Punjab Cabinet Clears Revamped ‘Navi Dishaa’ Scheme for Women’s Health: Dr. Baljit Kaur

13.65 Lakh Women to Get Monthly Sanitary Napkins Under the Scheme: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Strict Procurement & Quality Checks Ensured for Transparent Delivery: Dr. Baljit Kaur

IT Tools, Dashboards & IEC Drive to Boost Implementation, Says Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, November 17:Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has approved the restructuring of the free sanitary napkin distribution programme, now renamed as the ‘Navi Dishaa Scheme’. This major decision aims to ensure a more reliable, streamlined and gap-free implementation process across the state.

Under the revamped scheme, needy women will receive 9 sanitary napkins per month, supplied regularly through Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). The scheme aims at a benchmark of 50 beneficiaries per AWC, targeting a minimum of 13,65,700 women every month. She added that efforts will be made to further increase the number of beneficiaries to ensure every eligible woman receives the benefit.

For smooth and effective implementation, the Punjab Cabinet has approved an allocation of ₹53 crore for the revamped scheme.

Dr. Baljit Kaur explained that the new structure includes well-defined guidelines for procurement, transportation, distribution, monitoring and quality testing to eliminate irregularities. The scheme also introduces incentives for Anganwadi Workers to enhance implementation at the grassroots level.

To improve transparency and accountability, the scheme will make use of IT tools, including mobile applications and digital dashboards, for capturing and reviewing real-time implementation data. An awareness and IEC component has also been introduced to educate women and adolescent girls about healthy menstrual practices and overall well-being.

She further added that the implementation of the scheme will be reviewed after two years to assess progress and further strengthen delivery mechanisms.

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Misuse of the Images of Bhai Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) and Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib:

Report Sought from Senior Superintendent of Police, Tarn Taran by November 26

Chandigarh, November 17:The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes has taken serious note of the misuse of the sacred images of Bhai Jeevan Singh (Bhai Jaita Ji) and Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib during the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election campaign. In this regard, the Commission has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Tarn Taran to appear through the concerned police captain on November 26, 2025, and present a factual action-taken report.

Sharing this information, the Chairman of the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes, Jasvir Singh Garhi, stated that the matter came to the Commission’s notice through social media and newspaper reports. Following this, a notice had been issued by the Commission to Shri Pratap Singh Bajwa.

Chairman Garhi informed that the Returning Officer-cum-SDM, Tarn Taran, has already appeared before the Commission regarding this case. A notice for personal appearance was also issued to senior Congress leader Shri Pratap Singh Bajwa, who through his counsel sought time to appear after November 17. The Election Commission has issued a censure letter to the Congress party and its candidate, acknowledging that the use of religious images in this context constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

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Light & Sound shows depicting the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji organised in Tarn Taran, Moga, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Bathinda

Chandigarh, November 17:As part of the series of events being organised by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Light & Sound shows were held on Monday at Tarn Taran, Moga, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Bathinda. A large number of devotees attended these events, which were attended by the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and local leaders.

A spokesperson informed that at the Police Stadium in Tarn Taran, Jail and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and Khemkaran MLA Sarvan Singh Dhun were present during the show. Similarly, at the New Grain Market in Moga, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Moga MLA Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora, Baghapurana MLA Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, Nihal Singh Wala MLA Manjit Singh Bilaspur and Dharamkot MLA Davinderjit Singh Laddi Dhose attended the programme dedicated to the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

At the ITI Ground in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema participated in the event along with the sangat. Meanwhile, at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Bathinda, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Bathinda Urban MLA Jagroop Singh Gill and Bhucho Mandi MLA Master Jagsir Singh joined the gathering.

Devotees who attended these Light & Sound shows appreciated the initiative of the Punjab Government. Using modern laser lights and 3D projection technology, the shows highlighted the entire life journey, philosophy, teachings and the unparalleled sacrifice made by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for the protection of religion and human values.

It is noteworthy that the final phase of the Light & Sound shows will be held on November 20 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malerkotla and Mansa.