*Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship Portal Reopened for 2025-26 Till December 29: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Target Set to Benefit 2.70 Lakh Students Under the Scheme: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
Chandigarh, November 28:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is consistently working towards the welfare and upliftment of all sections of society. Special focus is being laid on empowering Scheduled Caste (SC) students by ensuring equal access to education and opportunities. This was stated by Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur.
Announcing a significant step in this direction, Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship Portal has been reopened for the academic year 2025-26, and applications can now be submitted online up to December 29, 2025. She added that reopening the portal will facilitate timely financial assistance to eligible SC students and streamline the scholarship application process.
The Cabinet Minister shared that the Government has set a target to provide benefits of this scheme to 2.70 lakh students during 2025-26. So far, 2,49,620 students have submitted their applications on the portal, out of which 1,26,722 cases have already been verified. She added that during the 2025–26 academic year, financial assistance has already been disbursed to 19,871 students from the State quota, and the remaining eligible beneficiaries will be covered shortly.
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*Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Elections in Punjab to be held on Dec 14: Raj Kamal Chaudhuri*
*Model Code of Conduct for these elections comes into force with immediate effect*
Chandigarh 28 November 2025:In accordance with the Notification dated 25.09.2025, issued under S.209 of the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, the State Election Commission is announcing the dates for the conduct of general elections to elect the members of Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis in the State.
The State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri said that as per the election schedule, the period for filing of Nominations by the candidates for these elections will start from 01.12.2025 (Monday) (between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) in the offices of the concerned Returning Officers designated for this purpose. The last date for filing Nominations will be 04.12.2025 (Thursday). Scrutiny of the Nomination papers will take place on 05.12.2025 (Friday). The last date for withdrawal of Nominations is 06.12.2025 (Saturday) (upto 03:00 p.m.). All nomination forms are to be accompanied by the prescribed affidavit, and in case the candidate is sponsored by a political party, by the authorisation letter of the concerned political party.
He informed that the poll will be held on 14.12.2025 (Sunday) from 08:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m. through the use of Ballot Papers. The polled votes will be counted on 17.12.2025 (Wednesday) at the counting centres established for this purpose.
He disclosed that these elections are being conducted to elect members of 357 zones of 23 Zila Parishads, and 2863 zones of 154 Panchayat Samitis (one member per zone). The total number of registered voters is 1,36,04,650 (consisting of 71,64,972 male, 64,39,497 female and 181 others voters). For these elections 19,181 booths covering all rural areas of the districts, have been established in the districts.
Sharing more details he said that the expenditure limit notified by the Commission for a candidate contesting for the post of Zila Parishad is Rs. 2,55,000/- whereas for Panchayat Samiti member expenditure limit has been fixed at Rs. 1,10,000/-.
He stated that about 96,000 personnel will be deputed on election duty. IAS/ Senior PCS Officers would be appointed in each district as Observers so as to ensure proper monitoring.
The Commission has made all the arrangements to conduct the elections in a fair, free and peaceful manner. With the announcement of the Election Schedule, the Model Code of Conduct for these elections, for the guidance of candidates and the State, has come into force with immediate effect, in the revenue estate of all the Gram Panchayats which fall under the zones of the concerned Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis. It will remain in force till the completion of the electoral process. A copy of the Model Code of Conduct is available on the Commission's website.
Under the scheme, newly enrolled students are issued Free-Ship Cards, enabling them to avail fee waivers and secure admissions in recognized educational institutions as per prescribed norms.
Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that Punjab is fully dedicated to ensuring academic, social, and economic empowerment of Scheduled Caste students. Clear directions have been issued to all district administrations, institutions, and nodal agencies to ensure maximum outreach of the scheme so that no eligible student is deprived of the scholarship benefits.
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*TRANSPARENT RECRUITMENT SYSTEM OPENS DOORS FOR TALENT ACROSS PUNJAB: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA*
*SAYS, NOW COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION & UNWAVERING FOCUS INDEED PAVE WAY FOR BRIGHT FUTURE*
*FINANCE MINISTER PRESENTS APPOINTMENT LETTER TO HAPPY KAUR, CELEBRATING HER INSPIRING JOURNEY FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO SUCCESS*
Chandigarh, November 28-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday said that the Punjab Government has implemented a transparent recruitment system, prioritising merit and perseverance as the sole criteria for securing government jobs, thereby ensuring that true talent is recognised and rewarded. He expressed these views while personally presenting an appointment letter to the newly appointed Happy Kaur, officially welcoming her as a clerk in the Finance Department.
Lauding Happy Kaur's accomplishment, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasised that her success serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless others. “Her story is a powerful reminder that with dedication and merit, individuals can overcome challenges and achieve their aspirations, contributing meaningfully to society and the state”, said Cheema.
It is worth mentioning here that Happy Kaur's journey is a deeply inspiring story rooted in dedication and hardwork. She hails from a background where every step forward is earned through sheer will. Her father, Lashman Singh, has toiled diligently as a Palledar to provide for the family, while her mother, Baljit Kaur, is a dedicated homemaker. The family’s strong commitment to education is further reflected in her brother, a graduate who is contributing to the community as a Gram Sewak on a contract basis under the MGNREGA scheme.
Despite the financial constraints often associated with a modest upbringing, Happy Kaur pursued her academic goals with single-minded focus, culminating in a robust Master of Science in Information Technology (M.Sc. IT). She faced the rigorous clerk examination, conducted by the Punjab Subordinate Service Selection Board (PSSSB), and achieved the remarkable feat of clearing it on her very first attempt.
The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that despite the financial challenges, this example of achieving success is a powerful testament to the triumph of tireless efforts against the odds, reflecting the recognition of the state's potential among all sections of society. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has created an environment in the state where commitment to education and unwavering dedication can truly open the doors to a brighter future.
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Advance preparations for Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27
Lal Chand Kataruchak takes stock of upcoming Wheat procurement season
Chandigarh, November 28:The Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today chaired a high level meeting comprising officers of both the departments with a view to take stock of the Wheat procurement season 2026-27.
In the meeting held here at Anaj Bhawan, special emphasis was laid on ensuring adequate number of wooden crates in view of the Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) - 2026 - 27.
Notably, the PUNGRAIN had floated the tender for 12 Lakh wooden crates to various agencies for the purpose of procurement & storage in view of Rabi Marketing Season 2026 - 27. Out of these, the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation offered 1 Lakh wooden crates.
As the Incharge of both the Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Forest & Wildlife Preservation Departments, the Minister discussed the issue in a very detailed manner with the officers of both the departments. He exhorted the MD of the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation to provide wooden crates to PUNGRAIN in excess of 1 Lakh so as to ensure that no difficulty arises during 2026-27 Rabi Marketing Season for the procurement and storage of the wheat.
Among others present on the occasion included the Principal Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rahul Tiwari, Secretary Forests & Wildlife Preservation Department Priyank Bharti, Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Varinder Kumar Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, MD Punjab State Forest Development Corporation Praveen Kumar and Additional Director Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs Dr. Anjuman Bhaskar.
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*Punjab Government Introduces Comprehensive Reforms Through the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025: Sanjeev Arora*
Chandigarh, 28 November 2025:In a major governance reform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and proper functioning of societies operating in Punjab, the Government of Punjab has introduced the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025, amending the historic Societies Act of 1860 under the dynamic leadership of National Convenor of AAP Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Cabinet Minister Shri Sanjeev Arora informed that the new legislation modernises the regulatory framework governing societies, especially those engaged in health, education, sports, social welfare and charitable activities. The amendments also bring all societies under a uniform, transparent regime ensuring responsible use of public funds and tax-exempt resources.
He highlighted that all registered societies in Punjab will now be mandatorily covered under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, ensuring public scrutiny, transparency in decision-making and greater public trust. Registrars have been empowered to seek any information or records from societies to ensure compliance with law and prevent misuse of funds or deviation from stated objectives.
Furthermore he stressed that all societies will be required to renew their registration every five years to ensure active functioning, accurate records, and periodic verification of their objectives and management. All existing societies in Punjab must re-register under the amended Act within one year from its enforcement, bringing them under the new compliance and transparency framework.
He stated that societies cannot be registered if a name already in use within the same jurisdiction, or deceptively similar name that may mislead the public. No society is allowed to sell, transfer or dispose of immovable property without the prior approval of the Registrar, preventing unauthorized transactions and safeguarding public assets.
Societies will be oversight by Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in areas where societies are registered. DCs have been empowered to order inquiries through an officer of the rank of Tehsildar in case of complaints. If wrongdoing is detected and not corrected within the prescribed time, appoint an SDM-level Administrator to take charge and restore proper functioning. This will lead to strengthen governance & accountability.
Moreover he stated that if an elected managing committee is dissolved or an administrator is appointed, fresh elections must be conducted within six months, ensuring democratic functioning of societies.
Minister Arora said that many charitable institutions avail income tax benefits by registering as societies. This Act ensures such organisations follow strict compliance and accountability norms to continue receiving such exemptions in order to safeguard public & charitable institutions.
The amendments particularly strengthen monitoring of societies engaged in Health services, Educational institutions, Sports bodies and other public-oriented charitable activities. Our government's objective is to curb misuse of society structures, ensure democratic and transparent functioning as well as protect public assets and charitable resources. The Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025 will improve governance in key social sectors, he added.
He revealed that this act has been drafted by Secretary Industries and Commerce K K Yadav led team Director Industries Saurabhi Malik and Punjab Development Commission Vice Chairperson Sema Bansal in a time bound manner.