Punjab Government gives special priority to the welfare of Anganwadi workers and helpers: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Smartphones to be provided soon — Genuine demands to be addressed promptly, assures Minister

Chandigarh, November 13:The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is taking significant steps for the welfare of every section of society and is equally focused on the well-being and facilities of Anganwadi workers and helpers. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur during a meeting with various Anganwadi unions at Punjab Civil Secretariat today.

Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the Punjab Government will soon fulfill the long-pending demand of providing smartphones to Anganwadi workers and helpers. This initiative will ensure that work at the Anganwadi level is carried out more efficiently and transparently. She added that the government is also actively considering issues related to salary enhancement, increase in mobile allowance, and other demands raised by the workers.

The Minister assured that all genuine demands will be addressed promptly to further motivate Anganwadi workers and helpers to serve with greater dedication and enthusiasm.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that all demands of the Anganwadi workers and helpers have been heard attentively. The matters that can be resolved at the departmental level will be addressed soon, while the issues requiring government-level decisions will also be taken up without delay.

She further mentioned that the recruitment process for Anganwadi workers and helpers will be completed soon to fill all vacant posts, thereby strengthening the service delivery system.

On this occasion, representatives of the Anganwadi unions expressed gratitude to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur for taking several positive decisions — including the release of pending salary arrears, initiation of the recruitment process, and amendment of rules to provide employment to dependents in cases of death or life-threatening illness of workers.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that Anganwadi workers and helpers play a vital role in strengthening the women and child development system, and the government is fully committed to safeguarding their rights and ensuring their welfare.

Present on the occasion were Additional Chief Secretary of the Department Mr. Vikas Pratap, Director Ms. Shena Aggarwal, Deputy Director Mr. Amarjit Singh, Mr. Sukhdeep Singh, and other senior officials of the department.

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Punjab Government working swiftly to promote horticulture and enhance farmers’ income: Mohinder Bhagat

*Horticulture Minister reviews progress under the ‘Apna Pind Apna Bagh’ scheme; holds detailed discussions on other key departmental initiatives*

Chandigarh, November 13:Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working proactively to promote the horticulture sector and increase the income of farmers. With this objective, Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat held a special meeting today with senior officers of the Horticulture Department at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh.

During the meeting, Mr. Bhagat reviewed the progress made under the departmental scheme ‘Apna Pind Apna Bagh’ and discussed other important ongoing projects of the department. The Minister also took a detailed review of various district-level projects in progress, including polyhouses, and examined the state’s fruit and vegetable production activities.

On the occasion, Mr. Bhagat informed that the State Government has launched an initiative to plant fruit-bearing trees on village panchayat lands. He stated that the income generated from these fruit orchards will be utilized for the development of villages, thereby making rural areas economically self-reliant.

Earlier in the meeting, Horticulture Commissioner Mrs. Babita Kaler and Director Mrs. Shailender Kaur briefed the Minister on the progress of departmental projects and the ongoing process to fill vacant posts. The Minister directed the officers to ensure that all ongoing projects under the department are completed within the stipulated time frame.

He further emphasized that officers should maintain direct coordination with local panchayats and farmers, providing them with all possible assistance as per government guidelines. The officers assured the Cabinet Minister that all departmental tasks would be completed promptly and efficiently.

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Over 11 lakh farmers benefitted from Minimum Support Price so far

Patiala remains on top

Chandigarh, November 13:Leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth paddy procurement season, the pro active approach of the Punjab Government led by the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has led to 11,31,270 farmers being benefitted from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) till November 12th.

Under the guidance of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, the procurement, lifting and payments are going on in full swing. The Patiala District so far leads the way with 96920 farmers deriving the benefit of MSP.

As regarding the arrival, a total of 15478162.41 MT of paddy has reached the mandis throughout the State till November 12th evening. Out of this, 15389039.51 MT stands procured and the figure touches 99 percent. The total lifting figure is 14109483.18 MT making the lifting touch 91 percent mark of the total procured crop so far.

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Punjab State Information Commission Sets again a Strong Example Against Misuse of RTI Mechanism

Chandigarh, November 13:In a significant and precedent-setting decision, the Punjab State Information Commission has disposed of 75 Second Appeals filed by a single appellant, Sh. Gurmej Lal of Ludhiana, for seeking voluminous and unspecific information from multiple public authorities across the State.

Chairman Punjab State Information Commission S. Inderpal Singh Dhanna informed that State Information Commissioner Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal while pronouncing final order, observed that the appellant had been granted multiple opportunities to reframe his Right to Information (RTI) applications in a specific and point-wise manner as per the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005. However, despite repeated directions issued through several interim orders, the appellant failed to comply.

The Commission noted that the appellant’s RTI applications were largely template-based, containing repetitive and non-specific queries, which not only involved third-party records but also required collation of extensive data across departments. Such demands were found to be in violation of Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, which prevents disclosure of information that would disproportionately divert the resources of a public authority.

Expressing concern, the Commission highlighted that such indiscriminate use of the RTI mechanism causes unwarranted burden on the offices of the Public Information Officers (PIOs) and unnecessarily consumes the valuable time of the Commission. This, in turn, delays the adjudication of genuine appeals and increases pendency, thereby defeating the very spirit of transparency and accountability envisaged under the RTI Act.

The Commission emphasized that the Right to Information is a tool for transparency, not for harassment. Applicants are expected to seek information that is clear, specific, and directly related to their grievance or public interest. Misuse of the law by filing hundreds of vague and bulky applications only serves to obstruct the system rather than strengthen it.

Concluding the proceedings, State Information Commissioner Sh. Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal observed that the order should serve as a lesson for RTI seekers to exercise their rights responsibly and judiciously, respecting both the intent of the law and the administrative resources of public authorities.

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FOOLPROOF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE FOR 350TH MARTYRDOM ANNIVERSARY OF SRI GURU TEGH BAHADUR JI

*— SPL DGsP ARPIT SHUKLA AND SS SRIVASTAVA REVIEW SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS FOR GRAND COMMEMORATIONS AT SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB*

*— DRONE SURVEILLANCE, FACIAL RECOGNITION CAMERAS AND 10,000-STRONG FORCE DEPLOYED TO ENSURE PEACEFUL EVENT: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA*

*— IIT ROPAR PARTNERSHIP FOR SMART TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT; 35 PARKINGS WITH REAL-TIME MONITORING ARE BEING CREATED*

CHANDIGARH/SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB, November 13:In order to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the commemorations of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Punjab Police has implemented a comprehensive, multi-layered security and facilitation plan, deploying advanced surveillance, strategic force deployment, and round-the-clock coordination for the convenience and safety of the devotees, said Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla here on Thursday.

The grand commemorative events, to be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25, 2025, is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from across the globe. Special DGP Arpit Shukla, along with Special DGP Security Sudhanshu S Srivastava and other senior officers, took stock of the extensive security and traffic arrangements on the ground. ADGP Law and Order SPS Parmar and SSP Rupnagar Gulneet Singh Khurana were also present during the review meeting.

The Special DGP informed that a massive force of approximately 10,000 personnel will be deployed under the supervision of an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) rank Nodal Officer, while, seven IGs/DIGs rank officers, 22 Commandants, 45 SPs, and 94 DSPs will be deployed to ensure peaceful event. The entire force has been sensitised regarding the scale and importance of the event to ensure a high level of alertness and devotion to duty.

He highlighted that the security arrangements are heavily reliant on cutting-edge technology. A high-tech control room is being established, integrated with more than 300 AI-enabled CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition, 10 PTZ cameras, and 25 ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras at all entry and exit points of the city, he said, while adding that as many as seven drone teams will provide continuous aerial surveillance.

“To create deterrence and pre-empt any untoward incident, data pertaining to snatchers in and around the Ropar district has also been integrated with the facial recognition system. Mounted police patrolling and smart barricades will also be utilised for effective law and order maintenance,” Special DGP Arpit Shukla added.

For seamless traffic management and minimal inconvenience to the devotees, the District Police has tied up with IIT Ropar to scientifically map parking spaces with a total of 35 parking lots, spanning 101 acres, are being created with real-time monitoring. Apart from this, 24x7 shuttle services will ferry devotees to all venues and three Tent Cities with a total capacity of 10,000 persons are being established. A dedicated pedestrian road along the highway and 60 outer divergence points and nakas will be established to regulate vehicle flow.

The Special DGP also mentioned that eight helipads are also being established to ensure the smooth arrival of VVIP guests coming to attend the event.

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OVER 2.25 LAKH STUDENTS REGISTER WORLDWIDE FOR 3RD INTERNATIONAL PUNJABI LANGUAGE OLYMPIAD: HARJOT BAINS

• Top performers to be rewarded handsomely & special awards, recognition will also be conferred upon schools, says Education Minister

Chandigarh, November 13: In a resounding testament to the revival and universal embracement of the Punjabi language, the 3rd International Punjabi Language Olympiad, organised by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), has witnessed a huge surge in participation, with student registrations crossing the 2,25,916 mark, said S. Harjot Singh Bains, Education Minister, Punjab.

This year's figure represents a gigantic leap from the previous editions, which witnessed 24,698 and 6,689 registrations respectively, underscoring a near nine-fold growth and a massive wave of enthusiasm among the youth, he added.

Attributing this phenomenal response to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's concerted efforts, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated, "Seeing over 2.25 lakh students from across the globe connect with their linguistic roots is a dream coming true for our government. The overwhelming response from students, coupled with immense enthusiasm from parents, teachers and school management, is a direct result of our extensive and targeted outreach to champion the Punjabi language on the world stage."

The Education Minister shared that students from Norway, Kenya, UAE and Maharashtra, Haryana, HP, UP, Utrakhand, Jharkhand & other Indian states join in for the Olympiad.

Reflecting the government's commitment to incentivising talent, the Education Minister said that in each category (Primary, Middle, Secondary), the top 10 performers will be handsomely rewarded with Rs 11,000 (First Prize), Rs 7,100 (2nd Prize) and Rs 5,100 (3rd Prize). Additionally, special awards and recognition will be conferred upon the schools that have produced the top achievers, fostering a spirit of healthy competition at the institutional level.

S. Bains said, “the 3rd International Punjabi Language Olympiad is more than a competition; it is a celebration of our identity, our mother tongue and our heritage. We are not just testing language skills; we are nurturing the future custodians of Punjabi language and culture. My best wishes to all the participants.”

The Chairman PSEB Dr. Amarpal Singh said that the registration process for the Olympiad concluded successfully on October 31. To ensure a level playing field and familiarise students with the online testing pattern, the PSEB provided comprehensive e-books and facilitated a special mock test window on November 10, 11 and 12. This initiative saw an exceptional uptake, with 1,35,784 students proactively taking the practice test. In a continued effort to support learning, another round of practice tests is scheduled for elementary-level students on November 15 & 16.

The Olympiad is structured to rigorously identify and reward linguistic prowess. The 3rd International Punjabi Language Olympiad unfolds with online tests on December 5 (Primary level), December 6 (Middle) and December 8 (Secondary). Round 2nd follows on December 15-16, leading to the final showdown on Dec 23, 2025. Ensuring the integrity of the competition, the online tests will be meticulously monitored using latest technology, he added.

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HISTORIC RS 332 CRORE FUND RELEASED BY PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO ACCELERATE RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACROSS STATE: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

*SAYS, NEXT INSTALLMENT OF RS 334 CRORE TO BE RELEASED BY DECEMBER END OR IN FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY*

*SLAMS UNION STATE RAILWAY MINISTER’S MISINFORMATION ON FUND MISUSE, CITES SNA SPARSH SYSTEM**ALSO CHALLENGES UNION STATE MINISTER TO DISCLOSE RAJPURA-CHANDIGARH RAIL LAYOUT PLAN*

Chandigarh, November 13-Punjab Finance Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, on Thursday announced the release of a significant Rs 332 Crore instalment for various development works across the rural areas of Punjab to accelerate grassroots development, improving essential services, and empowering the state's Gram Panchayats. He said that the next installment of Rs 334 Crore would be released by December end or in the first week of January, ensuring a continuous flow of resources for rural upliftment.

Revealing this while addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has launched the development works from very first day of assuming the reins of the state and this installment will be used for various development works of Gram Panchayats including sanitation box in the villages.

Giving details of the funds released, the Finance Minister said that the total instalment of Rs 332 Crore is being strategically divided into Tied and Untied funds to ensure both general local development and specific mandated sanitation works.He said that a grant of Rs 156 Crore is being given as Untied funds, which the Gram Panchayats (GPs) can use for any development work in their respective jurisdiction. Conversely, Rs 176 Crore will be used as tied funds, which can only be used for the purpose of sanitation works in the villages. The overall grant will be distributed in the ratio of 70:20:10 in the Gram Panchayat: Panchayat Samitis: Zila Parishads.

Highlighting the district-wise allocation, the Finance Minister said that a total of Rs 3,329,750,900 (comprising a Grand Total Tied Amount of Rs 1,766,319,970 and a Grand Total Untied Amount of Rs 1,563,430,930) has been allocated across 22 districts for rural development works. He said that the districts receiving the largest allocations are Ludhiana (Rs 200,143,127 in Tied Amount; Rs 133,905,292 in Untied Amount), Hoshiarpur (Rs 170,847,451 in Tied Amount; Rs 114,305,089 in Untied Amount), and Gurdaspur (Rs 165,563,924 in Tied Amount; Rs 110,770,166 in Untied Amount). Other significant recipients of both tied and untied funds include Sangrur, Patiala, Jalandhar, Firozepur, Fazilka, Moga, Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Tarn Taran.

Meanwhile, addressing media queries regarding Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Bittu's allegations about the Punjab government's use of central funds, Finance Minister Cheema said that the Union Minister's remarks reflects his lack of information, and also suggesting a lack of understanding about the SNA SPARSH system. He said that under this mechanism, after the credit of state share by state government (as per sharing pattern between center and state), the Government of India credits its share directly to the RBI account of scheme, hence, this SNA SPARSH mechanism ensures real-time payments from funds of Central Government as well as Punjab Government.

Responding to another query, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema urged Ravneet Bittu to refrain from spreading misinformation and instead disclose the layout plan shared by the Union Government with the state for the Rajpura-Chandigarh railway line project.

Concluding his address, the Finance Minister outlined the Punjab Government's commitment to building cleaner, stronger, and more vibrant rural communities through the direct and accountable flow of resources to Gram Panchayats. He underscored the immense scale of the current infrastructure development project, which involves recarpeting 19,000 kilometers of roads at an expenditure of Rs 4,150 crore. Additionally, the government is investing Rs 1,000 crore in sports stadiums and has constructed and readied about 250 sports nurseries, significantly bolstering state growth and opportunities for youth.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CONTINUES RELIEF DISTRIBUTION UNDER THIRD PHASE OF MISSION CHARDI KALA

*ON 3RD CONSECUTIVE DAY, COMPENSATION DISTRIBUTED IN EXCESS OF RS. 6 CRORE*

Chandigarh, November 13:Continuing the Punjab Government’s ongoing commitment to public welfare and economic security under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today distributed compensation sanction letters worth ₹1.02 crore to 280 residents affected by heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions during a special event held at Lehragaga.

Addressing the gathering, Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands firmly with every citizen affected by natural calamities such as floods or excessive rainfall.

The Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today distributed compensation amount to the tune of Rs. 45 Lakh to flood affected people of various villages at Narot Jaimal Singh in Pathankot District and reiterated wholehearted commitment of State Government to render all assistance to the affected people.

On the Third consecutive day of the third phase of relief distribution, the state government continued its massive outreach under Mission Chardi Kala, extending financial assistance to flood-affected families across the state.

An official spokesperson informed that in Ferozepur district, Ranbir Singh Bhullar (MLA Ferozepur Urban) distributed flood relief approval letters worth Rs. 4.85 Crore to 732 flood affected families at village Bandala.

The AAP Halqa Incharge Advocate Harsimran Singh Ghuman disbursed flood relief sanction letters worth Rs. 7.20 Lakh to affected families of villages Sangojla & Nabi Baksh Wala falling under Bhulath constituency (Kapurthala).

Notably, Punjab has emerged as the only state in the country to provide the highest compensation to flood-affected families, ensuring that relief reaches every eligible household with efficiency and transparency.

Notably, the financial assistance for damaged houses was enhanced from Rs.6,500 to Rs.40,000 per house, while farmers received Rs.20,000 per acre as crop loss compensation, the highest ever in India. The state has also compensated livestock losses at Rs.37,500 per milch animal, Rs.32,000 per non-milch animal, Rs.20,000 per calf and Rs.100 per poultry bird, extending crucial support to help families rebuild their livelihoods.

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IPR Minister Harjot Singh Bains condoles untimely demise of Senior Journalist RN Kansal

Chandigarh, November 13:Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today expressed profound grief over the untimely sad demise of RN Kansal, Senior Journalist of TV9Bharatvarsh and Zee News.

As per reports, Mr. Kansal, 53, met a tragic accident near village Sajuma in Sangrur district while driving his car. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter and mother.

While acknowledging Mr. Kansal’s extensive contribution in the main stream media, S. Bains shared his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family. He prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

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REGISTRATION OF PENSIONERS ON PENSIONER SEWA PORTAL TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 3 MONTHS: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

OVER 5,320 PENSIONERS SUCCESSFULLY REGISTERED ON PORTAL ON FIRST DAY OF THREE-DAY PENSIONER SEWA MELA

Chandigarh, November 13,Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Thursday that the registration of state pensioners on the newly launched Pensioner Sewa Portal will be completed within three months. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the three-day Pensioner Sewa Mela, held at the District Administrative Complex in SAS Nagar.

He also apprised the media that the fair 'Pension Sewa Mela', scheduled from November 13 to 15, is being organized across all districts of Punjab to assist pensioners with portal registration.

On the first day alone, over 5,320 pensioners successfully registered on the portal all over the State. To ensure smooth registration, the Finance Minister assured that officials from the Finance Department and Pension Disbursing Banks will be present at all district-level events to resolve any technical issues on the spot. He emphasized that registration support would remain continuously available through District Treasury Offices, pension disbursing banks, Sewa Kendras, as well as home delivery services facilitated by the Sewa Kendras. Importantly, the Minister clarified that pension disbursements will continue uninterrupted, even if pensioners face technical difficulties during the registration process.

The Pensioner Sewa Portal, launched on November 3, aims to deliver comprehensive pension-related services directly to pensioners’ homes. Initially, the portal offers five key services including submission of Digital Life Certificate via the Jeevan Pramaan mobile app, Application for conversion of pension to family pension, Leave Travel Concession (LTC) requests, Registration of pension-related grievances, Updating or changing personal details.

The Minister clarified that Non-Resident Indian (NRI) pensioners are currently excluded from the initial rollout of the Pensioner Sewa Portal and will continue to submit their Life Certificates through existing procedures. He assured that comparable digital services will be introduced for NRI pensioners in the near future. To ensure prompt resolution of any issues following the portal’s launch, the Directorate of Treasuries and Accounts has set up a dedicated War Room for the Pension and New Pension Scheme. Furthermore, three helpline numbers have been activated to assist pensioners with queries and grievances: 1800-180-2148, 0172-2996385, 0172-2996386. These helplines operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all working days.

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