*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Inaugurates 1,000 More ‘Pendu Khed Maidan’*

*Punjab Will Become Hub Of International Players In Coming Times: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab’s Youth Are Leaving Drugs Behind & Working Towards Becoming International Athletes: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Our Govt Is Prioritising Sports To Keep Youth Away From Drugs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*We've Inaugurated 1,764 Out Of 3,100 ‘Pendu Khed Maidan’ So Far: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Our Govt Providing Football, Hockey, Volleyball And Cricket Kits For Every Sports Ground: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Previous Govts Neither Provided Grants To Villages Nor Undertook Any Development Work: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 11th November 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday dedicated 1,000 more ‘Pendu Khed Maidan’ across Punjab, taking the total inaugurated so far to 1,764 out of the targeted 3,100, as his government steps up its push to channelise youth energy towards sports and away from drugs. Attending the inauguration ceremony at Shahpur village in the Amloh Assembly constituency of Fatehgarh Sahib, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab is laying the foundation to emerge as a hub of international sporting talent, with every sports ground being equipped with football, hockey, volleyball and cricket kits. Taking a swipe at previous governments, he said they neither provided grants to villages nor undertook development works, while his government was prioritising sports infrastructure to give rural youth opportunities to become international athletes and bring glory to Punjab.

Sharing a few snippets from the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Today, I attended the inauguration ceremony of a sports ground at village Shahpur, falling under the Amloh Assembly constituency in Fatehgarh Sahib district. It is a matter of great happiness that the Punjab Government today inaugurated 1,000 new sports grounds across the state. This is a major step towards connecting our youth with sports and keeping them away from drugs. We are confident that by sweating it out on these sports grounds, our youngsters will make Punjab proud across the world in the coming years.”

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, channelising the energy of Punjab’s youth towards sports is essential to protect them from the drug menace and provide them with a constructive direction. He welcomed people and political leaders who had travelled from different parts of the state to participate in the programme, saying that sports could play a decisive role in building a healthy, disciplined and progressive society.

The Chief Minister asserted, “Our government is committed to making Punjab drug-free. We are dedicating another 1,000 sports grounds to the people today because our youth need proper facilities and opportunities to excel in sports. By channelising their energy towards sports, we can keep them away from drugs and encourage them to bring laurels to Punjab and the country.”

He said that for the first time, the Punjab Government had undertaken such an extensive initiative to develop high-quality sports infrastructure in villages, ensuring that rural youngsters had access to modern facilities close to their homes. “Under this initiative, 3,100 ‘Pendu Khed Maidan’ (model village sports grounds) are being developed across Punjab. These grounds are an important part of our ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’. Our objective is to create a sporting culture in every village so that young people choose fitness, discipline and positive activities over drugs,” he added.

Highlighting the progress of the project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 255 sports grounds were dedicated to the people during the first phase on May 4, followed by another 509 on August 24 during the second phase. With the dedication of 1,000 additional grounds in the third phase, the initiative had entered another significant stage. These include 93 sports grounds in Fatehgarh Sahib district.

“We are not merely developing playgrounds; we are creating opportunities for our rural youth. Every village should have quality sports infrastructure where children can train, practise and pursue their sporting ambitions,” affirmed the Chief Minister.

He said that the sports grounds were being developed with a comprehensive range of modern facilities to ensure that villagers could use them for multiple sporting and fitness activities. “These include six-foot-high chain-link boundary fencing, plantation along the boundaries to increase green cover, six-foot-wide walking tracks with footlights, separate toilets for men and women, and storerooms for sports kits and equipment. To ensure proper upkeep of the grounds, submersible pumps and hydrants have also been installed for watering grass and plants,” he added.

The Chief Minister further said that dedicated children’s play areas equipped with swings, ladder bars and slides were being developed, while high-mast lights would ensure proper illumination of the grounds. Keeping local sporting preferences in mind, facilities for volleyball, football, hockey and other popular games were being provided.

“These grounds will offer much more than basic playing facilities. We are developing lush green turfs with quality grass, while selected grounds will also have six-lane, 400-metre running tracks to encourage athletics and running. Our aim is to make sports accessible to every child in Punjab,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is also ensuring that villages received the necessary sports equipment so that children could begin playing without having to bear the financial burden of purchasing kits. “Every village will be provided with football and hockey goalposts, volleyball poles and two nets, three volleyballs, three footballs and cricket kits. In addition, 36 pairs of football studs will be supplied, while villages where cricket is particularly popular will receive complete cricket kits.,” he noted.

“Providing infrastructure alone is not enough. We want children to receive proper guidance and training as well. Football and volleyball coaches will be deployed at all sports grounds to provide free coaching to youngsters,” affirmed the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said that Gram Panchayats would be responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance of these sports grounds through dedicated committees. “These committees would comprise the Sarpanch, President of the Youth Club, concerned Junior Engineer (JE) and Panchayat Secretary. The Gram Panchayat would also nominate a woman member or a sportsperson to the committee,” he added.

“The responsibility of maintaining these facilities will rest with the village-level committees so that the sports grounds remain functional and are used regularly by children and youngsters. Our sole objective is to build a strong sporting culture, keep the youth away from drugs and make them active partners in Punjab’s socio-economic development,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

*Building A Strong Grassroots Sports Ecosystem To Keep Youth Away From Drugs*

The Bhagwant Mann Government has undertaken a major expansion of grassroots sports infrastructure to channelise youth energy towards sports and strengthen the fight against drugs under its ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’. The government has committed ₹1,500 crore specifically for developing 3,100 modern ‘Pendu Khed Maidan’ across Punjab, with 764 grounds dedicated by August 24, 2026. These grounds are equipped with facilities for volleyball, football, cricket and traditional sports, along with high-mast lights for night-time play, footlights along walking tracks, chain-link fencing, children’s play areas and other modern amenities. Sports equipment is being provided according to the popularity of different games in each village, while the initiative also encourages participation by children and senior citizens.

*Record Sports Budget, Financial Assistance And Opportunities For Athletes*

Beyond playground infrastructure, the government has allocated a record ₹1,744 crore sports budget and is developing 600 rural gyms, of which 500 have already been completed and inaugurated, according to the press release. Under the new Sports Policy introduced in 2023, ₹135 crore in prize money has been distributed to 40,415 sportspersons since 2022. Financial assistance of ₹15 lakh for Olympic preparation and ₹8 lakh for Asian and Commonwealth Games preparation is also being provided. Additionally, Punjab is expanding its sporting calendar through ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan’, hosting the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy and organising the ‘She-e-Punjab T20 League’ on the lines of the IPL, with the broader objective of building a strong sporting ecosystem and creating opportunities for rural talent to compete at national and international levels.

==========================================

*Punjab Will Continue Its Development Journey By Re-Electing AAP Govt In 2027: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab Is My Family, We Don't Discrimination In Extending Benefits Of Govt Schemes: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Providing Free Electricity, Health Insurance And ₹1,000 Monthly Assistance To Women Without Conditions: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Congress, Akali Dal And BJP Govts Kept Punjab Behind In Development: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*My Dream Is To Make Punjab Pole-Free By Shifting Electricity Wires Underground: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Leaders Who Keep Switching Parties Are Like Chameleons, Punjab Must Beware Of Them: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

FATEHGARH SAHIB, 11th November 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday asserted that Punjab’s development journey must continue under the AAP government in 2027, contrasting his government’s focus on welfare, free electricity, healthcare, women’s financial empowerment and infrastructure development with what he described as decades of neglect under the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP.

Declaring that the entire state is his family and that government benefits are extended without discrimination, he highlighted the delivery of free power, health insurance and monthly financial assistance to women, while unveiling his vision of making Punjab pole-free by shifting electricity wires underground. Taking a swipe at political leaders frequently switching parties, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann called them “chameleons” and cautioned Punjabis against opportunists who change loyalties for political gains.

Addressing a massive public gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has both the will and the intent to ensure the holistic development of Punjab. There is no shortage of funds for development and public welfare. We have given a major push to development across the state and will leave no stone unturned to accelerate this progress with the wholehearted support and cooperation of the people.”

Describing the entire state as his family, the Chief Minister said, “For me, the whole of Punjab is one family. Our government does not discriminate against anyone while extending the benefits of welfare schemes. Whether it is free electricity, healthcare, financial assistance for women, education or employment, our objective is to ensure that every deserving person receives the benefits of government initiatives.”

Referring to the upcoming Shaheedi Sabha at Fatehgarh Sahib, he said, “Our government will make elaborate arrangements for the lakhs of devotees who will visit the sacred land of Fatehgarh Sahib to pay obeisance, where Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, along with Mata Gujri Ji, attained martyrdom. We will ensure that no devotee faces any inconvenience during the Shaheedi Sabha, and like every year, I will personally monitor all arrangements.”

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These traditional political parties have become political deadwood and have repeatedly been rejected by the people of Punjab. For decades, they remained in power but failed to address the problems of ordinary people. Their only objective was to exploit Punjab’s resources and plunder the hard-earned money of the people for their vested political interests.”

The Chief Minister further said, “The Congress, Akali Dal and BJP have lost the trust of the people because their successive governments failed to safeguard Punjab’s interests. They were more concerned about securing political power than ensuring the welfare of Punjabis. The people have not forgotten their record, and history will repeat itself in 2027 when these parties will once again face rejection.”

Taking a dig at political leaders frequently switching parties ahead of elections, he said, “These political turncoats have put even chameleons to shame by changing their colours so frequently. Such leaders have no commitment to any ideology or public welfare. Their only objective is to grab political power and satisfy their greed for money. The people of Punjab understand their opportunism and will teach them a befitting lesson.”

Coming down heavily on the Akali leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The same Akali leaders who once blamed the BJP for interfering in Sikh affairs at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Delhi and Haryana are now desperate to enter into an alliance with the saffron party. What can the people expect from leaders who are willing to compromise their own stated positions merely to regain political power?”

The Chief Minister pointed out, “If the Akali Dal and BJP join hands again, the people of Punjab will respond by rejecting both parties at the hustings. Punjabis know very well how these parties treated the state when they were in power, and they will not allow Punjab’s interests to be compromised again.”

Taking a jibe at former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi’s proposed cycle yatra, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Charanjit Singh Channi’s proposed cycle yatra is nothing but a political gimmick without any constructive agenda for Punjab. Even Congress leaders are not supporting this exercise because they know it will contribute nothing to the welfare of the state or its people. The former Chief Minister keeps claiming that he can do everything, but his record tells an entirely different story.”

Highlighting the achievements of his government, the Chief Minister stated, “We have provided more than 71,000 government jobs to eligible youth through a completely transparent recruitment process. At the same time, investments attracted into Punjab have generated more than six lakh employment opportunities. Our objective is to create sufficient opportunities for our youngsters in Punjab itself so that they do not have to leave their homeland in search of a better future.”

He further said, “Unlike previous governments, which made promises and forgot them after coming to power, we believe in delivering what we promise. Our focus remains on employment generation, quality education, accessible healthcare, sports infrastructure, rural development and public welfare. We want the benefits of development to reach every household and every village.”

Emphasising his commitment to public service, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I seek the trust and support of the people because I want to serve them. My strength comes from the people of Punjab, not from any position of power. As long as I have their support, I will continue working for their rights, dignity and a better future for the coming generations.”

The Chief Minister asserted, “Every single penny of the state exchequer belongs to the people and must be spent on their welfare. We are returning taxpayers’ money to the people through better schools, hospitals, roads, electricity, healthcare and public infrastructure. Our government is committed to building a prosperous, equitable and corruption-free Punjab.”

Highlighting the achievements in the power sector, he said, “More than 90% of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity, while farmers are now getting electricity during daytime hours. This is a major change from the difficulties farmers faced under previous governments. We have also closed toll plazas, saving commuters approximately ₹70 lakh every day.”

Speaking about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has introduced a comprehensive healthcare scheme providing cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family every year. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that no family in Punjab is forced into financial hardship because of medical expenses. Quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of their economic background.”

The Chief Minister stated, “Punjab has taken a major step towards universal healthcare coverage. Our objective is to ensure that every family can access quality medical treatment without worrying about the financial burden. This scheme has brought substantial relief to ordinary households.”

Referring to the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under this scheme, every eligible woman above the age of 18 years are receiving monthly Sanman Rashi of ₹1,000 and ₹1,500 for Scheduled Caste women. The financial assistance is being transferred directly into their bank accounts, and beneficiaries are receiving notifications on their mobile phones.”

He further said, “Women who are already receiving social security pensions are also eligible for this assistance. Our government believes in strengthening the financial independence and dignity of women, and we are ensuring that the benefits reach them directly without unnecessary conditions or discrimination.”

Underscoring the importance of education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “No amount of freebies or concession cards can permanently eliminate poverty or social inequalities. Education is the real instrument of transformation because it empowers people to improve their standard of living and break the cycle of poverty. That is why our government has accorded the highest priority to strengthening the education sector.”

Highlighting the improved performance of government school students, the Chief Minister said, “In 2021, only 80 students from Punjab’s government schools cleared the NEET examination. In 2026, this number has increased more than elevenfold to 882. This is the difference between a government that genuinely invests in education and those that never bothered about the future of children studying in government schools.”

Turning to irrigation infrastructure, he said, “For the first time in Punjab’s history, canal water has reached the fields of 1,587 villages that had never received canal irrigation before. Our government has spent ₹7,200 crore on strengthening the canal network to ensure that water reaches farmers’ fields.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “When our government assumed office, canal irrigation covered only 26% of the agricultural area. Today, this coverage has increased to more than 80%. In 2022, canal water reached only 20.89 lakh acres, whereas today the coverage has expanded to 60.30 lakh acres. This transformation reflects our commitment to strengthening Punjab’s agricultural economy and ensuring better irrigation facilities for farmers.”

Highlighting infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said, “Our government is renovating and upgrading nearly 45,000 kilometres of roads to improve connectivity across Punjab. We are also providing grants for the comprehensive development of villages because rural prosperity is essential for the progress of the entire state.”

Referring to the government’s efforts to promote sports and combat drug abuse, he said, “We have dedicated 1,000 playgrounds to the youth of Punjab and are developing 3,100 sports stadiums across the state. Our objective is to provide modern sporting facilities to youngsters, encourage them to participate in sports and keep them away from the menace of drugs.”

He added, “Punjab’s youth possess immense talent and potential. Our responsibility is to provide them with the infrastructure, opportunities and encouragement needed to excel in sports and other fields. By strengthening sports infrastructure in villages, we are creating a healthier and more promising future for the next generation.”

Reaffirming his government’s commitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The welfare of Punjab’s people will always remain at the centre of our decisions. We will continue working with sincerity and dedication to build a prosperous, equitable and corruption-free Punjab. With the continued support of the people, we will ensure that the development journey of Punjab moves forward with even greater momentum.”

On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Hardeep Singh Mundian, along with other dignitaries, were also present.

===================================================

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Directs Officials To Ensure Foolproof Arrangements For Safety & Convenience Of Chhath Pooja Devotees*

*104 Locations Identified Across Punjab For Chhath Pooja: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Fresh Water, Proper Ghats, Cleanliness & Lighting To Be Ensured At All Chhath Pooja Sites: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Lifeguards, NDRF & SDRF Teams To Be Deployed Wherever Required To Ensure Complete Safety Of Devotees: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 11th November 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday directed the Civil and Police administration to make elaborate, comprehensive and foolproof arrangements at all 104 identified locations across the state for the upcoming sacred festival of Chhath Pooja, asserting that the safety, security and convenience of every devotee would remain the government’s foremost priority.

Chairing a high-level meeting with senior officers, the Chief Minister directed all departments to complete preparations well in advance and ensure that devotees celebrate the festival with complete religious fervour, gaiety and peace.

During this,CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Chhath Pooja is an occasion of deep faith, devotion and cultural significance. Our government is committed to ensuring that devotees can celebrate this sacred festival with complete religious fervour, gaiety and peace. The safety, security and convenience of every devotee is our foremost priority, and we will ensure that no one faces any inconvenience.”

The Chief Minister stated, “104 locations have been identified across Punjab where Chhath Pooja will be observed. All necessary arrangements must be completed well in advance, leaving no stone unturned in facilitating devotees, particularly women and elderly people who observe these rituals with immense faith and devotion.”

Directing the administration to ensure adequate arrangements at all designated sites, the Chief Minister said, “Fresh water must be pumped into the designated water bodies wherever required. Proper ghats should be constructed and developed in major cities so that devotees can perform their religious rituals safely and conveniently. Special cleanliness drives must also be undertaken at all identified locations, with proper sanitation, lighting and systematic management of the venues.”

“Duties of officers and other staff must be assigned well in advance, with clearly defined responsibilities and accountability. Every department must work in close coordination to ensure the smooth and hassle-free conduct of the festival,” he added.

Expressing serious concern over the safety of devotees performing rituals near water bodies, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Adequate lifeguards must be deployed as a precautionary measure wherever devotees gather near water bodies. Proper barricading, rope arrangements, public address systems and sufficient police personnel must also be ensured to regulate crowds and prevent any untoward incident.”

The Chief Minister further directed the officers to rope in specialised teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), wherever required, to strengthen emergency preparedness.

“Emergency response arrangements must be foolproof, and specialised NDRF and SDRF teams should be involved wherever necessary to ensure an immediate response in case of any eventuality. We will not compromise on the safety of devotees under any circumstances,” he asserted.

Directing senior officers to personally supervise the arrangements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “All officers must remain vigilant and maintain close coordination with every concerned department. It is our solemn duty to respect the religious sentiments of every community and ensure that every festival in Punjab is celebrated with full enthusiasm, devotion and fervour in an atmosphere of harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect.”

Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat, Special DGP PK Sinha and other senior officers were also present at the meeting.