Punjab Government Fulfills Promise, Releases First Compensation Installment of ₹3.50 Crore for Flood Victims of Sangrur District

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Launches Relief Distribution in Dhuri

Says, Timely Action by Punjab Government Averted Greater Losses

Urges Union Government to Release ₹1600 Crore Promised Aid Promptly*

Chandigarh/Dhuri, October 15-The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has fulfilled its promise to provide compensation/relief to flood victims before Diwali (within 30 days) by releasing the first installment of ₹209 crore for the state. Out of this, ₹3.50 crore will be distributed to flood victims in Sangrur district. Today, Punjab's Finance and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema initiated the compensation distribution by handing over sanction letters to eight flood-affected families in the Dhuri constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that today, 13 Cabinet Ministers across Punjab are visiting flood-affected areas to distribute relief under Mission Rehabilitation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had launched Mission Rehabilitation in Ajnala by distributing ₹5.70 crore in cheques to 631 farmers. He noted that, for the first time in the country, farmers have been given ₹20,000 per acre as compensation. The Punjab Government stands with its people in every moment of joy and sorrow.

He stated that heavy rains and floods caused widespread crop damage across the state. Many people's homes and other buildings collapsed. Relief will be provided to every affected family after assessing their losses. For the first time, each damaged house will receive ₹40,000, compared to the earlier amount of ₹4,000. Farmers will receive ₹20,000 per acre for crop damage.

He said that Punjab and Punjabis have always stood by victims of natural calamities. However, the Central Government discriminates against Punjab and Punjabis in every field. He demanded that the Central Government release the ₹1600 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Punjab visit at the earliest. He clarified that the ₹240 crore released by the Centre is part of the annual installment.

Cheema claimed that the Punjab Government, with the cooperation of the people, tackled the floods with full strength. Had timely rescue and relief operations not been initiated, the damage would have been far greater. Commending the Sangrur district administration, he said that a breach in the Ghaggar River would typically occur at 747 feet of water, but this time, the situation was managed even with 755 feet of water.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Chaba provided details of the efforts made to combat the floods in Sangrur district and thanked the Punjab Government for releasing the compensation amount. He said that, following the Punjab Government's instructions, advance arrangements were made to deal with the emergency. Despite heavy rainfall, no breach occurred in the 41-kilometer stretch of the Ghaggar River passing through Sangrur district.

Present on the occasion were Punjab State Food Commission member Jasvir Singh Sekhon, Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Bamby, SDM Rishabh Bansal, Dhuri Market Committee Chairman Rajwant Singh Ghuli, Anwar Bhasaur, Soni Mander, and a large number of people.

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Tarn Taran Bye-Election: Three nomination papers filed on third day of nomination process

Chandigarh, October 15:Three nomination papers were filed today, the third day of the nomination process, for the bye-election to the 21-Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency.

Disclosing this, A spokesperson of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, said that Karambir Singh, the candidate from the Indian National Congress, filed his nomination papers today. In addition, Sukhwinder Kaur, the candidate from the Shiromani Akali Dal, and Kanchanpreet Kaur (covering candidate) also filed their nominations.

The nomination process for the bye-election commenced on October 13, 2025. However, no nominations were filed on October 13 and 14. The last date for filing nomination papers is October 21, 2025, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on October 22, 2025. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 24, 2025.

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Strong Investor Alignment Shown at Invest Punjab’s Bengaluru Outreach, Says Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora

Punjab will become hub of Industries

Arora extends invitation to industry leaders to invest in Punjab

Chandigarh, 15 October 2025:Invest Punjab successfully hosted a two-day engagement titled ‘Invest Punjab’s Interaction with Business Leaders’ in Bengaluru, the team headed by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, received an overwhelmingly positive response from prominent industry leaders.

Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora conducted focused one-on-one and group discussions with leading industrialists to understand their investment priorities and present Punjab’s robust infrastructure, progressive policies, and attractive incentives. Key interactions included Intel, Arjas Steel, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Idea Forge, Sonata Software, Royal Orchid Hotels, India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers – Engaged with CXOs from IEDA, TISSOLVE, Arvind Consultancy, UHP, IESA, SEMI, Infineon Technologies, SCL, and others to align with Punjab’s vision for industrial growth.

Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora extended a formal invitation to these industry leaders to invest in Punjab, emphasizing the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to industrial acceleration, employment generation, and a business-friendly environment. He highlighted the State Govt streamlined facilitation mechanisms and infrastructure upgrades aimed at expediting project execution.

Minister Sanjeev Arora shared that during Invest Punjab’s roadshows, the team engaged with top corporates including Hero Group, Amber Enterprises, ITC, Jaipurias of Varun Beverages, Intel, HAL, Arjas Steel, Medanta Hospital, Royal Orchid, Sonata Software, OLA, Ideaforge, IHCL for Taj Hotels, Ralson, Genpact, Minda Group, GMR, New Holland, AIPL, Dawat Rice group, ACKME Solar, Info Edge, for their future investments

He also emphasized about the Brands/Corporates which are already flourishing and expanding in Punjab such as Nestle, Freudenberg, Danone, Tata Steels, Sanathan Textiles, ITC, Hindustan Levers, Pepsico, Verbio, Infosys, Mahindra, CDIL for semiconductors. The home-grown Punjabi Brands such as Hero, Monte Carlo, Cremica, Trident, Sonalika Tractors, Nivea Sports needs no introduction and have contributed steadily in Nation building.

Mohali has emerged as a prime destination for high-tech investments in IT, semiconductors, and data centers, driven by its excellent connectivity, modern infrastructure, and availability of skilled talent at competitive costs. With Infosys expanding its presence, the region is attracting major players seeking efficient growth opportunities. Punjab’s strong academic ecosystem—including IIT Ropar, ISB, IISER, Thapar, CDIL, and others—is fueling innovation and reinforcing the state’s position as a future-ready hub for advanced industries, he added.

Further Arora added under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government continues to champion the vision of a New Punjab—a state empowered by dynamic industrial growth and expanded economic opportunities. Invest Punjab will persist in its outreach efforts to translate investor interest into tangible partnerships and investments.

The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including PDC Vice Chairperson Seema Bansal, Secretary Industries & Commerce K.K. Yadav; PSIEC Managing Director Saurabhi Malik; Invest Punjab CEO Amit Dhaka; Gaurav from KPMG; senior officials from Invest Punjab; and other esteemed guests.

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GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN HANDS OVER JOB LETTERS TO 28 NEWLY RECRUITED YOUTH AMONG 25 VETERINARY INSPECTORS

•New recruits to improve animal healthcare services in Punjab, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian

Chandigarh, October 15:Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, on Wednesday, handed over appointment letters to 28 newly recruited youth including 25 Veterinary Inspectors, three clerks and promoted one class IV employee. To date, as many as 326 veterinary officers, 545 veterinary inspectors and 63 class C employees including clerks, enumerator/ puncher/ computer, steno, junior scale stenographer, laboratory assistant, laboratory technician, milk recorder, legal clerk, machine operator have been recruited in the department since Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government came into power.

While congratulating the newly inducted officials, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian encouraged them to perform their duties with full dedication. He stressed that honesty and integrity are essential in public service. Recognising the department's vital role in assisting farmers and stimulating the rural economy, he pointed out that these recruitment would improve operational efficiency and service delivery of the department, besides helping to improve animal healthcare services in Punjab.

Highlighting the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government's efforts to boost youth employment, S. Khudian informed that the state government has created a historic precedent in public service recruitment by providing over 55,000 government jobs to the deserving youth of Punjab, all executed with complete transparency and fairness. He said that the process to recruite 405 new veterinary officers is also underway in the animal husbandry department.

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