*Mann Government Releases ₹2,150.73 Crore Under Social Security Schemes, Reinforcing Commitment to Punjab's Most Vulnerable: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Nearly 35.90 Lakh Beneficiaries Receiving Timely Financial Assistance Across the State*
*₹6,131.91 Crore Budget Provision Ensures Uninterrupted Social Security Benefits During FY 2026-27*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann's Welfare-Focused Governance Strengthens the Vision of a Caring, Inclusive and 'Rangla Punjab'*
Chandigarh, July 23:Reaffirming the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to the welfare of economically and socially vulnerable sections, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has released ₹2,150.73 crore under various Social Security Schemes during the current financial year up to June 2026. She said the government's people-centric welfare policies are ensuring that financial assistance reaches every eligible beneficiary in a timely manner, enabling them to live with dignity and social security.
Sharing details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that nearly 35.90 lakh beneficiaries across Punjab are receiving benefits under various Social Security Schemes. To ensure the timely and uninterrupted disbursement of financial assistance throughout the financial year 2026-27, the Punjab Government has made a budgetary provision of ₹6,131.91 crore, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive development and social justice.
The Cabinet Minister further informed that ₹1,423.33 crore has been released under the Old Age Pension Scheme up to June 2026, benefiting around 23.77 lakh senior citizens across the State. In addition, ₹727.40 crore has been released under other Social Security Schemes, benefiting nearly 12.13 lakh eligible beneficiaries, including widows, dependent children and other vulnerable sections of society.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the regular and timely release of pensions and other social security benefits reflects the Punjab Government's steadfast commitment to safeguarding the dignity and well-being of senior citizens and other deserving beneficiaries. She said these initiatives are providing much-needed financial support to lakhs of families and strengthening the social security framework across the State.
The Cabinet Minister directed the departmental officers to ensure that no eligible beneficiary in the State is deprived of the benefits of any Social Security Scheme. She instructed the officials to further expedite and strengthen the verification and processing of newly received applications in a transparent, efficient and time-bound manner, enabling every deserving applicant to receive government welfare benefits without unnecessary delay.
Reiterating the government's resolve, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government will continue to further strengthen the social security net so that every eligible beneficiary receives timely assistance and every vulnerable citizen is able to live with dignity, security and hope. She added that the government's unwavering focus on inclusive welfare is playing a vital role in realizing the vision of a 'Rangla Punjab', where no deserving citizen is left behind.
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*SC commission issues suo moto notices in three cases*
*Commission seeks report from SSP Barnala regarding lathi charge on sanitation workers in Barnala*
Chandigarh, July 23:The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has issued suo moto notices in three different cases. Giving information in this regard, the Chairman of the Commission, Jasvir Singh Garhi, said that the Commission has issued suo moto notices in three different cases that came to its notice through newspapers. He said that the first notice has been issued to SSP Barnala, a report has been sought from him regarding the lathi charge on sanitation workers.
Mr. Garhi said that in the same case, a report has been sought from the SSP of Jalandhar district regarding the lack of action in the murder of a Scheduled Caste girl named Anu, a resident of Halka Phillor. Apart from this, a report has been sought from the Deputy Commissioner of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar in a case regarding the crematorium of village Sahungra.
He said that the report has been sought on July 28 in these three cases.
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*MANN GOVT GRANTS EXTENSION TO UPDATE DIGITISED BIRTH CERTIFICATES: HARJOT SINGH BAINS*
*•Class 8th students get time till October 30, 2026 to update digitised birth certificates; Class 9th & 10th granted time till next session: Bains*
*• No student to be left behind due to procedural hurdles: Bains*
Chandigarh, July 23:In major relief to students, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has granted significant extension to students for obtaining and updating digitised birth certificates on the Unified Student Registration Portal for the 2026-27 academic session. The move aims to ease the digital registration process and ensure no student is denied admission due to documentation delays.
Announcing the relaxation, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that class 8th students, who do not possess a digitised birth certificate, have been given time till October 30, 2026 to obtain the document and update it on the portal. Similarly, students of Class 9th and 10th have been granted time till the registration process for the next academic session to complete necessary corrections and updates.
S. Harjot Singh Bains said the decision reflects CM Mann led state government’s commitment to streamlining the digital transformation of school education while ensuring that no student is left behind due to procedural hurdles.
"Our government is committed to ushering in a paperless, transparent and efficient education system through the Unified Student Registration Portal. However, we are equally sensitive to the practical challenges faced by students and parents. This extension is a testament to our balanced approach — we are modernising our processes, but we will not allow procedural hurdles to impede a child’s education,” stated S. Bains.
The Education Minister directed all the school heads to coordinate with parents and ensure that the registration process is completed smoothly within the stipulated timelines. This decision is part of the Punjab Government’s larger vision of leveraging technology to enhance governance while keeping the interests of students paramount.
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*Mohinder Bhagat Directs Officers to Expedite Construction of Horticulture Development Centre in Ludhiana*
*Punjab Government Committed to Promoting Horticulture and Enhancing Farmers' Income*
Chandigarh, July 23:Punjab Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat reviewed the progress of the Horticulture Development Centre under construction at Ludhiana and directed the officials to expedite the work and ensure its completion within the stipulated timeframe.
He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to promoting horticulture, encouraging crop diversification and enhancing the income of farmers. To achieve these objectives, modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities are being developed across the state.
The Cabinet Minister said that the Horticulture Development Centre being established at Ludhiana will play a vital role in providing farmers with high-quality planting material, modern horticultural technologies, training and technical guidance. He added that the centre will give a new direction to the development of the horticulture sector in the state.
Mr. Bhagat also directed the officials to regularly monitor the construction work and ensure the highest standards of quality. He emphasized that no compromise would be tolerated on the quality of the development works.
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*Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directs Social Security Department to Ensure At Least ₹60 Lakh Life Insurance for Anganwadi Workers*
*Necessary frameworks to resolve majority of employees' demands are already in administrative pipeline: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt actively working to expedite process & deliver positive outcomes for employees: Harpal Singh Cheema*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt reiterates its pro employee commitment, assures swift resolution of during meetings with Education, Anganwadi & outsourced employee unions*
CHANDIGARH; 23rd July 2026:To resolve the pending concerns of state workers, Punjab Finance Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub Committee, Harpal Singh Cheema, held crucial meetings today with representatives from five Education Department unions, two Anganwadi unions, and one outsourced employee union.
During these sessions, the Finance Minister issued explicit directions to the Social Security Department to ensure at least ₹60 lakh life insurance for Anganwadi workers by tying up with the banks delivering their salaries. The comprehensive meetings underscored the state government's dedication to engaging directly with its workforce and swiftly finding amicable solutions to their administrative and financial grievances.
During these productive meetings, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema sympathetically addressed the diverse concerns raised by the union leaders and reaffirmed the state government's pro-employee stance. He assured the delegations, asserting, “We are highly attuned to your hardships. I want to confirm that the necessary frameworks to resolve the majority of your legitimate demands are already in the administrative pipeline.”
Providing a strong guarantee of forthcoming Action, the Finance Minister emphasised, “The Bhagwant Mann Government is working diligently to expedite these processes and deliver positive outcomes for all affected employees shortly.”
During the discussions, the five education sector associations comprising the Berozgar B.Ed. TET Pass Adhyapak Union, Berozgar PSTET Pass Art and Craft Sangharsh Union, Murh Bahal Kachhe Adhyapak Union, SSA/MDM Non-Teaching Employees Union Punjab, and Unaided Staff of Aided Schools Front, presented memorandums tightly focused on job security. Representing grassroots workers, the Anganwadi Mulazam Union Punjab (CITU) and Jujharu Anganwadi Worker/Helper Union Punjab advocated for elevated pay.
Furthermore, the Enlistment-Outsource Coordination Committee pressed for formal inclusion under the upcoming 2026 personnel bills, alongside guaranteed post-retirement benefits and fixed minimum wages.
During the meetings Jaswant Singh, Hardeep Singh, Avtar Singh from Berozgar B.Ed. TET Pass Adhyapak Union, Rakesh Kumar, Kiran Kaur and Harbans Singh from the Berozgar PSTET Pass Art and Craft Sangharsh Union, Vikas Sahni, Lakhwinder Kaur and Gurpreet Singh from the Murh Bahal Kachhe Adhyapak Union, Kuldeep Singh, Rajinder Singh Sandha and Jagmohan Singh from the SSA/MDM Non-Teaching Employees Union Punjab, Nirbhai Singh, Sukhchain Singh and Amandeep Kaur from the Unaided Staff of Aided Schools Front, Harjit Kaur Panjola, Amritsar Kaur and Subhash Rani from the Anganwadi Mulazam Union Punjab (CITU), Reema Rani and Shinderpal Kaur from Jujharu Anganwadi Worker/Helper Union, and Varinder Singh Momi, Ramandeep Singh, Pawandeep Singh, Sher Singh Khanna, and Lashman Singh from the Enlistment Outsource Coordination Committee raised their issues and demands.
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*PUNJAB PUSHES FROM FOOD SECURITY TO NUTRITIONAL SECURITY*
*PSFC Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma highlights nutrition gardens, Poshan Vatikas, and inter-departmental coordination at National Conference in Bhopal*
Chandigarh, July 23:The Chairman of Punjab State Food Commission (PSFC) Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma emphatically showcased the activities and achievements of the Punjab State Food Commission in a 2 day National Conference organized at Bhopal by the Madhya Pradesh Food Commission.
The conference was centered on the theme of 'NFSA - 2013: Progress, Challenges and way forward'.
Underscoring the significance of moving from Food security to nutritional security, Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma also emphasized coordination amongst multiple Departments viz. Health, Food Supply, Social Security and Education in order to ensure the integration various pro people schemes of the State Government to benefit the ground level beneficiaries.
The PSFC conducted a high level workshop in April 2025 focussing on the core matter of nutritional security, said the Chairman adding that the workshop saw participation from 39 experts across various fields such as Agriculture, Forest, Ayurveda. The workshop was headed by the Former Union Food Secretary B.C. Gupta during whose tenure the NFSA-2013 was implemented.
The role of government institutions such as the Schools and the Anganwadis assumes much relevance in this regard.
The Chairman further pointed out that after the PSFC sent its recommendations to the government, the Education Department in May 2025, directed the schools to develop Nutrition Gardens, prepared by the PAU Ludhiana and Horticulture Department, having 21 different types of fruit plants apart from Herbal Gardens & Vegetable Gardens which are in the process of being set up.
Apart from this, the Anganwadis having 1000 Sq. Ft. Area are seeing the setting up of Poshan Vatikas.
The 4 Members of the Commission have been allotted 6 Districts each and are exhorted to go in for adopting a school in each district for the purpose of developing a model garden. Among other things, the help of NRIs, as part of the CSR, is also being solicited for installation of stainless steel washbasins and desks in the schools.
The PSFC in liaison with the respective District Administrations and the Health Department also focuses on dental care and other types of healthcare for the school children.
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*MANN GOVT’S CAMPAIGN TO ENSURE CANAL WATER REACHES EVERY FARM IN FULL SWING*
*BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL INAUGURATES IRRIGATION PROJECTS WORTH RS.83.64-CR IN VARIOUS VILLAGES OF NIHAL SINGH WALA*
*316-KM NETWORK OF WATERCOURSES AND PIPELINES BEING CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE PROJECT; 25,872 ACRES TO BENEFIT FROM CANAL IRRIGATION*
*Chandigarh/Moga, July 23:*In a major step towards bringing more agricultural land under canal irrigation, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is undertaking a massive expansion of canals, watercourses and pipeline networks across the State. The initiative aims to provide canal water to the maximum possible agricultural area and reduce farmers’ dependence on tubewells.
As part of this campaign, construction of watercourses and laying of pipelines to extend canal irrigation facilities to various villages of Nihal Singh Wala Assembly Constituency in Moga district is progressing at a rapid pace.
Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal stated this while inaugurating canal irrigation projects worth Rs.83.64 crore in various villages of Nihal Singh Wala today. He said that nearly 316 kilometres of watercourses and pipelines were being constructed under the project which would provide direct canal water to agricultural land in 56 villages. Once completed, the project would expand the area under canal irrigation by nearly 25,872 acres. The project would provide farmers with affordable, reliable and timely irrigation facilities while also reducing the unnecessary exploitation of groundwater.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said, the Mann Government was committed to taking canal water to every possible farm in the State to make agriculture more profitable, sustainable and environmentally sound, adding that the Government was fully committed to the welfare of farmers and the overall development of the agriculture sector.
The Cabinet Minister said that expansion of canal irrigation would help reduce irrigation costs for farmers, save electricity and contribute significantly towards conserving groundwater. He added that the Punjab Government would continue to accord priority to such public-oriented projects in the coming years to further strengthen the agriculture sector.
Giving details of the projects inaugurated today, the Water Resources Minister said that work on 20 watercourses and pipeline projects was inaugurated at Rauke Kalan village. The project includes 42.27 kilometres of pipelines and 95.85 kilometres of watercourses at a cost of approximately Rs.36.84 crore. It would benefit 22 villages and bring 10,340 acres of land under canal irrigation.
The villages to benefit from the project include Rauke Kalan, Bir Rauke, Badhni Kalan, Bir Badhni, Kokri Kalan, Nathuwala Jadid, Jhandewala Sharqi, Patto Jawahar Singh Wala, Ajitwal, Kokri Phoola Singh, Butter, Dhurkot Kalan, Dhurkot Tahli, Rania, Raunta, Purane Wala, Kishangarh, Chougawan, Nangal, Baude and Ramuwala Kalan.
Besides this, the Cabinet Minister inaugurated the project for lining of the Bilaspur Minor at a cost of Rs.2.20 crore. The 9.70-kilometre-long minor would benefit seven villages including Bilaspur, Lohara, Takhtupura, Dhurkot Ransih, Ransih Kalan, Ransih Khurd and Nihal Singh Wala and bring 2,320 acres of land under canal irrigation.
He said that five watercourses with a combined length of 168.12 kilometres would be renovated at a cost of Rs.44.64 crore. The project would benefit 27 villages and bring 13,212 acres of land under canal irrigation.
Prominent amongst others who were present included MLA Nihal Singh Wala S. Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Chairman of the Planning Board and District President Moga Barinder Kumar Madheke, Chairman Market Committee Nihal Singh Wala Amritpal Singh Khalsa, Chairman Market Committee Badhni Kalan Paramjit Singh Bhullar, Chairman Block Samiti Nihal Singh Wala Harjinder Singh Sidhu, Vice Chairman Zila Parishad Jasdeep Singh Gary, Organisation In-charge Davinder Singh Takhtupura, President Truck Union Nihal Singh Wala Mandeep Singh Manuke Gill, Sarpanch Darshpreet Singh Dhudike, President Truck Union Ajitwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner S. Jaspinder Singh and SDM Nihal Singh Wala Gagandeep Singh among others.
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Panjab University Honours State Information Commissioner Punjab with Certificate of Appreciation
Chandigarh, July 23:The Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Dr Renu Vig, today conferred a Certificate of Appreciation on Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab, and noted author, in recognition of his outstanding contribution towards promoting the importance of books, enriching the Panjab University Library through valuable literary contributions, and showcasing the natural and heritage wealth of Panjab University through his dedicated literary and pictorial works.
The Certificate of Appreciation was presented by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Renu Vig to Harpreet Sandhu in recognition of his sustained efforts to foster a culture of reading, knowledge dissemination, and environmental consciousness among students, scholars, and the academic community.
Panjab University further acknowledged that Shri Sandhu's literary and pictorial contributions have added considerable academic value to the University and have enriched its library resources for the benefit of students, researchers, and future generations. The recognition reflects the University's appreciation of his unwavering commitment to literature, heritage conservation, and environmental awareness through meaningful publications.
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Over 50.3 lakh e-Health Cards issued under Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana: Health Minister
- Scheme proves a boon by providing cashless free treatment worth over Rs 914 crore to 5.12 lakh people: Dr. Balbir Singh
- Bhagwant Mann Government enabled patients to avail life-saving and costly treatments without financial burden
- Free treatment saved Punjabis from mental, financial and debt-related stress
-Says, People should report hospitals demanding money during cashless treatment on 104
CHANDIGARH/PATIALA, July 23:Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that the Universal Health Scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Sehat Yojana’, launched by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has emerged as a boon for Punjabis by providing cashless free treatment worth more than Rs 914 crore to 5.12 lakh people within just six and a half months of its launch.
Addressing a press conference in Patiala and releasing the latest figures, Dr. Balbir Singh said that more than 50.3 lakh e-Health Cards have been issued under the scheme so far. The scheme has enabled patients to avail life-saving and expensive treatments without any financial burden. He said that the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring quality healthcare access to every eligible family without financial hardship.
The Health Minister said that the scheme has strengthened universal health coverage in the state by ensuring free, cashless and quality healthcare services for eligible families, due to which it has received an overwhelming response. He said that 733 cancer patients have received treatment under the scheme, while people are also benefiting from knee replacement surgeries, eye operations and heart treatments.
Dr. Balbir Singh said that patients are receiving cashless treatment at 868 empanelled government and private hospitals across Punjab. The scheme has benefited 2,50,359 families across the state, while 1.65 lakh beneficiaries have undergone surgeries under this initiative.
He said that the scheme reflects a strong partnership between government and private hospitals. Government hospitals have provided 2,29,551 treatments (45%), while private hospitals have provided 2,83,089 treatments (55%). This balanced participation has significantly improved access to quality healthcare services across Punjab.
The Health Minister expressed concern that while private hospitals in the state are being empanelled under the scheme, the exclusion of PGIMER Chandigarh by the Central Government from this scheme is an injustice and discrimination against Punjabis.
Dr. Balbir Singh further said that the Punjab Government has protected people from mental, financial and debt-related stress by providing free treatment under the scheme. He informed that 24,96,313 families are covered under the scheme across Punjab. Among total beneficiaries, 24.3 lakh (48%) are men and 26 lakh (52%) are women. Further, 34.2 lakh (68%) beneficiaries belong to rural areas, while 16.1 lakh (32%) are from urban areas.
He said that Ludhiana district has issued the highest number of e-cards with 5,46,380 cards covering 2,69,372 families, followed by Patiala with 4,56,730 cards covering 2,15,373 families, Jalandhar with 3,69,335 cards covering 1,85,285 families and Hoshiarpur with 3,45,094 cards covering 1,64,941 families. He added that Patiala and Bathinda are leading in terms of treatments provided.
Dr. Balbir Singh said that the scheme has helped patients avail several critical treatments including chronic haemodialysis, animal bite management (excluding snake bites), knee replacement, gall bladder surgeries, angioplasty, total hip replacement, kidney-related procedures, coronary artery bypass surgery, neonatal intensive care and other major healthcare packages.
He said that by providing cashless and uninterrupted dialysis services, the scheme is not only saving lives but also protecting families from catastrophic healthcare expenses while ensuring continuity of care and better quality of life.
Replying to a query regarding action against private hospitals, Dr. Balbir Singh said that the Punjab Government has strengthened its audit system. During investigations, Rs 2.98 lakh was refunded to six patients. Besides, 14 hospitals were inspected and found to have updated incorrect information, following which a penalty of Rs 78 lakh was imposed. Sarvodaya Hospital, Jalandhar, has been removed from the empanelled list.
The Health Minister appealed to people that if any hospital demands money during cashless treatment, asks patients to purchase items from outside or get tests conducted externally, they should report it on helpline number 104.
State Health Agency Deputy CEO Dr. Andesh Kang, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Anuprita Johal and Civil Surgeon Dr. Shaily Jetley were also present on the occasion.
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*Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal inaugurates canal projects worth Rs.82 crore at Sandhu Kalan and Bhagatpura*
*Says, 23 more villages to get canal water; 13,461 additional acres to benefit from assured irrigation*
*Chandigarh/Tapa/Bhadaur, July 23:*Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Thursday inaugurated two canal projects worth over Rs. 82 crore at Sandhu Kalan and Bhagatpura villages in Barnala district. The projects will provide assured canal irrigation to 23 additional villages and bring 13,461 acres of agricultural land under reliable irrigation.
Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Minister said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has dedicated irrigation projects worth nearly Rs.7,200 crore across the state to strengthen agriculture, improve water management and ensure the availability of canal water to farmers.
The Water Resources Minister inaugurated the Rs.37 crore Dhapali Canal System Project at Sandhu Kalan village in the Bhadaur Assembly constituency. He said the project will extend canal irrigation to 11 additional villages Vidhata, Chungha, Dina Sahib, Bhadaur, Patti Deep Singh, Sehna, Balloke, Sandhu Kalan, Nainewal, Sandhu Khurd and Phulewala bringing 3,854 additional acres under canal irrigation. He informed that while 5,418 acres were earlier receiving canal water, the irrigated area has now increased to 9,272 acres.
Later, the Cabinet Minister inaugurated the Rs.45.46 crore project for the concrete lining and renovation of the Sehna Distributary, Daraj Minor, Dhillwan Minor and Sehna Minor at Bhagatpura village. The project will benefit 12 additional villages Patti Khattar, Jaimal Singh Wala, Dhillwan Patiala, Dhillwan Nabha, Maur Patiala, Maur Nabha, Ugoke, Daraj, Sehna, Burj Fatehgarh, Patti Daraka and Bhagatpura.
With the completion of this project, the command area has expanded from 16,112.86 acres to 25,720.12 acres bringing an additional 9,607.26 acres under assured canal irrigation.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhadaur MLA S. Labh Singh Ugoke thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal for dedicating irrigation projects worth crores to the constituency. He said canal water has reached several villages for the first time, describing the projects as a historic gift that will strengthen agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
The inauguration was celebrated by farmers of Sandhu Kalan and Bhagatpura, who distributed sweets as canal water reached their fields. They also expressed happiness over all nine outlets (moghas) of the Dhillwan system becoming operational, saying the projects would open new avenues for agricultural prosperity. The villagers thanked the Punjab Government for completing the long-awaited works.
Among those present were Chairman Tarsem Singh Kahneke, Chairman Amrit Dhillwan, Nirbhai Dhaula, Bhadaur Municipal Council President Jagdeep Jaggi, SDM Tapa Ayush Goyal (IAS), Superintending Engineer (Water Resources) Ankit Dhir, XEN Jagmeet Singh and Harshant Verma, party leader Bhola Singh Master, village sarpanches, panchayat members and other dignitaries.