*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Announces Big Gift For More Than 24 Lakh Electricity Consumers In Punjab*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Introduces One-Time Settlement Scheme, Waives 100% Penalty & Interest On Outstanding Electricity Bills*
*Consumers Can Avail Benefits For 45 Days On Outstanding Bills Up To March 31, 2026: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Consumers To Pay 25% Upfront & Remaining 75% Of Principal Dues In 2 Instalments Within One Year: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Disconnected Electricity Connections To Be Restored Upon Payment Of Outstanding Principal Amount: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Power Department To Send OTS Bills Detailing Outstanding Dues, Waived Penalties & Payable Amount: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 13th November 2026:In a major gift to Punjab’s domestic electricity consumers, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced a One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme that will waive 100% of penalties and interest on outstanding electricity bills up to March 31, 2026. The scheme will benefit 24.86 lakh families, with ₹518 crore in penalties and interest waived, allowing consumers to clear only their principal dues through easy instalments. Even disconnected electricity connections will be restored upon payment of the principal amount, bringing substantial relief to households across Punjab.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “A major relief for domestic electricity consumers in Punjab. Today, we have announced an OTS (One-Time Settlement) Scheme for pending electricity bills. The penalty and interest on outstanding bills up to March 31, 2026, have been completely waived. Consumers will now have to pay only the principal amount, with 25% payable upfront and the remaining 75% in two easy installments over one year. This decision will directly benefit more than 24 lakh families, with ₹518 crore in penalties and interest being waived. Disconnected electricity connections will also be restored. Our government is truly a government of the people.”
Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the initiative is another decisive step towards ensuring that financial difficulties do not become an additional burden on ordinary families. He said that the government believes governance is not merely about collecting revenue but about standing firmly with people during difficult times. “Several families have been unable to clear their electricity bills due to financial constraints, and the burden of accumulated interest and penalties has continued to grow. We have decided to give them a fresh opportunity to settle their dues with dignity, without the additional burden of penalties and interest,” he said.
The Chief Minister stated that the scheme would benefit 24.86 lakh domestic consumers against outstanding electricity dues of approximately ₹2,516 crore, with ₹518 crore being waived by the state government. “This is not merely a financial concession but a commitment to ease the lives of ordinary households. Consumers will now have to pay only the principal amount, while the entire burden of late payment surcharge and interest will be waived,” he said.
Explaining the payment mechanism, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that consumers will now have to pay only the principal amount, with 25% payable upfront and the remaining 75% in two easy installments over one year. He added that consumers facing financial difficulties could also be provided an additional extension of six months for completing their payments. “We want to ensure that no family is denied this opportunity because of financial constraints. The flexible payment mechanism will allow consumers to clear their dues conveniently without facing the burden of accumulated penalties and interest,” said the Chief Minister.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the scheme would cover all domestic electricity consumers, irrespective of whether their electricity connections were currently operational or had been disconnected. “Even consumers whose electricity connections have been disconnected can avail themselves of this opportunity. Once they settle the outstanding principal amount under the scheme, their disconnected connections will be eligible for restoration,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the scheme would cover all outstanding electricity liabilities up to March 31, 2026, and remain open for 45 days from the issuance of the commercial circular. He said that the notification would be issued on Saturday, November 14, following which the scheme would come into immediate effect. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann appealed to all eligible domestic electricity consumers to take advantage of the scheme within the stipulated 45-day period and settle their outstanding dues.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) would dispatch special OTS bills and notices to all eligible consumers within the next seven days. These bills would clearly specify the total outstanding amount, the surcharge and interest being waived, and the actual principal amount payable under the scheme. “The entire process has been designed to ensure maximum convenience and transparency. Every eligible consumer will receive a clear account of their outstanding dues, the amount being waived and the payment required to avail the scheme,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the payment process has also been made simple and consumer-friendly, with the revised amount automatically updated in the system as soon as the requisite payment was made online. The updated details would be reflected in the consumer’s online account as well as the revised electricity bill. “Consumers will not have to go through unnecessary procedures. Once the payment is made online, the revised outstanding amount will automatically be updated and reflected in the system,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to public welfare, he said, “Every decision of our government is guided by the objective of bringing tangible benefits to ordinary people. The ₹518 crore waiver will provide lakhs of families an opportunity to come out of the burden of accumulated electricity dues and settle their accounts through a simple and convenient mechanism.”
Appealing to all eligible domestic electricity consumers to make full use of the scheme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government is committed to the well-being of every section of society and is leaving no stone unturned to improve people’s lives. The ultimate objective of the government is to ensure that the benefits of development reach every household and that people continue to receive meaningful support from the state government.”
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*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Chairs Review Meeting To Finalise Elaborate Arrangements For Hassle-Free Shaheedi Sabha At Fatehgarh Sahib*
*No Stone Unturned To Ensure Hassle-Free Shaheedi Sabha For Lakhs Of Devotees: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*200 Shuttle Buses, 20 Aam Aadmi Clinics, 6 Police Help Desks To Facilitate Pilgrims At Fatehgarh Sahib: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*AI Cameras, Drones & Motorcycle Patrols To Ensure Foolproof Security During Shaheedi Sabha: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Announces Big Gift For More Than 24 Lakh Electricity Consumers In Punjab*
*Bhagwant Mann Govt Introduces One-Time Settlement Scheme, Waives 100% Penalty & Interest On Outstanding Electricity Bills*
*Consumers Can Avail Benefits For 45 Days On Outstanding Bills Up To March 31, 2026: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Consumers To Pay 25% Upfront & Remaining 75% Of Principal Dues In 2 Instalments Within One Year: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Disconnected Electricity Connections To Be Restored Upon Payment Of Outstanding Principal Amount: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Power Department To Send OTS Bills Detailing Outstanding Dues, Waived Penalties & Payable Amount: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 13th November 2026:
In a major gift to Punjab’s domestic electricity consumers, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced a One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme that will waive 100% of penalties and interest on outstanding electricity bills up to March 31, 2026. The scheme will benefit 24.86 lakh families, with ₹518 crore in penalties and interest waived, allowing consumers to clear only their principal dues through easy instalments. Even disconnected electricity connections will be restored upon payment of the principal amount, bringing substantial relief to households across Punjab.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “A major relief for domestic electricity consumers in Punjab. Today, we have announced an OTS (One-Time Settlement) Scheme for pending electricity bills. The penalty and interest on outstanding bills up to March 31, 2026, have been completely waived. Consumers will now have to pay only the principal amount, with 25% payable upfront and the remaining 75% in two easy installments over one year. This decision will directly benefit more than 24 lakh families, with ₹518 crore in penalties and interest being waived. Disconnected electricity connections will also be restored. Our government is truly a government of the people.”
Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the initiative is another decisive step towards ensuring that financial difficulties do not become an additional burden on ordinary families. He said that the government believes governance is not merely about collecting revenue but about standing firmly with people during difficult times. “Several families have been unable to clear their electricity bills due to financial constraints, and the burden of accumulated interest and penalties has continued to grow. We have decided to give them a fresh opportunity to settle their dues with dignity, without the additional burden of penalties and interest,” he said.
The Chief Minister stated that the scheme would benefit 24.86 lakh domestic consumers against outstanding electricity dues of approximately ₹2,516 crore, with ₹518 crore being waived by the state government. “This is not merely a financial concession but a commitment to ease the lives of ordinary households. Consumers will now have to pay only the principal amount, while the entire burden of late payment surcharge and interest will be waived,” he said.
Explaining the payment mechanism, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that consumers will now have to pay only the principal amount, with 25% payable upfront and the remaining 75% in two easy installments over one year. He added that consumers facing financial difficulties could also be provided an additional extension of six months for completing their payments. “We want to ensure that no family is denied this opportunity because of financial constraints. The flexible payment mechanism will allow consumers to clear their dues conveniently without facing the burden of accumulated penalties and interest,” said the Chief Minister.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the scheme would cover all domestic electricity consumers, irrespective of whether their electricity connections were currently operational or had been disconnected. “Even consumers whose electricity connections have been disconnected can avail themselves of this opportunity. Once they settle the outstanding principal amount under the scheme, their disconnected connections will be eligible for restoration,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the scheme would cover all outstanding electricity liabilities up to March 31, 2026, and remain open for 45 days from the issuance of the commercial circular. He said that the notification would be issued on Saturday, November 14, following which the scheme would come into immediate effect. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann appealed to all eligible domestic electricity consumers to take advantage of the scheme within the stipulated 45-day period and settle their outstanding dues.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) would dispatch special OTS bills and notices to all eligible consumers within the next seven days. These bills would clearly specify the total outstanding amount, the surcharge and interest being waived, and the actual principal amount payable under the scheme. “The entire process has been designed to ensure maximum convenience and transparency. Every eligible consumer will receive a clear account of their outstanding dues, the amount being waived and the payment required to avail the scheme,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the payment process has also been made simple and consumer-friendly, with the revised amount automatically updated in the system as soon as the requisite payment was made online. The updated details would be reflected in the consumer’s online account as well as the revised electricity bill. “Consumers will not have to go through unnecessary procedures. Once the payment is made online, the revised outstanding amount will automatically be updated and reflected in the system,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to public welfare, he said, “Every decision of our government is guided by the objective of bringing tangible benefits to ordinary people. The ₹518 crore waiver will provide lakhs of families an opportunity to come out of the burden of accumulated electricity dues and settle their accounts through a simple and convenient mechanism.”
Appealing to all eligible domestic electricity consumers to make full use of the scheme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government is committed to the well-being of every section of society and is leaving no stone unturned to improve people’s lives. The ultimate objective of the government is to ensure that the benefits of development reach every household and that people continue to receive meaningful support from the state government.”
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*80 Lakh Devotees Visited Sri Fatehgarh Sahib During Last Shaheedi Sabha; Roads To Be Repaired On War Footing: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 13th November 2026:Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday directed the Police and civil administration to make elaborate arrangements for the lakhs of devotees expected to visit Sri Fatehgarh Sahib during the upcoming Shaheedi Sabha, asserting that the state government will leave no stone unturned to ensure a peaceful, dignified and hassle-free pilgrimage.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the preparations, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Shaheedi Sabha is not merely an annual religious congregation but a sacred occasion to remember and pay heartfelt tributes to the unparalleled sacrifice of the younger Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, and Mata Gujri Ji. Their supreme sacrifice for the preservation of faith, righteousness and human values will continue to inspire generations.”
The Chief Minister said that around 80 lakh devotees had visited the historic town during the previous Shaheedi Sabha and directed all departments to work in close coordination, keeping in view the expected massive influx of pilgrims. He said, “All roads leading to Sri Fatehgarh Sahib must be repaired on a war footing so that devotees face no inconvenience while travelling to the holy town.”
He said that special arrangements would be made for traffic management, with clearly identified diversion points, particularly around the expressway and other major approach roads. He announced, “200 shuttle buses will operate during the Shaheedi Sabha to facilitate devotees travelling from villages and adjoining areas. The number of e-rickshaws will also be increased to ensure convenient last-mile connectivity, particularly for elderly devotees and those unable to walk long distances.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “20 Aam Aadmi Clinics will be made operational to provide accessible medical assistance to pilgrims. Night shelters will also be established by the administration, while coordination with various Gurdwara management committees will ensure adequate accommodation facilities for devotees.” To maintain cleanliness throughout the holy town, he directed the deployment of 50 additional volunteers, apart from Municipal Council employees.
Emphasising comprehensive sanitation arrangements, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure regular cleaning, proper waste disposal and maintenance of public facilities. He also ordered the enhancement of mobile network capacity through additional mobile towers to ensure uninterrupted connectivity during the peak days of the congregation. A dedicated control room involving the Police and Civil Administration will function round the clock to promptly address complaints and coordinate emergency responses.
Reviewing the security arrangements, he directed the Police Department to ensure foolproof security without causing any inconvenience to devotees. He called for a comprehensive security assessment and deployment of motorcycle patrol units for quick response and effective traffic management. Watchtowers and six police help desks would also be established at strategic locations to strengthen surveillance and provide immediate assistance to pilgrims.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further directed the Police to extensively use modern technology, including AI-enabled camera systems, to monitor crowd movement and identify potential security concerns. He also ordered drone-based patrolling to keep a close watch on the congregation and surrounding areas, while ensuring adequate police deployment at sensitive locations.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has already allotted funds for the repair of roads and directed officials to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe. He said, “This sacred land is a source of inspiration not only for Sikhs but for the entire humanity, as devotees from across the country and abroad converge here every year to pay their respects to the Chhote Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji on their martyrdom anniversary.”
He said that he would personally monitor the arrangements to ensure their timely completion. He added that the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, along with Mata Gujri Ji, at this sacred land had inspired generations of Punjabis to stand against injustice, tyranny and oppression.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The supreme sacrifice made by the younger Sahibzadas at such a tender age has few parallels in world history. As lakhs of pilgrims visit Sri Fatehgarh Sahib every year during the Shaheedi Sabha, the state government is giving the historic town a complete facelift to facilitate their visit.”
The Chief Minister reiterated that facilitating devotees visiting this sacred place is the state government’s duty and directed the administration to put in place a robust mechanism to ensure that no pilgrim faces any inconvenience during the Shaheedi Sabha.
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*COORDINATION COMMITTEE TO VISIT SRI AMRITSAR SAHIB ON NOVEMBER 18 TO DELIBERATE ON "JAAGAT JOT SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB SATKAR AMENDMENT ACT"*
*URGES FIVE-MEMBER COMMITTEE OF SRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB TO JOIN THE MEETING*
*Chandigarh, November 13:*The fourth meeting of the Coordination Committee constituted by the Punjab Government to address the concerns being raised over certain provisions of the "Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026" and to build mutual consensus was held here today.
After the meeting, members of the Coordination Committee informed that the committee would reach Circuit House, Sri Amritsar Sahib, on November 18, 2026 at 12 noon to hold deliberations with the five-member committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib for finding an amicable resolution to this highly sensitive matter. The visit has also been planned to facilitate the participation of the five-member committee. In this regard, the Coordination Committee has written to the coordinator of the committee of Sikh scholars constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, conveying the details of the proposed meeting. Assuring its full cooperation in arriving at a thoughtful and meaningful resolution in accordance with the sentiments of the Sikh community, the Coordination Committee has also urged the five-member committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib to extend its cooperation and participate in the meeting.
During today's meeting, all members of the Coordination Committee unanimously stated that the committee remained fully willing to deliberate on the necessary amendments to the "Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026" and was making every possible effort in this direction.
Notably, through its letter No. A:T/26/248 dated July 31, 2026, Sri Akal Takht Sahib had conveyed that a five-member committee had been constituted to deliberate on the "Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026", enacted by the Punjab Government and to build consensus on the matter. The letter had also asked the state government to establish communication with the committee and arrive at a mutually acceptable understanding on the legislation. In deference to the directions of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the state government subsequently constituted a seven-member Coordination Committee.
It is pertinent to mention here that the high-level seven-member committee constituted by the state government comprises former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh; head of Damdami Taksal Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa; Sant Baba Sewa Singh Rampur Khera; Justice (Retd.) Jaspal Singh; Justice (Retd.) Gurbir Singh; IPS (Retd.) Jatinder Singh Aulakh and Law Officer Preet Inder Pal Singh. PCS officer Harjit Singh Sandhu has also been appointed as the Nodal Officer.
The members of the Coordination Committee said that the November 18 meeting aims to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue on the issue and ensure that all relevant suggestions and perspectives receive due consideration throughout the process.