourism Sh. Sanjeev Tiwari was also present.
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*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Holds Meetings with Various Employee Unions to Address Legitimate Demands*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt committed to employee welfare push, Cabinet Sub Committee holds meetings to address employee demands*
*Every legitimate demand is under serious consideration & will be resolved in prompt, fair and favourable manner: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Resolution of key demands already in pipeline & is being actively processed: Harpal Singh Cheema*
CHANDIGARH; 14th July 2026:Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Chairman of the cabinet sub-committee formed to resolve employee issues, held significant meetings with multiple employee unions on Tuesday to address and resolve legitimate demands and grievances. Reaffirming Bhagwant Mann government's commitment to employee welfare, the meetings focused on examining submitted memorandums and assuring time-bound resolutions for critical demands regarding recruitment, promotions, regularisations, and pay scales across the education, healthcare, and forestry sectors.
Assuring the participating unions, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "All the memorandums and demands submitted by the unions are under serious consideration by the Cabinet Sub Committee to facilitate prompt, fair and favourable resolutions.”
During the deliberations, issues pertaining to the education sector took centre stage as representatives from the Berozgar Special Educator Front Punjab and the Punjab Education Department Ministerial Staff Association, Punjab, presented their memorandums. The Berozgar Special Educator Front urged the government to expedite the recruitment of 1,200 Special Education Teachers for 2026. The Ministerial Staff Association raised administrative demands, seeking a one time relaxation of experience requirements for Superintendent promotions, the restoration of abolished posts, the promotion of Junior Assistants at a 50% ratio, and the extension of State Awards to ministerial clerical staff on par with teaching personnel.
Addressing concerns from other critical sectors, the Finance Minister held constructive talks with the Novel Integrated Association of Community Health Officers, Punjab (NIACHO), and the Democratic Janglat Mulazam Union Punjab. NIACHO advocated for issues related to pay, loyalty bonuses and regularisation. Meanwhile, the Democratic Janglat Mulazam Union, while thanking the state government for regularising their services, emphasised the urgent need to regularise the remaining temporary and contract forestry workers, besides raising concerns regarding pay and retirement.
Later, listening closely to the concerns of the Joint Association of Independent Medical Laboratory & Allied Professionals (JAI MLAP), Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "The resolution of your key demands is already in the pipeline and is being actively processed.”
During the meetings, Lakhvir Singh, Sarbjit Singh and Manjit Sing from the Berozgar Special Educator Front Punjab, Gurpreet Singh, Parampal Singh, Anuridh Maudgill, the Punjab Education Department Ministerial Staff Association, Dr. Jatinder Singh, Dr. Vipan from the NIACHO, Rashpal Singh and Balbir Singh from the Democratic Janglat Mulazam Union, and Jagdeep Bhardwaj, Rajan Bector and Ashok Goyal from JAI MLAP presented the issues and concerns of their unions.
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*Punjab Renews Resolve to Make State Drug-Free as ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ Completes 500 Days: Dr. Balbir Singh*
*Punjab’s Fight Against Drugs Is Delivering Results Through Strict Enforcement, Rehabilitation and Community Participation: Dr. Balbir Singh*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Has Seized Drug Traffickers’ Properties Worth ₹847 Crore, While Previous Govts Took No Such Action: Dr. Balbir Singh*
*More Than 73,300 Drug Peddlers Arrested, 621 Big Fishes Behind Bars, ₹847 Crore Worth of Drug Traffickers’ Properties Seized: Dr. Balbir Singh*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Strategy of Protect, Heal and Prevent Is Delivering Strong Results Against Drug Menace: Dr. Balbir Singh*
*Centre Must Strengthen Border Surveillance, Stop Cross-Border Drug Smuggling & End Discrimination Against Punjab: Dr. Balbir Singh*
CHANDIGARH, July 14:Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann Government’s unwavering commitment to eliminate the menace of drugs, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Tuesday said the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has emerged as a people’s movement that is delivering tangible results through a three-pronged strategy of strict enforcement, comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation, and sustained prevention.
Addressing a press conference as the campaign completed 500 days, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said the initiative, launched by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann under the vision of AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, is focused on protecting Punjab’s youth and securing the state’s future through a systematic and holistic approach. “The slogan of our campaign is ‘Protect, Heal and Prevent.’ This is not merely an anti-drug drive. It is a mission to save Punjab’s coming generations. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal had promised the people that Punjab would be freed from the scourge of drugs, and today we are fulfilling that promise with honesty, determination and a well-planned strategy,” he said.
The Punjab Health Minister stated, “Our government has adopted a holistic approach by integrating the Police Department, Health Department, Education Department, Sports Department, Prisons Department and Social Security Department. The campaign is simultaneously targeting drug traffickers, treating those suffering from addiction and ensuring that future generations never fall into the trap of substance abuse.”
Highlighting the achievements of the campaign, Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said, “Since the launch of Yudh Nashean Virudh on March 1, 2025, 52,432 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act. More than 73,300 drug peddlers have been arrested across Punjab, including 621 big fishes caught with over 2 kilos of heroin. These figures reflect the seriousness with which the Bhagwant Mann Government is dismantling the drug network.”
He said the campaign has succeeded because it enjoys the confidence and active participation of the people. “The Safe Punjab Helpline (97791-00200) has received 46,342 public tip-offs during these 500 days, resulting in the arrest of 22,960 drug traffickers. This level of public participation clearly shows that people now trust the government and law enforcement agencies in the fight against drugs,” he said.
Comparing the government’s performance with previous administrations, the Health Minister said, “During ten years of the Akali government, 2,817 kg of heroin was recovered, while the Congress government recovered 2,412 kg in five years. Together, they seized 5,229 kg in fifteen years. In comparison, the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government has recovered 6,608 kg of heroin in just four years.”
“These figures speak for themselves. Honest intentions and clear policies have made this possible. Punjab has strengthened anti-drone surveillance and intensified enforcement against drug trafficking,” he added.
The Health Minister said the government’s action has gone beyond arrests. “The previous governments did not seize even a single major drug trafficker’s property. Our government has confiscated ₹847 crore worth of properties belonging to drug traffickers and demolished illegal structures built using money earned through the drug trade. Our message is clear: crime will not pay in Punjab,” he asserted.
Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said Punjab has also achieved one of the highest conviction rates in the country. “Our conviction rate in NDPS cases stands at 89 percent, which is among the highest in India. This reflects the quality of investigation and prosecution carried out under the Bhagwant Mann Government,” he said.
Emphasising the government’s rehabilitation efforts, Dr. Balbir Singh said Punjab has significantly expanded its treatment infrastructure. “Today, Punjab has 213 government and private de-addiction centres, 90 rehabilitation centres and 547 Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics. Treatment at all government facilities is completely free of cost.”
“More than 10 lakh people have been registered under the OOAT programme. Since the launch of the campaign, more than 38,000 patients have received in-patient treatment at government de-addiction centres,” he said.
He further said, “The government has also given 10,917 individuals an opportunity to rebuild their lives by extending immunity from prosecution under Section 64A of the NDPS Act, enabling them to seek treatment instead of punishment.”
Speaking about prison reforms, Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said, “OOAT facilities have now been established in 19 jails, while dedicated de-addiction-cum-wellbeing clinics have been set up in 10 central jails to ensure that inmates battling addiction receive proper treatment and rehabilitation.”
Highlighting innovative initiatives, the Health Minister said, “Under the Soorma – Ambassador of Recovery Programme, people who have successfully overcome addiction are motivating others to seek treatment and begin a new life. Their stories are inspiring thousands of young people across Punjab.”
“We have also launched the Leadership in Mental Health Programme, India’s first government fellowship dedicated to strengthening preventive measures against substance abuse by engaging trained young professionals across the state,” he added.
Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said the government is focusing equally on prevention among children and adolescents. “We are training school teachers in Mental Health First Aid so they can identify early signs of substance abuse, counsel students and connect them with appropriate support. Schools are conducting mindfulness sessions and awareness programmes because prevention begins in classrooms,” he added.
He said the government has increased the capacity of de-addiction centres from 1,500 beds to 5,000 beds, appointed counsellors and clinical psychologists in medical colleges and district hospitals, introduced Liquid Methadone Therapy in six districts for injecting drug users and launched community-based follow-up programmes to reduce relapse.
“Our goal is not simply to help a patient quit drugs inside a de-addiction centre. We want every recovering individual to successfully reintegrate into society. Through our Community Bridge Programme, counsellors continue supporting patients even after they return to their villages,” he said.
Highlighting growing community participation, Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said, “More than 12,000 Village Defense Committees, comprising over 1.25 lakh members, are actively participating in awareness campaigns and helping law enforcement agencies by reporting drug trafficking. The Pinda Da Haal Action Plan and the statewide e-rickshaw awareness campaign have further strengthened grassroots participation.”
Raising concerns over cross-border drug smuggling, Minister Dr. Balbir Singh urged the Union Government to strengthen surveillance along the international border. “Punjab is being deliberately targeted because it shares an international border with Pakistan. While the Punjab Government has deployed anti-drone systems and strengthened enforcement, border security is the responsibility of the Central Government. Advanced surveillance technology is available, and drones carrying drugs can certainly be intercepted if there is the political will to do so.”
He also called upon the Centre to crack down on international drug syndicates and gangsters allegedly operating criminal networks from prisons outside Punjab. “The Centre must dismantle these organised criminal networks instead of allowing them to flourish. Punjab is fighting this battle on behalf of the entire nation, and it deserves full cooperation from the Union Government,” he said.
“The fight against drugs cannot be won by enforcement alone. It requires public participation, compassion, rehabilitation and a collective commitment to protect our youth. The Bhagwant Singh Mann Government will continue this mission until Punjab becomes completely drug-free,” Minister Dr. Balbir Singh added.
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*Farmers Being Provided Comprehensive Support from Seed to Market to Make Horticulture a Profitable Occupation: Mohinder Bhagat*
*Mann Government Committed to Increasing Farmers' Income and Promoting Horticulture*
Chandigarh, July 14:
Punjab Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making continuous efforts to promote horticulture and increase the income of farmers across the state. He said that farmers are being provided the benefits of various government schemes along with technical guidance on modern horticulture practices.
Mr. Bhagat said that the Horticulture Department is providing quality seeds and planting material, technical advice and information on modern cultivation techniques to farmers. He added that the Mann Government is extending complete support to farmers from seed to market to make horticulture a more profitable occupation.
He said that the State Government's farmer-friendly policies and the department's technical support are encouraging farmers to diversify from traditional crops to high-value horticultural crops.
The Minister further said that the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and other high-value crops is helping farmers earn better returns. He added that post-harvest infrastructure, including cold chain facilities, packhouses, and processing units, is being strengthened to help farmers get better prices for their produce.
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*Farmers Being Provided Comprehensive Support from Seed to Market to Make Horticulture a Profitable Occupation: Mohinder Bhagat*
*Mann Government Committed to Increasing Farmers' Income and Promoting Horticulture*
Chandigarh, July 14:Punjab Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat today said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making continuous efforts to promote horticulture and increase the income of farmers across the state. He said that farmers are being provided the benefits of various government schemes along with technical guidance on modern horticulture practices.
Mr. Bhagat said that the Horticulture Department is providing quality seeds and planting material, technical advice and information on modern cultivation techniques to farmers. He added that the Mann Government is extending complete support to farmers from seed to market to make horticulture a more profitable occupation.
He said that the State Government's farmer-friendly policies and the department's technical support are encouraging farmers to diversify from traditional crops to high-value horticultural crops.
The Minister further said that the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and other high-value crops is helping farmers earn better returns. He added that post-harvest infrastructure, including cold chain facilities, packhouses, and processing units, is being strengthened to help farmers get better prices for their produce.
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*Mann Govt to ensure 100% canal water at tail-end soon: Barinder Kumar Goyal*
*Water Resources Minister inaugurates projects after rejuvenation of Kandi Canal at Rs 123 crore*
*Kandi Canal projects to provide irrigation facilities to 1.35 lakh acres across 450 villages*
*Previous governments neglected canal infrastructure completely: Barinder Kumar Goyal*
*Canal water utilization increased from 26% to 86% under Bhagwant Singh Mann Govt: Water Resources Minister*
*Villages’ panchayats express gratitude towards Punjab Govt for ensuring canal water at tail-end fields for irrigation*
*Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur, July 14:*Punjab Water Resources, Soil and Water Conservation and Mining & Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday announced that the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring 100 percent supply of canal water at the tail-end farms for irrigation and this task would be accomplished shortly.
While inaugurating a series of rejuvenation of Kandi canal’s irrigation infrastructure projects completed at a cost of nearly Rs.123 crore here at village Datarpur and Ghogra, the Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that Kandi Canal would provide a major boost to irrigation facilities to farmers in Hoshiarpur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts. He said the completion of Kandi Canal projects would facilities nearly 1.35 lakh acres of agricultural land spread across 450 villages. He described this development as a historic achievement by the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Minister, who inaugurated the Shah Nehar Feeder Project and the Shah Nehar Canal System, and projects related to the Ghogra distributary here,
said it was the first time in Punjab's history that 86 percent of available canal water was being utilized for irrigation, with water now reaching the tail-end villages. He pointed out that the earlier governments had neglected canal infrastructure, completely resulted in only 26 percent utilization of canal water and caused severe hardship to farmers.
Accompanied byMLAs Karamvir Singh Ghuman and Jasbir Singh Raja Gill, the Minister said that 22 distributaries under the Shah Nehar system were in a worst condition which deprived farmers of adequate irrigation. To address the issue, the government undertook concrete lining of distributaries and watercourses at a cost exceeding Rs 78 crore, benefiting around 60,000 acres in nearly 150 villages. He said that the main Kandi Canal from Hoshiarpur to Balachaur, had been completed in 2016, but due to leakages and seepage at several locations, water never reached the tail-end at its full designed capacity. To overcome these shortcomings, the government approved a rehabilitation and concrete lining project, completed during 2023-24, ensuring smooth water flow throughout the canal. He further said that the rehabilitation of 11 distributaries and minors, originally constructed 35-40 years ago and serving only 14,000 acres, was completed in 2025. The project now would provide irrigation facilities to nearly 28,300 acres of rain-fed land in the Mukerian, Dasuya, Urmar Tanda and Sham Chaurasi Assembly segments of Hoshiarpur district.
Highlighting further, Goyal said the government had completed an Rs 80-crore underground pipeline distribution system under the Kandi Canal during 2024-25, replacing conventional distributaries and minors to provide more efficient irrigation. As a result, around 60,000 acres across 215 villages in Hoshiarpur district are now receiving better irrigation facilities. He said an additional Rs 17-crore expansion project had already been approved to further extend the pipeline network, increasing the command area by around 8,760 acres.
The Minister said the government had also implemented micro-irrigation projects, including sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, to supply water to elevated areas around the Kandi Canal while conserving water. Under the sprinkler irrigation scheme, around 601 acres across 12 villages are being irrigated, while the drip irrigation system benefits about 144 acres in the villages of Throli, Manjhi and Nara. He said these initiatives had significantly improved crop productivity by ensuring irrigation even in higher-altitude areas. To improve groundwater recharge in the Kandi region, he added that the department had also completed a Rs 20-lakh recharge project by reviving abandoned tube wells near the canal and feeding canal water into them through pipelines. Besides this, a Rs 5.16-crore pond development project had also been completed by creating recharge ponds on vacant land adjoining the canal.
Speaking about dam desilting, Goyal said six dams in Hoshiarpur district were currently undergoing desilting operations to restore their storage capacity, which had reduced over the years due to silt accumulation during monsoon seasons. He said increasing the storage capacity of these dams would further strengthen irrigation facilities and also enhance government revenue.
Representatives of village panchayats and local residents also thanked the Punjab Government for ensuring canal water reaches the tail-end villages. They said farmers had been demanding reliable canal irrigation for many years, and the present government has fulfilled this long-pending demand by substantially improving irrigation infrastructure.
Chairman Bobby Kaushal, Ashu Arora, Kuldeep Kumar, Soma Devi, Vikrant Jyoti, Shivam Tajula, Kishori Lal, Mahant Rameshwar, Spinka Rani and others were present on the occasion.
Caption: Punjab Water Resources, Soil and Water Conservation and Mining & Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday inaugurating Kandi canal development works at Datarpur and Ghogra in Hoshiarpur district.
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